Don't confiscate my identity as a human race-Chapter 1357 - 836: Lanci’s Hell Siege Battle_4

The crowd responded to Emperor Saint Baldo with cheers as loud as a mountain torrent and a storm at sea.

Getting off the carriage, Saint Baldo strode leisurely towards the Royal Cavalry Guard, his military boots issuing crisp sounds against the plaza.

The cavalry stood motionless, like statues.

Following custom, Emperor Saint Baldo inspected the troops, his gaze sweeping across every cavalryman.

The fifty-year-old Emperor of the Cerryti Empire carried his sword—a legendary blade known as the Seross Spirit Sword. It gave him an aura of ancestral protection, making his presence as imposing as that of an Eighth-order supreme being. It was as if the royal heroic spirits from the empire's history had transformed into ethereal figures guarding him from behind.

The cavalrymen stared straight ahead, their blood surging and their spirits invigorated.

The Royal Military Band struck up "Royal Flamethrower" on schedule, its majestic melody resonating across the plaza.

The trumpet's sound was piercing and lingering, as if it sought to penetrate the heavens. The drumbeats were resounding and forceful, hammering in people's hearts, while the melodies of the bamboo flute and the transverse flute leapt joyfully, conveying the jubilation of the National Day festivities to the populace.

The musical phrases alternated between low and high, soothing and exhilarating.

The music abruptly ended as a cavalryman, dressed in a striking red uniform, rode forward to the forefront.

Gripping the reins in one hand, he raised a fluttering military flag high with the other.

The flag bore the insignia of the cavalry regiment—a roaring lion, symbolizing the bravery and indomitable spirit of the Cerryti Empire's cavalry.

The cavalryman held his head high and chest out, eyes fixed ahead, as he slowly passed the plaza, offering his utmost respect to Emperor Saint Baldo.

Following this, formation after formation came on. The cavalry regiment began their parade.

Their ranks were impeccably aligned, and the horses stepped in unison.

Iron hooves struck the ground, producing a rhythmic clattering as if the earth itself quaked in response.

The cavalrymen stood tall, their appearance disciplined and polished, exuding an air of heroism.

Under the near-noon winter sun, their sabers and badges gleamed brightly, dazzling to behold.

The crowd erupted into waves of cheers punctuated by calls of "Long live His Majesty Saint Baldo."

The national flag and the royal banners fluttered among the crowd, forming a sea of gold and red.

Saint Baldo watched the soldiers intently, his eyes full of affection.

These loyal guards were his firmest bulwark, the foundation for the Cerryti Empire's resilience, and the mainstay maintaining his authority.

Even though the morning's parade approached its end, the throngs showed no signs of dispersing.

Giving up prime viewing positions now would mean possibly not being able to reclaim similar spots later in the afternoon.

The cavalrymen regrouped in the plaza's center.

At a commanding shout, all cavalrymen saluted Emperor Saint Baldo in unison.

Saint Baldo returned their salute, sweeping his gaze over the plaza, raising his hand in acknowledgment of the cheering crowd.

His expression was solemn and dignified, yet the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes betrayed a hint of a smile.

Twenty years had passed since the Blood Cleansing Day.

Once people witnessed the brilliance of success, the darkness of its methods would be forgotten.

Under Saint Baldo's reign, the Cerryti Empire was steadily advancing with irresistible momentum.

...

Beneath the clear sky, raising one's head revealed a vast expanse of blue and purity.

The scorching sun hung high, its fiery rays glaringly bright.

Rare in winter, the midday sunlight brought warmth to one's skin, blending with the crisp, melodic sounds of the canal waters flowing south of the city.

When the clock struck 3 in the afternoon, the entire Bulida City boiled over.

From Brighton Tower on the South Bank of the Grande River to the Imperial Parliament Building on the North Shore, from Greenwich Park to the east to Heidelberg Garden to the west, everywhere brimmed with a festive atmosphere.

The square in front of Brighton Tower bustled with throngs of people.

Citizens dressed in their finest festive attire, singing and laughing, their joyous voices piercing the heavens. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Beloved people of Cerryti."

Emperor Saint Baldo Hoffman stood on the balcony of the Royal Saint Astore Palace, facing the cheering crowd outside the plaza below.

Dressed in his ceremonial attire from the morning, he raised a hand to signal for quiet.

Gradually, the cheering subsided as everyone held their breath, waiting for his speech.

"Today is the National Day of our glorious Cerryti Empire. At this special moment, I, on behalf of the royal family, extend my most heartfelt holiday wishes to you all."

Saint Baldo began his speech in a powerful voice,

"The past year has been extraordinary. Our Cerryti Empire has achieved remarkable feats across various fields. Our economy prospers, our technology advances, our culture flourishes. All of this is the result of the wisdom and toil of the entire Cerryti people. As your monarch, I am immeasurably proud to have such industrious, brave, and gifted citizens."

Applause echoed continuously from the crowd.

Saint Baldo smiled, waiting for the applause to subside before continuing.

"However, we must not let our current achievements make us arrogant or complacent. Looking back at the history of the Cerryti Empire, we have faced countless hardships and challenges. It is only through the unity and selfless dedication of generation after generation of Cerryti people that our nation has stood firm among the world's nations, allowing us to enjoy the happiness of today."

"Looking ahead, we still have many tasks to complete, many difficulties to overcome. But I am confident that with your support and dedication, with the courage and wisdom of our Cerryti nation, we will triumph over all obstacles and build an even more prosperous and powerful empire."

Saint Baldo's words, forceful and resounding, stirred the hearts of many citizens, who straightened their postures with pride.

"Beloved people of Cerryti, let us unite and move forward hand in hand, striving tirelessly for the great rejuvenation of the Cerryti Empire. Let us work together to create even more brilliant accomplishments in the coming year. Let us jointly wish for the flourishing fortunes of the Cerryti Empire and peace and prosperity for its people! May the God of War and Sword bless our Twelve War Gods, and may they achieve glorious victories in this exceptional year for all the people of the Cerryti Empire!"