"What’s going on? Why are there only ten people?"
Sharon frowned in confusion and glanced at Cassiopeia beside her, silently questioning her.
"I don’t know either, Your Highness. A few days ago, I sent them a letter, and it should have arrived by now. The King of Kaldarion must have received it too," Cassiopeia replied hesitantly. "But why are there only ten people here to welcome us?"
She wasn’t the kind of person who craved grand welcomes from other kingdoms.
However, as the party requesting help, the Kingdom of Kaldarion should have shown some courtesy.
It was also a matter of respect for the Great Velmora Empire, which had willingly provided assistance.
"There’s no point in arguing about it. It’s better to wait and see what actually happens," Draco said indifferently.
Cassiopeia and Sharon nodded in agreement and chose to wait.
Fifteen minutes later, their ship finally arrived at the port.
"Jack," Cassiopeia called, turning to him. "You and your crew take care of the ship. If I’m not mistaken, there’s an inn at this port for docked crews. I’ll ask them to prepare it for you and your friends."
Jack smiled and nodded. "Understood. Thank you, Mage Cassiopeia."
He and the rest of the crew could stay on the ship while Cassiopeia, Draco, Sharon, and Nolan handled their business.
But since Cassiopeia had offered them a more suitable place to stay, he couldn’t refuse.
After exchanging a few more words with Jack, they all descended from the ship’s deck.
"Welcome, everyone," greeted a middle-aged man respectfully.
Nolan raised his head, sizing the man up.
He was tall and slightly stocky, with an ordinary face framed by a thin mustache and beard.
He wore a particularly thick blue winter jacket, complete with a hood covering his hair.
Nolan couldn’t help but notice the outfit. The jacket was far thicker than the winter coats he usually wore.
"Thank you for the welcome," Sharon said. "May I know who you are?"
The man bowed his head. "My name is Halmar, Your Highness Princess Sharon. I apologize for the modest welcome. Our kingdom is facing a very serious problem."
Helplessness was written clearly on his face.
Cassiopeia and Sharon exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Is it related to the White Dragon monster?" Cassiopeia asked.
"Yes." Halmar nodded slightly. "The monster has grown more aggressive with the arrival of winter, forcing the king to tighten security in the capital and several other areas. On behalf of the Kingdom of Kaldarion, I apologize once again for the small welcome we can offer."
Cassiopeia’s cold expression softened slightly. "That’s fine. We don’t mind."
Since they already understood the reason, there was no point in prolonging the matter.
"Then please take us to the Kingdom of Kaldarion immediately. We need to discuss the plan to kill the White Dragon," Cassiopeia continued.
Halmar did not refuse. He turned and walked toward the other soldiers.
Cassiopeia, Draco, Sharon, and Nolan followed.
But barely five meters from the ship, a piercing cold struck them.
"Damn! It’s freezing!" Nolan shivered, wrapping his arms around himself.
The cold was so intense that his skin dried instantly. His heart pounded, and frost began forming in his hair.
Cassiopeia, Draco, and Sharon fared no better.
They had expected the northern weather to be harsh, especially with winter upon them, but this was far beyond anything they had anticipated.
Even the magical protections they had placed on their bodies couldn’t withstand the biting cold.
Quickly, Draco formed a barrier around them with his magic.
Within a five-meter radius, the temperature slowly rose, allowing the others to breathe more easily.
"Seems like the winter coats I brought are completely useless. This weather is brutal," Sharon said, sounding helpless.
"It’s fine. I’ll ask Halmar to prepare proper coats for us later," Cassiopeia reassured her.
Elina said nothing, only nodding slightly.
Shortly after, Halmar returned carrying a stack of winter jackets identical to his own.
"Sorry for the delay, Your Highness Sharon. Put on these jackets first, or you’ll definitely feel the cold," he said, handing the pile to Draco.
"Thank you," Sharon replied with a soft smile.
Halmar nodded. Nolan, Sharon, Draco, and Cassiopeia quickly put on their winter clothes, then followed Halmar and his troops toward the capital of the Kingdom of Kaldarion.
...
Meanwhile, in the Great Velmora Empire, the long-awaited celebration had finally arrived.
The Empire’s anniversary, the most festive event of the year, brought joy to everyone.
Every city, large and small, held its own celebrations.
The palace had allocated a budget totaling fifty billion Sharn—a staggering sum. If the public knew, they would surely be shocked.
Yet, for the sake of the festival and honoring the Empire’s anniversary, no one complained.
After all, the anniversary came only once a year. The Empire was in a period of prosperity, and many people lived comfortably.
The palace also organized small games in each city, with competitions and challenges offering cash or valuable prizes.
At this moment, the ones who benefited most were the merchants.
Their goods were quickly bought up by the leaders of noble families, who planned to use them for events in their respective cities.
Of course, the liveliest festival was in the capital, Solvaria.
As the heart of the Empire and home to many residents, Solvaria buzzed with activity.
Streets were crowded with pedestrians, some taking leisurely strolls, others enjoying the festivities along the roadside.
"Hey, did you know the ceremony is about to start? Want to go?"
"Tsk! The ceremony’s boring. Let’s just take a walk. I heard there are a lot of beautiful girls in the next alley."
"You idiot! The ceremony is sacred. And if I’m not mistaken, the palace will be handing out gifts. If we get them, we could get rich!"
Many people wanted to attend the ceremony at the palace square. But since it was held behind closed doors, not everyone was allowed inside.
Still, the public’s excitement didn’t fade. They were eager to watch from afar—or hoped to snag the gifts distributed by the imperial palace.
What they didn’t know was that this year’s Imperial Anniversary would be unlike any before—because of one thing: the battle for the throne...