Ashen Dragon-Chapter 369 - 293: Triumph Ceremony

Chapter 369: Chapter 293: Triumph Ceremony

“Good news! The kingdom’s army, led by Marshal Dolores, has achieved a great victory over the allied forces!”

“His Majesty Cassius defeated ‘Wings of Silver’ Osedro in a brilliant victory!”

“The kingdom’s army is advancing on multiple fronts and is about to occupy the entire North!”

“Duke Leo, the supreme ruler of the North, colluded with a demon and then mysteriously disappeared — is it human nature twisted or morality degenerate?”

The cries and shouts of the newsboys echoed through the streets of Northwind Castle.

News of the kingdom’s victory had long spread through Northwind Castle, but people were not surprised, for they saw victory as a given — more important was seizing the spoils of war.

Every factory was ramping up production in response to the vast new markets and the consumption boom brought on by the war.

The prosperity of the military industry stimulated the development of related sectors such as steel, manufacturing, and machinery, which in turn brought more job opportunities and economic growth.

Some astute merchants had already set off for northern cities, aiming to establish factories in the newly occupied cities and secure land in advance.

Various war-related products were selling well, making some merchants rich — some had profited handsomely from war bonds before the war even started.

This was what made the Ashen Kingdom so terrifying in the eyes of the Northern Nobility — war not only failed to weaken its national power but also brought temporary prosperity, even easing existing social conflicts.

Compared to the North, which was in chaos due to levies, the kingdom was like a tireless war machine.

At this moment, a grand triumphant ceremony was being held at the gates of Northwind Castle.

“They’re back!”

“It’s the kingdom’s troops!”

“So impressive, I want to join the army too.”

“Is that Marshal Dolores? The legendary Jealous War — mmph, why are you covering my mouth?”

“Are you crazy? Daring to say that name? Be careful, the military department might come for you!”

The infantry, composed mainly of humans, great goblins, and tieflings, formed neat battalions. They marched in unison to the beat of the drums, gradually approaching Northwind Castle.

Dolores rode at the rear, mounted on a massive and powerful heavy armored land dragon beast.

Suddenly, the crowd erupted with even greater excitement — for there, surrounded by mages and guards, was the Ogre Archmage Ramp, smiling and waving to the crowd as he hovered slowly in mid-air.

“Look! It’s Lord Ramp! Lord Ramp has come to greet them personally!”

“He is the kingdom’s Prime Minister!”

“Such a high honor, there are even two dukes.”

Accompanied by the triumphant music played passionately by the half-goat people, Dolores and Ramp reunited under the watchful eyes of tens of thousands of people.

For some reason, Ramp felt a bit sentimental.

When they first met, he was just a slightly smarter ogre, and Dolores was a down-and-out goblin chieftain with only goblins as subordinates. Ramp had always been a notch above him.

But now, they stood at the pinnacle of power in the entire Anzeta Great Wilderness, capable of determining the fate of countless people with ease.

Yet, his status still overshadowed Dolores’s. As the first retainer to follow the Red Dragon, Ramp would always be the victor.

Ramp thought this, but outwardly he maintained a polite demeanor and congratulated him.

“Congratulations, Marshal Dolores, on your triumphant return. It is truly a blessing for the entire kingdom.”

“No, no, it is my honor that Lord Ramp has personally come to greet me.”

Marshal Dolores jumped down from the back of the land dragon beast, took a few steps forward to Ramp, and tightly grasped his large hand, a sinister smile appearing on his ugly face.

Ramp nodded slightly, a fleeting gleam of amusement in his eyes.

The ogre knew that Dolores had always harbored ambitions to replace him, and their retainers often had conflicts, leading to frequent open and covert struggles.

But now, Dolores had buried these thoughts deep within.

Holding high office for a long time, this great goblin marshal was no longer as openly emotional as ten years ago. He knew that showing a “jealous, savage” image in front of the public was not good, and it would be even worse if it reached Cassius’s ears.

Thus, despite their hidden schemes, they maintained a facade of harmony and mutual understanding.

“Marshal Dolores, your military achievements have spread throughout the kingdom. His Majesty has praised you greatly,” Ramp said. “Next, the kingdom will need your strength to stabilize the situation in the North.”

Marshal Dolores solemnly nodded, his expression serious, and replied, “I will do my utmost to serve the kingdom loyally.”

With the return of the army, the celebrations in Northwind Castle reached their peak.

“For the Ashen Kingdom!”

“Victory! Victory!”

“Triumph!”

The people poured into the streets, cheering and rejoicing in celebration of the victory, and Dolores and Ramp became the hot topic of discussion.

However, behind this exuberance, there were also undercurrents unknown to the public — months had passed, and news of Osedro’s escape and the allied forces’ defeat had spread across the Fianso Continent.

This secluded kingdom had now caught the attention of various forces across the continent, drawing countless gazes.

In the enthusiastic crowd, a small figure struggled to squeeze through, raising her hands high — it was Misha.

“Lord Ramp! I want to see His Majesty!”

Misha shouted with all her might.

However, her voice was drowned out by the jubilant cheers, and her petite figure was swallowed up by the fervent crowd.

Lord Ramp was the kingdom’s Prime Minister, and countless people sought his favor.

At such a grand event, no one would pay attention to an eight- or nine-year-old girl, let alone listen to what she had to say.

“My lord!”

“Lord Ramp! Look at me, Lord Ramp!”

Amidst the crowd’s adoration, Ramp hovered overhead, holding his magic wand, smiling benignly as he waved to the surrounding citizens.

The tall and strong citizens used their physical advantage to push to the front, while the slender Misha was soon squeezed to the rear.

The crowd in front of her was like a high wall, blocking her view and trapping her at the back.

“No, don’t block me.”

“I need to see Lord Ramp!”

Misha was so anxious that tears almost welled up in her eyes.

This was her rare opportunity as a commoner to get close to Lord Ramp; if she missed it, she didn’t know when the next chance would be.

By then, her revenge would be out of the question.

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“What… should I do?”

Misha lowered her eyes, biting her lip, her clenched fists trembling slightly.

Finally, Misha seemed to make up her mind. She raised her head resolutely, tears glistening in her slightly reddened eyes.