Chapter 416: The Day of Declaration
The news spread like wildfire. It began as whispers in the dark corners of taverns and back alleys, barely audible over the clink of mugs and hum of idle conversation. Then it became the loud chatter of the markets, a swell of voices carrying the message from one end of the capital to the other. By noon, it was no longer a rumor. It was official—Astellia was at war with Varzadia. The proclamation of war had been made, and it echoed through the streets of Astellia, reaching every ear, from the bustling marketplaces to the quiet homes that lay in the city’s heart.
The atmosphere shifted as people processed the news. Some reacted with disbelief, shaking their heads and muttering prayers, unwilling to accept the inevitable storm approaching their peaceful city. Merchants at the market packed up their stalls early, their eyes filled with worry as they watched the crowds thicken. Others found themselves filled with anticipation, the kind that clenched their stomachs with excitement and anxiety. It was a rare feeling, one that arose when the quiet rhythm of daily life was broken by something grander—something that would decide the future.
The streets were busier than usual. Citizens rushed from stall to stall, stocking up on essentials. Mothers gathered their children, pulling them along as they bought extra food, candles, and whatever supplies they could get their hands on. The market was a frenzy of activity, with people jostling to buy goods, the shopkeepers calling out in hoarse voices, trying to sell what remained of their inventory.
"Did you hear? It’s finally happening," a blacksmith whispered to a customer, his voice low but tinged with a hint of awe.
"Aye," the customer nodded, his face set in a grim expression. "I suppose there’s no avoiding it now. Varzadia... those bastards won’t rest until they take what’s ours."
The blacksmith let out a slow breath, shaking his head. "Let’s just hope our soldiers are ready for them. The Central Army’s marching out soon, I heard."
A group of children ran by, their laughter echoing through the market, oblivious to the tension that gripped the adults around them. An older woman watched them, her expression softening for a moment before she turned back to her wares, her hands moving with a newfound urgency.
Near the edge of the market square, a young man stood on a crate, shouting out to the gathered crowd. His voice was filled with fervor, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "This is our chance! Astellia stands strong! We will not let Varzadia take our lands, our homes! Stand with the royal family! Support our soldiers!"
The people around him nodded, some raising their fists in support. Others kept their eyes downcast, their thoughts far away, already imagining the battles that would soon unfold. The tension in the air was palpable—a mix of fear and hope, dread and excitement. The kingdom was bracing itself for what was to come, and everyone knew that nothing would ever be the same again.