2. The Party Disaster
Night in Northrop country.
Adelia was amazed because the palace was really open to the public. Everyone from all walks of life gathered together there. Decorative lights twinkled on each side.
The dancers are waddling on a very wide stage. She kept looking around. And realized that every girl dressed up very pretty. Different from his usual self. Didn't feel the event was special except to maintain the viscount's good name.
The power of the witches in Northrop was truly second to none. The palace is transformed so beautifully, like being in a fairy tale world. Adelia is also fascinated by the ornate torches that surround the palace. Because the fire on the torch looks like it is floating in the air. She became curious as to how to do that.
They continued walking on. The palace maids welcomed them and took them to the center of the palace where the event would be held. Adelia and her father and younger brother felt very respected. So they followed the lady-in-waiting and then mingled with the other nobles to sit in the seats provided.
Sounds of music were heard all around. The hustle and bustle of the party made Adelia raise her eyebrows several times. She didn't like such crowds.
Until a few moments later, the atmosphere that was so resplendent before was now silent. That means the prince's entourage has arrived. The soldiers were seen running and then forming a welcoming formation in front of the gate.
The gate made of iron as high as 5 meters opened slowly. First seen is Prince Kairav. He was so gallant sitting on a war horse with the armor still attached to his body.
When the gate is completely open. Only then did the soldiers appear with their faces shining with happiness for the victory they had got. full of pride in the figure of the prince they had.
The horse ridden by Prince Kairav advanced slowly past the line of soldiers who put their swords on their left shoulders as a sign of respect. Then they were followed by the soldiers behind.
The horse stopped right in front of the palace stage. There the king was standing with a broad smile.
Kairav immediately jumped down from the horse, then knelt before the king as a way of respect after returning from the war. It's a tradition they always do.
The king spread both hands. Hugging the beloved prince who looks so dashing even though his face is expressionless. "Welcome, Prince, enjoy being greeted for your victory today."
Kairav put his hand on his chest and then bowed. It meant he accepted the welcome that was held for him.
After Prince Kairav was on the throne next to the king, the servants immediately welcomed the soldiers who joined the war. They realized that the victory did not only belong to a prince, but also to the struggle with the soldiers who were willing to leave their families to defend their country.
The food cooked by the palace chefs was immediately served. Everyone in the palace enjoyed the dish and was satisfied with the taste it created. This made the chefs grateful. Especially when they saw the prince eating so heartily. The fear that had ambushed them instantly vanished.
Because all chefs know if the prince's tongue is the most difficult to overcome in the palace. If you feel that you don't like the food he is eating, then don't hesitate to immediately dismiss the chef dishonorably.
The event continued with the dance of the palace dancers. With the help of the power of the magicians too, the dancers can perform movements that seem impossible. Some of them are seen jumping and dancing in the air like they are doing acrobatics. Others play with fire using both hands.
A boisterous applause was heard from everyone, who was so amazed at the presentation. Only Adelia looks normal and not interested at all. Likewise with the prince, who only looked at him with a flat gaze.
After everyone finished eating, the king stood up from his seat and said something that became the culmination of the event that night. This feels really full of sensation.
"Thank you to everyone who came to welcome the prince back from the battlefield. Congratulations to the prince and the soldiers for conquering Leguke. And to appreciate this victory, tonight the palace will hold a 'cold fire' ritual to choose one of the girls who will be the prince's companion."
The king's words were immediately greeted by boisterous female voices who cheered happily.
Prince Kairav gasped slightly after hearing that. But then he looked normal. According to him, there is nothing special in life. So, whatever the king has planned for him, he will do that as long as it doesn't violate his principles.
The frenzied welcoming party suddenly turns tense. The stage that was used by the dancers turned into a very wide stage. Everyone surrounds the stage to see the ritual that will take place. Flames lit from the hands of twenty court mages flared up in the center of the stage. Initially the fire was orange, then changed to red, then slowly the fire turned back to deep blue. And that fire is what they call a 'cold fire'.
The witches who are still surrounding the fire continue to mumble chants. The king walked slowly up some stairs to get closer to the fire. Simultaneously, a soldier also took to the stage carrying a sword dripping with blood from the prince's hand. The sword was given to the king.
Then, from another direction, a soldier brought a raccoon whose fur was all white, and also handed it over to the king.
Now in the king's right hand there is a sword, while his left hand holds the white raccoon. Slowly but surely the king closed his eyes and raised his hands.
One of the magicians who became the leader raised his hand as a code to the king. Right at that time, the king immediately slashed the raccoon's neck.
The raccoon blood flowing over the sword was directed at the cold flames. Instantly the fire became red again and raged uncontrollably because of the prince's and raccoon's blood drops. Making some girls afraid, but they don't want to back down.
The king returned to his throne with a smile on his face. While the magicians are still working on casting spells. The girls prepared while closing their eyes and raising both hands. It was the most awaited moment.
The blazing fire slowly transformed into hundreds of small fireballs. Until all that was left in the middle of the stage was a small fire like the one in the palace kitchen. Then the red fireballs flew and landed on each girl's hands. Adelia is no exception.