I observe Beatrice, seemingly engrossed in her book, largely disregarding my presence. Nonetheless, sporadically, I discern her casting surreptitious glances in my direction before immersing herself once more in her reading.
Emilia, too, exhibits interest in the book, initiating discussions with Beatrice that elicit a smile from the latter.
It heartens me to witness their amiable rapport. In a sense, Emilia will endure beyond my lifespan. It's a thought that brings me joy, knowing they won't be alone when I am no longer present.
However, perhaps I am being overly optimistic about it.
"But dreaming is not amiss, is it?" I murmur, shifting my gaze towards Beatrice.
Upon hearing my words, she averts her gaze from the book, briefly observing me. I offer a gentle smile, prompting her to return her attention to her reading.
I am aware that she is cognizant of what is transpiring. It is, to a large extent, my fault. Most likely, all the emotions emanating from me have deeply affected her.
My sorrow, my pain, my despair; for her, all of that is palpable. I cannot conceal anything from her, and that is a bit heartbreaking. I know that, if I exert myself, I could sever that emotional bond, making her not feel what I feel.
But when my emotions are too intense, it becomes impossible for me to conceal them.
I do not want to see her sad. Therefore, I must fortify myself, lean into resilience so that every change within me does not overwhelm me entirely.
Although I cannot help but wonder if someday, I will find a way to free her from this emotional connection, allowing her to live without the weight of my emotions.
I sigh, retrieving my rifle from the rear of the carriage. My hands caress the weapon as I notice the speed beginning to diminish, and the sounds of cheers and applause becoming more audible.
Trumpets and drums resonate forcefully, taking everyone by surprise, including myself. I did not expect this kind of reception.
Emilia and Beatrice turn to gaze out the window, visibly curious about the commotion. As the town's light filters into the carriage, the applause and music intensify.
One of the soldiers opens the front window and addresses us excitedly.
"General Marco! Ladies!" he exclaims with a smile. "Please, ascend to the roof of the carriage!"
Emilia and Beatrice nod with excitement, opening the rear door of the carriage and climbing onto the roof with enthusiasm. Outside, the applause and shouts become even more deafening.
"LONG LIVE CANDIDATE EMILIA!" they shout in unison, filling the atmosphere with emotion as drums and trumpets sound with all their might.
I know I must join the celebration, but at the same time, I do not want to leave Crusch alone. This is an experience we were supposed to enjoy together.
However, she gives me a pat on the back, interrupting my thoughts.
"I have another battle ahead. Now is your time to revel," Crusch says with a determined tone. "Go, do not feel pity for me. I am Crusch Kars..."
She does not manage to finish her sentence. I avoid her gaze and direct my attention elsewhere, as the festive atmosphere becomes even more exhilarating.
"Crusch, no matter what, I will make you smile again," I look her directly in the eyes. "I will restore normalcy to all this. I am Marco Luz."
I place my hands on the roof and, with a leap, position myself on top of the carriage. From here, I can see that we are about to enter the town. Emilia, noticing my presence on the roof, smiles broadly.
"Marco! Look!" Emilia exclaims, raising her arms, greeting the crowd as cheers and music resonate powerfully.
Once inside the town, I see that everyone is gathered to welcome us. Even the children are here, raising their hands and tossing flower petals in a gesture of joy.
"Long live the candidate! Long live the army!" everyone shouts enthusiastically. The atmosphere is warm and familial, filled with familiar faces. It is the sensation of returning home, where each person welcoming you values every aspect of you.
As I direct my gaze towards Emilia, I notice tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks.
"I did not imagine it would feel so good..." Emilia says while continuing to greet the crowd. She wipes away the tears and, looking at everyone, infuses magic into her voice and exclaims with fervor:
"We defeated the great white whale!"
"WOOO!" they all shout excitedly, jumping and dancing as we move towards the town's main square.
The atmosphere is filled with jubilant cheers and excitement; everyone seems connected by our victory. Somehow, the army contributed to the defeat without any casualties, making it a significant feat.
