Chapter 78
I Next The steady thumping of drums resonated through the air – thump, thump, thump! Startled, a flock of seagulls that had been idling near the quay abruptly took flight, their wings fluttering in response to the unexpected noise. A multitude of citizens had congregated beneath the fluttering wings, their collective gaze converging on a single focal point.
Amidst the sea of onlookers, at a podium erected on one flank of the quay square, Raciel made some final adjustments to his shirt collar.
“Ahem.”
An involuntary cough escaped his lips; he had already cleared his throat numerous times before.
‘…Phew, these nerves.’
Addressing a crowd was a more formidable task than he had initially conceived. It was particularly daunting to be thrust into the spotlight in front of thousands, as opposed to mere dozens or hundreds. Raciel raised his head, catching sight of a sign hung prominently on the podium.
[Commendation Ceremony for the Prestigious Medal of Cremo City.]
Upon laying eyes on this, a memory from two days prior flashed through his mind.
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