Chapter 198 - Awarding Ceremony (2)

The sound of the trumpets rang in the entire square, signifying that the awarding ceremony will now officially start. 

One by one, the First and Second Prince's respective spouses and children entered the square and sat on their seats as the aide announced their presence. 

They were then followed by the entrance of Empress Carolina, First Queen Lucia and Second Queen Tehila. 

Finally, it was the Emperor's turn to enter. The sound of the trumpet became more majestic and glorious as the aide announced his presence with all his might.

"The Emperor of the Seirende Empire, Valentin De Seirende enters!" 

"Long live the Emperor!" Everyone bowed and greeted Emperor Valentin with reverence. 

"At ease!" Emperor Valentin, who was clad in a blood red cape embroidered with intricate threads made of gold, stood imposingly on his throne and addressed the excited crowd.

"Today is a very remarkable day for me and the entire Empire!" He looked at everyone and glanced at their fervent expectant eyes. 

"It may be the winter season, but it will not stop our Empire from recognizing the efforts of the people who have brought us glory and victory against the forces who wanted us down!"

"Starting from our valiant men, who braved themselves to sweep our Empire clean and get rid of the malicious Spectre, all the way to our brilliant citizens, who didn't hold back in bringing their innovative ideas to life."

"Their efforts, blood, sweat and tears all brought immeasurable benefits to our Empire and even showed how blessed our territory is!"

"As the one who stands in the forefront, I, too, shall not hold back in giving them honor and appreciation for all their efforts and works!"

"Their background doesn't matter, all that matters is these people did everything they could to give us such a peaceful and safe winter ahead!"

"As such, I encourage each and every citizen to remember the names of the distinguished men and women honored today. Treat them with respect in the future! They are the heroes of this Empire!"

The people were moved by Emperor Valentin's speech, so much that they continued to cheer even when the awarding rites was already starting.

The first people to be awarded were the knights involved with the clearing operations of the Spectre. 

One by one, the knights from the lowest class and rank came up on the platform. They received the blessings and reward from the Emperor. They also received an honorary insignia according to the rewards bestowed upon them.

The last to be bestowed with honor was the three princes and General Farauld. All the three princes received the equal value of honor and rewards, to which the sensible citizens in the crowd couldn't help but agree. 

Their Emperor was never biased, he still gave the same honor to the Third Prince even though his older brothers' statuses were higher than him. 

Although they had some reserved thoughts towards the shunned third prince, they still had to show respect in the presence of the Imperial family.

Leon didn't mind whether the crowd was sincere or not. All he was thinking right now was how Eli would face the people who would disturb her from this point forward. 

She will officially reveal her face in public at this moment! He could not help but feel anxious and worried for her. 

The next people to be recognized were Eli's project team. All wearing the insignia of their affiliated clans, they all marched with their heads held high as they slowly approached the platform.

The people couldn't help but gasp in awe as they saw them finally appear after months of causing waves in the capital. Their hearts also couldn't help but beat wildly as the aide announced the identities of each of Eli's project team members.

"Zeke Bartholomew Gifford, Dean for Magical Research at the Farauld Magic Institute!"

"Bramwell Merill Lewis, Vice Chairman of the Farauld Magic Institute!"

"Meredith Lavachin-Forgeworn, Master Engineer of the Forgeworn Merchant Group!"

"Randel Forgeworn, Master Craftsman of the Forgeworn Merchant Group!"

"Finally…"

There was a silent yet solemn pause in the entire square.

Everyone looked at the certain direction of where the last person would be appearing from. Their hearts could not help but feel a sense of anticipation towards her. 

Soon, a young woman, donning a custom made female suit all colored in white, blue and silver stepped up on the stage. 

Her appearance was immensely remarkable even with her long brown hair dolled up in a high ponytail. Her boots were also custom made as they were designed with heels. 

Her suit resembled that of a female equestrian uniform. However, it was specifically designed for this occasion. No one felt that her attire was out of place. 

She does not have the beauty that would make every man fall to their knees in surrender, but her face and aura was so striking that everyone will have to turn their heads to take a good look at her again. 

Eli walked steadily, unbothered by the countless pairs of eyes glued on her at the moment. 

With her unshakeable business woman aura and innate confidence that was honed in the brutal corporate world, she showed herself to the Empire for the first time.

"The Great Inventor, Eli! The Honorary Research Consultant of the Farauld Magic Institute!

"The brain behind the groundbreaking inventions Water Heater and Pressure System, Stainless steel and so on!"

A thunderous wave of claps and cheers immediately invaded the square. At last!, they had the honor to see the Renowned Inventor, Eli!

Emperor Valentin could not hide the overflowing pride in his heart. He was so satisfied and so thankful to have his son meet Eli in his life. 

The moment she showed her face in the Empire, it was of the highest honor. It could not be even compared with the jovial announcement of any other daughter in law entering the palace. 

Her entrance was of pure victory, backed up by her unquestionable abilities. 

His heart became at peace, now that he saw how well she was received by the Empire. This will also be beneficial to Leon and Little Han in the future, he couldn't help but think. 

As to his son, Leon, it was his greatest regret to put him in such a pitiful situation.

Now, he could only put his hopes towards Eli in making sure that Leon would live happily in the future, for he had already let him suffer so much as his son.

"I look forward to seeing more of you in the future.. Young Eli." As Emperor Valentin bestowed her the highest honor, he couldn't help but say a few words to express his excitement. 

"It's my fortune to be of help, Your Majesty. I will continue to do my best moving forward." Eli perfectly responded to Emperor Valentin in a way that was humble yet not pretentious.

This again earned the praise and nod of the people around, especially the nobles and members of the Imperial family.

Back in the Imperial seats, the rest of the members of the Imperial Family couldn't help but be stunned by Eli's appearance. 

First Queen Lucia, had an interested look in her eyes. There was a glow that showed a hint of approval and anticipation in the way she stared at Eli. 

Her son Antoine, also did not miss her expression. He couldn't help but be puzzled. His mom, who had always been uninterested with the matters of the Empire suddenly showed a hint of interest towards the great inventor. 

What was in his Queen Mother's mind?

Empress Carolina also couldn't help but examine Eli repeatedly. She tried to guess what kind of person Eli was. The way she conducted herself was out of Empress Carolina's expectations. 

She thought that Eli would be like a typical research maniac, acting eccentric on any other situations other than research. However,when she saw Eli's dignified and graceful entrance, she was taken aback. 

'The Great Inventor indeed had a great mind.' She thought. 

After that, she tried to figure out what kind of lady she was. 

Is she someone interested in attention or splendor? 

Or is she someone who just wanted to earn honor in exchange for monetary benefit?

Either way, Empress Carolina was set to get Eli under her control. Looking at how well she was received by the people, it would be beneficial for her son to get her by his side. 

Speaking of which, she couldn't help but feel disdain at the thought of the woman beside Kazimir. She was long dissatisfied with this daughter in law of hers. 

No matter how she looked at her, there's no way that this woman would be fit to become the future empress of the Empire. No, a woman as incapable and timid as her will never be able to run the empire alongside her son!

Looks like she had to make a move to get rid of this daughter in law of hers. But first, she had to do something to make sure that Eli would be joining her faction more than anything else. 

She will not let such a big influencer go away.