It is gratifying to see almost everyone reuniting with their loved ones after the conflict with the cult.
"Today, we celebrate! Tomorrow, everyone gets the day off!" I declare, causing emotions to intensify.
A day of rest for those who have worked tirelessly. Since tomorrow is Friday and the weekend follows, they will have three days to recuperate.
We have not fully healed from the ravages of the cult's attack, so I plan to use these days to reorganize things.
"Long live Marco! Long live Emilia!" the shouts continue to resonate as everyone excitedly heads towards the square.
It is a beautiful contrast; everyone's feigned and subdued expressions have given way to growing excitement and the shouts of each inhabitant.
Behind us is the whale's horn, and due to its considerable size, we must be cautious while traversing the stone and concrete-paved streets.
We opt to cleanse the blood with water magic, making it look even more imposing.
Emilia is undoubtedly the most excited of all. Her entrance as a candidate has been a resounding success: her speech, the showcase of the village's progress, the demonstration of power, the elimination of one of the archbishops, and assistance in defeating one of the great beasts.
This celebration is the crowning achievement for her start in this new phase.
She climbed all the steps at once, catching everyone by surprise.
A perfect beginning for her.
"Marco!" Emilia takes my hand and raises it.
Her timidity has completely vanished. I thought she might feel awkward, but her laughter, pure and full of joy, envelops me. To think I could witness something like this, her smile almost as bright as the lights illuminating the entire town.
Various decorations adorn the surroundings: large welcome banners, people peeking from their homes while holding light lamps.
I would not have imagined seeing something like this.
"Thank you, people of Irlam!" Emilia exclaims, laughing and smiling each time the crowd erupts in joy.
The most excited of all is undoubtedly her. I wonder what she is thinking right now, but I am glad this makes her so happy.
She deserves it.
Emilia was the center of attention, not allowing anyone to overshadow her. She is shining like the first star in the evening sky.
After a few minutes, we reach the main square. The platform, built with concrete, rises in the center.
It has a spacious roof that can host any kind of event. I completely reconstructed this place because here, the most important announcements and cultural events will take place in the future.
The floor was modified to prevent soil accumulation, and we hired a group of individuals to keep it clean at all times. Though simple, in my opinion, it is perfect to be in harmony with the town.
The carriages come to a halt, and we disembark as the crowd begins to gather. Some even arrive with provisions, beverages, and assorted goods for sale, capitalizing on the opportunity to stock up. The soldiers swiftly clear a path for our progression, yet the crowd's excitement causes them to cluster around us.
It appears that everyone has entirely forgotten about Emilia's predicament.
Although the military witnessed her address, it seems the majority of people are here to hear it in person. I am intrigued to understand why they are so enthralled.
"Lord Marco! Miss Emilia!" both bows excitedly. "Congratulations on your triumph in all aspects." Despite their enthusiasm, it is evident that both are somewhat fatigued.
"Thank you! It's truly incredible that you've organized all of this," Emilia expresses her gratitude to them with a smile. Rem and Otto exchange a brief glance before offering smiles of their own.
"Well, first and foremost, we orchestrated your candidacy, but the victory against the whale was entirely spontaneous," Otto adds, gesturing towards the platform. "Miss Emilia, it's time for your speech."
Emilia nods and heads towards the stairs leading to the platform. However, a few steps in, she abruptly halts and retreats. Surprisingly, she takes Beatrice by the arm, who appears perplexed as Emilia drags her along.
"Wait!" Beatrice exclaims, astonished by Emilia's sudden action. I can't help but smile witnessing this interaction between the two.
Rem stands by my side and hands me a report on the costs of the newly restructured contracts, a task I've been managing but has proven challenging.
"The documentation will be ready soon; the process seems to be in its final stages. Once that happens, we'll proceed with public documentation," Rem explains. The implementation of identity cards is a crucial matter, especially if I plan to establish and maintain a population census.
This decree will be mandatory for those wishing to reside in Irlam.
