Chapter 236: Reassuring the citizens.
Roland and Sigrid remained in an embrace until the royal advisors came in search of the crown prince. The time to address the citizens had come. Every member of the royal family was present for what was equal to a press conference in these times. It was held in the throne room, Roland did not sit on the throne but his royal seat.
Sigrid was beside him to show her support for her husband. Both of them were wearing their crowns to remind everyone of their positions as crown prince and princess.
Nobles from the strongest and oldest houses that lived in the city or close enough to rush to the royal castle had been invited and briefed on the situation. The throne room was packed close to the brim, Unlike the usual days when chatter graced the air, it was quiet. A heavy, solemn atmosphere blanketed the room.
All around the kingdom, from the capital to Nemoris, citizens were glued to their televisions as they went about their day. The had been waiting to hear from the king about what the victory in the war signified, unexpectedly, it was not the king’s face they saw but that of the prince.
While they were confused, for many that did not stop the rush of happiness when they glanced upon their prince. In many places applause and cheers broke out and they reached all the way to the royal castle. The heroic prince that had conquered a new territory was a good sight to see.
Roland stared at the cameras with a face as light but serious as he could muster and finally addressed the nation, his voice steady though his heart wavered.
"People of Eldoria." he began, his words carrying through the throne room like a low cry of trumpet in the city wall. "Today should have been a day of unrestrained celebration. Each and everyone of us, through courage, prayers and sacrifice has contributed to our victory in a war which we once thought unwinnable. A war that we never dared to fight ever since the loss we suffered at the hands of Medoris fifty five years ago. We have reclaimed our lost city and expanded the boarders of Eldoria, restoring them to what they once were.
Now, our brothers and sisters that were separated from us and living in Nemoris can finally return to their true homes and embrace their roots, reclaim the ancestry. We can all rebuild our lives without fear of each other. We have become an empire together and I believe that we will be the strongest empire in the world. For that, I thank you--from the depths of my heart.
Your royal family, the mage estate, the noble houses, each one of us, thanks every citizen that has contributed to this great cause, thank you."