“Hoh? What do we have here?”

As soon as we reach our destination, we are met by the curious look of our friends. And, none other than Rand, is the first to voice their doubts. Actually, more than doubts, their nosiness.

“It just happened.” I answer with the biggest smile they might have ever seen in me, shrugging my shoulders while still holding her hand.

Rand erupts into a laugh while the others smile mischievously.

“Huh? What is that?” Why are they acting like this?

“Ahem!” Lillia coughs to gather our attention. “Shouldn’t we go? We don’t want to be late.” Everyone ignores me and starts walking to the stage. Without any opinions in it, I get pulled by the hand along them.

Half the square has been occupied by a stage. A wooden platform elevated from the floor by roughly my own height. Covered with expensive clothes and with a multitude of flags wavering on all sides, it screams of royalty. We reach for the stairs parallel to the right side of the stage and announce our presence to the guards.

“Hello. We have been invited to watch the parade from the main stage.” I take the word, hoping they recognize me.

“Yes, please go up. Everything has been already set.” Ah, perfect, they do know who we are.

“Thank you!”

As soon as we are up, another guard receives us and guides us towards a group of seats just beside the governor. The stage has been organized as an amphitheater, with rows of seats slightly more elevated as you go to the back. Ours are on the second row.

The governor is not here yet, so we just go to our assigned seats and wait. Lillia is right next to me, putting my mind at peace and somehow diverting my thoughts from all the attention we are gathering.

“Have you seen? Those are users, right?”

“How have they manage to be there?”

“Look look! They are seating on the second row!”

“Isn’t that Mark?”

“Yeah! It’s the guy who organized our squads before the war!”

“No wonder!”

“Really? Who is that?”

All kinds of comments were being thrown from below. Some praising us for being able to be right where we are, and others full of envy and wishing nothing good for us.

As the minutes passed, some big figures started to arrive. Or so I guessed, partly because two of them were Isha and Lea, and partly because they seated on the first row. And, if one was to guess, the first row equals important.

Bum! Brrum! Brrrrrrum!

Drums start to sound from the far end of the square, followed by trumpets and horns, creating a strange melody that, far from being harmful to the ear, makes one’s blood boil with excitement. It’s starting!

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The governor, empowered by a bullish cacophony of instruments, whistles and claps, makes his appearance and walks towards the center of the stage. As soon as he reach it, all the music stops. And, with a gesture, makes everyone go quiet. Be it a spell or just his aura, not a single fly can be heard.

“Thank you all for coming here today!” His voice, amplified by some kind of magic, finds its way into everyone’s ears.

Today is a big day, we managed to fend off the enemy invasion and have come victorious!

This city has been standing here for centuries, my ancestors built it from their own sweat and blood, they made the very fundaments we are standing now on. The burden to protect the city and to make it prosper rests in my own shoulders, they trusted in me and so I became the governor.

But this is not something I could have achieved alone. Far from it. This city stands because its own citizens fought for their rights. Their right to be free. To make their own path. Irisgarth is much more than ground and buildings, it is built by our own spirits.

However!

He pauses and turns to look at, what at least I think, is us.

Was it not for these valiant adventurers, who discovered the plot of those rats, this city might have not been able to see another day.

Please, come forward!

Unbelievable. We are being called to the very front? We look at each other, not sure what is happening. My legs, barely holding myself and shaking from the emotion, make an effort and comply with the orders. Everyone is frozen, but slowly settling in. My gaze fixates on Lillia.

“Here.” I say, giving her my hand. Finding comfort in my action, she smiles, takes my hand, and stands up.

Mike, who was most close to the exit, leads to the governor.

For your courage and services to this city, we bestow upon you the title of ‘Saviour of Irisgarth’ and name you a Knight of Irisgarth.

[You have received the title ‘Saviour of Irisgarth: Knight’]

You are now part of the nobility of Irisgarth. As a Knight, you can establish your own guild.

Take this brooch as a symbol of gratitude from the city.

[Brooch of Irisgarth]

* Experience received while hunting within the area of influence of Irisgarth raises by a 50%

* Justiciar: Enemies of Irisgarth will receive 5% more damage from you.

A brooch with the emblem of the city of Irisgarth, the feather of a Kryth, a symbol of freedom.

Mark, your contributions are of utmost importance. You administered the adventurers and expertly distributed and coordinated them with our soldiers. You saved the city from being burnt. You managed to break the enemy morale by directly attacking their backlines. You commanded the troops and achieved small victories all along the walls.

As such, you shall receive the title of Baronette and receive one estate.

[Your title has been upgraded ‘Saviour of Irisgarth: Baronette’]

Baronettes can command their own guild and receive one free property without maintenance cost. Citizens and vendors alike will acknowledge your position.

Once again, in the name of the city, I thank you all for your contributions.

Pointing towards our seats, the governor turns to face the public once more. Absentmindedly, we return to our places. I’m dying to talk with them about what just happened. But I know now is not the place nor the moment.

I must also extend our thanks to the 4 heroes, who fought alongside our troops and brought us the definite victory.

Having said that, he raises both arms up, and while bringing them down with all his strength, he shouts.

Let the celebrations begin!

I’m not a big fan of parades and ceremonies, as I frequently think of them as bluffs to keep the population happy. Today, however, having just received some rewards, I’m viewing them with brigther eyes. Soldiers composed of melee classes and all kind of mages and wizards march along the street. Those last, through master-like control over their spells, form shapes and impossible images with fire, water, and all elements alike.

The parade is soon over, as the number of soldiers that this city can hold is not that large, but the festivities far from ending are taken hostage by the people. Music starts playing, flutes and guitars enliven the party while alcohol starts being served.

We take the opportunity and excuse ourselves from the governor and all the VIPs. Our objective, of course, to get wasted and enjoy!