Chapter 156
Sacred Festival (성신제)
The Sacred Festival is the grandest celebration of the Empire, which honors the descent of the Divine Lord Altair to this land while also celebrating the birth of the Empire. As a festival with a history as rich as that of the Empire itself, it brings together various famous figures from across the Empire in one place called Ruden.
Even those who are typically busy with their duties make an effort to take time off during the Sacred Festival, as it has long been a tradition for the lords tasked with protecting various regions to gather in Ruden to enjoy the festivities.
From the north, Edelweiss.
From the south, Kraus.
From the east, Cromel.
From the west, Ertuven.
The heads of the families that dominate each direction come together under the name of the Imperial Family, but this occurrence happens only at this time of year.
Since their very existence signifies the protection of their regions, seeing even those who usually can’t easily leave their posts gathering demonstrates the significance of the Sacred Festival in the Empire.
“Hey. It’s nice to see everyone’s faces again after so long.”
A light voice resonated in the regal presence of the Emperor, which should have been overwhelmingly solemn. Yet no one rebuked the owner of that voice. Everyone nodded in acknowledgment as if they were used to it.
“Arthur, you are the last to arrive. It’s ironic that you were the one who suggested gathering everyone, yet you’re late?”
“Sorry, Aslan. I had some matters to attend to. I lost track of time while sparring with my son after a long time.”
Can this really be called a conversation between an Emperor and his subjects? There are countless etiquette breaches, but even if one’s a ruler of a region, crossing lines is still crossing lines. However, the one who permitted this was none other than Emperor Aslan himself, so others could not say a word about it.
More than anyone, it wasn’t just Arthur who was granted such leniency at this gathering.
Just like their children, they had all attended the Academia. It has long been known that the bond between the Emperor and the heads of the four great families is strong. While power may drive friends and family apart, at least it didn’t do so for them.
Originally, absolute beings exist in solitude, but he too was human. Aslan Estellia was not someone who could be cruel to friends. He was someone who maintained clear distinctions between public and private matters, treating friends as friends in personal settings.
As Arthur casually replied, Franz raised an eyebrow and said,
“With the Sacred Festival starting soon, it’s a wise decision to tire out your son beforehand. Isn’t it likely he’ll get knocked out in the prelims?”
“Hey, who do you think his father is? At the very least, your son will put up a fight.”
“What?!”
As Arthur refused to back down, Franz shot back an intensely competitive glance. As their stare-off continued, it seemed like Joachim, who was watching from the side, decided it wouldn’t do to let things go on like this and stepped in to create some space between the two.
Although Franz had instigated things first, Joachim looked at the two of them with a gaze of disdain and said,
“You two haven’t changed a bit when it comes to bickering. And don’t squabble over meaningless things. Isn’t the answer already set in stone that our Elena will win?”
“Ah! For sure, it might be a bit tough considering she’s our daughter-in-law.”
“What are you saying! No matter how much of a genius Elena may be, our Richard has worked incredibly hard! Just wait and see what happens in this Sacred Festival!”
The heads of the families representing the Empire were acting no different from stand-up comedians at this moment. The casual conversation between them was so delightful that Aslan smiled at the sight of the three of them bickering and said to Ludwig, who was watching with him.
“How can people be so consistently alike? It’s a thought I have every time, but isn’t it true? Rudy?”
“Well, isn’t that why we’re friends?”
As Ludwig responded, Aslan nodded in agreement.
“Still, everyone seems much more excited than before. I suppose I’m quite tense knowing my children are participating. Rudy, you’d say your son will win this Sacred Festival, right?”
“Reinhardt said he would. Since he declared he’d win, I believe in him. Honestly, the competition looks fierce, but I’m sure he’ll manage somehow.”
“I see. If that’s the case, I should also trust my children.”
Everyone was citing how their child would win, no different from some other foolish parents.
But it wasn’t particularly strange to think that way. The Emperor and noble titles were merely superficial titles describing them. In reality, they were just foolish parents when it came to their children.
The reason famous figures who usually keep a low profile crowded into Ruden during the Sacred Festival has everything to do with what is happening here. No matter how historical the festival is for the Empire, there are certainly those who wouldn’t care about it. However, it is the very existence of Estellia Academy that compels even those indifferent to participate.
Estellia Academy is where talents from all over the Empire gather, and the duels held during the Sacred Festival determine who among them reigns supreme. Hence, the reason they gather is significant, as they come to cheer for and watch their own children and disciples.
Though not present at this venue, many other notable figures with reputations on par with these individuals would surely be watching the duels that will unfold today.
As five representatives of the Empire entered the venue, the people who had been waiting in their seats erupted in cheers. They realized that the dull waiting time had come to an end.
Aslan stood up in response to the cheers of the crowd, drawing everyone’s attention towards him. His commanding presence quickly enveloped the venue, and everyone focused on what he would do next.
While everyone watched him, Aslan did not make any grand announcements. He simply raised a hand to signal that the festival had begun. And for them, that gesture alone was sufficient.
—
“The first duel is between Damian Kraus and Jerkin Aelios. Aelios is from the Wind Pillar Lord’s side, and speaking of which, didn’t the Wind Pillar Lord have a grandson? Hey, Arthur, this may not be an easy start.”
Franz was scanning the match-ups and seemed to recognize a familiar face, chuckling as he passed it onto Arthur. Despite Franz’s remarks, Arthur seemed completely unfazed by the impending challenge. Joachim seemed aware of something regarding Damian’s opponent and picked up the conversation.
“Jerkin… Jerkin, huh? Now that I think about it, a few days ago, the Wind Pillar Lord mentioned his grandson’s remarkable success. It must be that he’s participating this year since I hadn’t seen him last year.”
Though somewhat overshadowed by the name ‘Golden Keystones,’ many heirs from prestigious families enrolled at the Academia last year and previous years. Jerkin was one such heir. Joachim, wanting to raise Arthur’s awareness with a serious expression, said to him,
“Arthur. You shouldn’t dismiss what Franz said as irrelevant. The achievement that the Wind Pillar mentioned stands for the 7th rank.”
“That’s enough. It’s not like I’m the one fighting, so I don’t need a briefing about my opponent. What matters is how the fight goes. If I lose, it just means my opponent was stronger.”
With Arthur brushing off the warning, both Franz and Joachim found themselves at a loss for words. Naturally, they anticipated him to retort with ‘That’s absurd!’ but his calm acceptance was unexpected. To the two, who knew his competitive spirit well, his words and attitude were puzzling.
“This guy is a bit strange…? Why’s he suddenly acting so nonchalant.”
“Seems like he’s just trying to point out he won’t win anyway.”
“These punks…”
Arthur, noticing the strange looks from both of them, smirked and turned to Ludwig.
“Ludwig. You saw Damian a few days ago, right? What do you think? Should I be worried like those guys suggest?”
“Well, since I’m a knight, I can’t predict how a wizard will fare. I’m not confident in facing a wizard, that’s for sure…”
Bang-!!!
All eyes in the venue turned to the arena at the loud sound echoing inside. They had lost track of when the duel began while chatting, but it surely hadn’t been long. However, what mattered was not that. The source of the noise revealed a sunken floor where a person lay.
Or should I say, it’s more accurate to say they were forced into the ground by someone.
“Winner! Damian Kraus!!”
As the judge announced the victor, the first duel concluded in an instant. It happened less than 10 seconds after the announcement was made.
Arthur glanced at his bandaged right hand and gestured,
“I told you, I was delayed due to some matters.”
