"Today I stand here with you all, witnessing the growth of this nation. I hope that ten years, a hundred years, a thousand years from now... you will still take pride in being in this nation, in being citizens of this country, for this will be the lifelong goal and the greatest honor of the Teresa Family!"
The man’s deep voice, amplified by the microphone, resounded in every speaker, in everyone’s ears.
The entire venue erupted in applause and cheers.
Leng Xiaoye smiled as he looked around, then glanced sideways at his son. Huangfu Jue immediately stood up and walked over. Huangfu Yaoyang moved aside to give up the microphone, and Leng Xiaoye started to speak with a smile.
"Today, Elroy will preside over the national celebration ceremony on behalf of the King."
A staff member had already brought the royal standard over. Huangfu Yaoyang took the royal flag from the tray, holding it with both hands and presenting it in front of Huangfu Jue. Huangfu Jue bowed solemnly to take the flag from his father’s hands.
Leng Xiaoye led the applause and once again, the cheers and claps reached a new peak.
Smiling at his son, Leng Xiaoye steadied Huangfu Yaoyang’s arm and settled back into his seat.
Holding the standard and surveying the crowd, Huangfu Jue slowly raised his right hand to his chest and bowed his head slightly—that was the royal salute.
In his crisp military uniform, his brand new cap glinting in the sunlight... the man standing on the platform stood straight as a spear, commanding an innate authority that demanded everyone’s upwards gaze, and the crowd cheered once more.
"Your Highness, long live!"
The large screen in the square displayed his handsome face, with a steady gaze in his pair of blue eyes.
Then, he raised the standard.
The black and gold flag slashed through the air with a sharp flourish, captured by countless photographers and cameras.
On the surface, this was just a national celebration ceremony, but in reality, it was a signal—the Royal Family was using this opportunity to tell the world that this prince, this Mr. Crown Prince, was soon to formally take over the nation’s affairs.
Music began to play, and the perfectly uniformed royal guards marched onto the square in lockstep.
Their footsteps, as if from a single body, were majestic and awe-inspiring.
While everyone’s eyes were on the royal guards in the square, Gan Yuan turned sideways to gaze at Huangfu Jue on the podium.
Around her, all sounds faded away, and the only thing left in her eyes was the figure of the man.
Watching him raise his arm, watching him wave the flag, watching him turn around with crisp, efficient movements...
The man before her still left the warmth of his palm on her own, yet she felt as if she were dreaming.
Her fingers gently caressed the ring he had placed on her finger, and a fluttering sense of elation suddenly rose in her heart.
Yes, indeed, this man was hers!
Her lips curved up in a smile, her face brimming with happiness and pride.
On the other side, the little one, Gan Tang, shifted his gaze from the parade on the square to the man standing on the high platform, his eyes also shining brightly.
His dad was still there, and he loved him and his mom. That man was more handsome, taller, and stronger than any other man he had ever seen, and he was the future King. Everyone was supposed to respect him...
That was his dad, belonging only to him!
Chongchong turned his face, capturing the little one’s expression, and raised his hand, affectionately stroking his little head.
The King and Queen, seated in the center, also fixed their gaze on their son, their eyes filled with undisguisable pride.
The child who once lay in swaddling clothes, growing up day by day to achieve such feats, was not only because he was their son, but more importantly, it was his own efforts that mattered most.