"With this signed, we can start tomorrow," Rem adds, but I interrupt her with a decision. "Tomorrow, everyone must rest. We'll resume our duties on Monday. It's an order."
I look at her seriously, but she responds not with dismay but with a broad smile. On the other hand, Otto seems to have seen a divine being after hearing those words.
"A well-deserved break, finally," Otto exclaims, falling to his knees in exaggerated relief.
"We haven't worked as much; Mr. Marco and I have had longer days," Rem comments with a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone.
Her words are not untrue, but I understand Otto's sentiment. While we know we're under pressure, giving them a break at this moment will contribute to increased productivity.
If they feel they've earned a break after a period of intense effort, that energy will be reflected in their work. It's a perspective that was never understood in my world, but here, I have the opportunity to do things differently.
Emilia begins her speech, and as her voice is infused with mana to enhance the sound, the murmur of the crowd begins to diminish.
I consider the possibility of acquiring the same sound instrument they are using in the capital, not only to understand its functioning but also to have it available in the future.
As Emilia presents her proposals and finally manages to speak without interruptions, her speech concludes with an emotional addition.
"Citizens of Irlam, I know we have gone through difficult times, and believe me, I deeply regret what we had to endure," Emilia inclines her head slightly. "For that reason, and because I know I couldn't do it at that time, I would like us to observe a minute of silence for those who are no longer with us."
The crowd obeys her request, aware that those individuals lost their lives bravely defending them.
"May the spirits' blessings be with them," Emilia concludes as she lifts her gaze again.
Beatrice, however, seems somewhat displeased to be there.
Nevertheless, Emilia looks back and connects her gaze with mine, indicating that I should join her on the platform. Intrigued, I decide to follow her enthusiasm. It seems to be contagious.
Emilia takes my hand unexpectedly, and the crowd watches us expectantly. The hired musicians seem ready to ascend the platform and start playing. Emilia looks at the audience with determination.
"Today marks the beginning of my candidacy for the throne. That's why I ask everyone to exert themselves, to move forward together," Emilia raises my arm, involving me in her speech. "Alongside Marco, we have achieved a change, but this has only been possible thanks to all of you."
I smile, playing my part. Firmly, I add to her speech, "From today, we will celebrate this day every year as the day Irlam officially emerged into the light. We will become a great community, and that will only be possible if each of you harbors growth in your hearts."
Our gazes intertwine in a gesture of unity.
"For Irlam and its people!" we exclaim in unison, unleashing a burst of cheers and applause from the crowd.
The band takes their place on the platform, and the music begins to fill the air. It's a folk band, the kind of music I've heard in some video games.
It has that touch of classical medieval melody, yet at the same time, it's exhilarating. Somehow, it feels familiar and comforting.
Emilia and I descend from the platform, but at that moment, a group of maids surrounds Emilia and leads her somewhere. She extends her hand to me, seeking assistance, but soon gets lost in a whirlwind of dresses and words.
I observe my own attire, pleased to have changed before coming. The military uniform is practical in formal situations like this. Although it's not the most comfortable clothing; I would prefer to be wearing jeans but recreating that kind of garment here would be incredibly complicated.
After a few minutes of waiting, my gaze falls on Beatrice, who remains absorbed in her reading with a melancholic expression.
At this moment, there's not much I can do. Our chance to talk will probably come when we retire to rest. I look at the sky, reflecting on what I should do next.
I'm not sure where I should direct myself. The novel's plot is no longer a reliable guide; instead, I see it as a source of specific information.
I've repeated this in my mind several times, but I still find it challenging to fully accept.
Embracing uncertainty is not easy.
Crusch, I asked the maids to take her back to the mansion for some rest. I insisted they place her in a room adjacent to mine, as Luan is on the other side.
I also worry about Luan.
I realize that lately, I've been showing a more sentimental side of myself. I never imagined that I would feel this concerned about people again.
It's a strange feeling, but...
"Marco!" Emilia's voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I turn my attention towards her.