Chương 75: Chapter Seventy-Four: Award Ceremony

A few days later, the award ceremony was held at the Asamaywa Ceremonial Grounds. It was a place familiar to Serena. She'd first attended it as a teenager when her brother Gin became an officer. Many years later, it was where her graduation had been held and, most recently, where she had watched her father become a highlord. The piece of land was large and rectangular, slotting itself forcefully amongst the hustle and bustle of the populous city.

It was an open space with paved flooring and a raised platform at the far end. Two stone statues flanked the entrance: Sango, the legendary warrior of Sangoism, and his spiritual wife and Trusted, the Empress of Demonkind. They both wore traditional Samino armour and carried spears. While Sango's statue had a determined expression, the Empress's was gentle. In her other hand she held an orb, representing her control over the Blue Moon itself.

Serena always felt like she was being watched when walking through the entrance. The sheer presence that even a statue of the Empress emitted forced everyone to straighten their posture, even if they weren't sure exactly why they were doing it. She and Amelia took their positions in one of two waiting areas nestled in the open air to the left and right of the entrance. The one they were in was for significant members of society; Lord-Prospects and above.

Highlord Yasuda was the highest-ranking individual present, but not the only Speaker. Lunaria Inoue, Gregory Takeda, and Ryosuke Yamamoto were some of the many academy Speakers who had answered the call. She also recognised the earthlord who had tirelessly protected the square with his earthen walls. After a short conversation, it turned out that he was a fully sanctioned lord who governed a large territory of farmland in the lowlands.

Seeing all these people here again reminded her that her experience in the square was just a tiny part of a much larger firefighting effort. Outside of where she'd worked, thousands of others had been working together to contain the fire. On the other side was another waiting area where a much larger group was gathering. It contained those who were not Cascadian Lords and whose bravery during the fire had earned them recognition.

Among them were Melanie Mori, Hinako Aikawa, Daichi Ishitani, and nearly a hundred other warriors and mages from the Asamaywa Academy and other institutions. There were also a few dozen that had no talent with aether. They were the brave citizens of the lowlands who had heroically helped organise the firefighting efforts. Maybe it was because of nerves, but many of them kept looking at the noble waiting area while gossiping amongst themselves.

The ones with some experience with aether were more taciturn – their education having instilled proper etiquette in them – while the others didn't seem aware of how easily Serena and her peers could hear their whispered conversations.

"That's Highlord Yasuda, isn't it? I saw him fly in and out of the fire, rescuing dozens!"

"I've never seen a Highlord in person before! Ah! He's so handsome!"

"If I'm not mistaken, isn't that Serena Halen? The captain of the Black Ship?"

"I think you're right, and she's standing next to the Golden Healer!" Amelia stepped closer and whispered, "They're talking about you!" She grinned before adding, "You're so famous!"

"So are you," Serena muttered her reply. If it weren't for Highlord Yasuda and the other nobles around, she would have added 'Idiot'. Even so, she and her peers had to more or less stand there and pretend they couldn't overhear the incessant whispering going on. It wasn't always easy having enhanced perception. She occupied her mind by adjusting her clothing. Everyone wore some variation of a traditional Samino kimono.

The women wore light colours, wrapped with a patterned sash, while the men wore dark greys and blacks, with the addition of loose jackets that emphasised their forms. Serena's kimono was decorated with silver thread that wove itself into shapes of war: swords, spears and other bladed weapons. Meanwhile, while Amelia had chosen a flowery design like most women, she'd refused to let Serena talk her out of buying the red sash with depictions of peekas playing embossed upon it.

What was it with this human and her obsession with peekas!? At least Amelia looked good in red. It matched her crimson eyes. Time passed while Serena talked with the other nobles, mainly discussing the fire and congratulating them on their diligent and dutiful work in slowing the fire's spread. The topic of Lord Kanamori's effective exile was avoided. Instead, people took the shameless opportunity to build connections with Amelia.

"Lord-Prospect, House Fuwara would love to extend a welcome…"

"The moons must have blessed us that night for you to be there…"

"Have you seen the new play in the theatre? It's highly reviewed. Perhaps you would…?"

"He's here," Highlord Yasuda growled, prompting everyone to stop their unbearably polite harassment. Greatlord Oshiro strode through the entrance and, as if he cast a spell on the entire ceremonial grounds, silence descended once his presence made itself known. He approached the noble waiting area first, flanked by his guards. His face seemed devoid of the tension Serena had seen the last time they spoke. Instead, he seemed light and cheerful.

"Welcome," he intoned, stopping in front of the group, who all bowed in unison.

"It is I who should be bowing to you, Lords of the East," he said with a smile.

"You have done a great service to our city. While these little metallic horns I'll be pinning to your chest seem small in comparison to your large deeds, I assure you I will never forget your actions that day." He bowed respectfully.

"As is tradition, we'll be handing out bronze first, then silver and then gold. Many of you will go last and leave last. It's a lot of waiting, but I'll be up there even longer!" He smiled.

"If I knew how much standing around there would be, I would have never accepted my ascension to Greatlord!" His jest earned him some polite laughter.

"Now, excuse me," he continued, tilting his head in the direction of the other waiting area.

"I now need to make our other guests very uncomfortable." To some more laughter, Greatlord Oshiro left and approached the other group. At the sight of the approaching Greatlord, most people grew white, and some even began trembling. Such was the presence of a Greatlord to an ordinary citizen. Unless you were a Lord or Highlord who regularly interacted with one of them, the sheer gravitas and power they exuded with every motion and word put even battle-hardened warriors on edge.

While Greatlord Oshiro did his best to calm the others' nerves, the seating around the edges began to fill up as the family members poured in. The ceremonial grounds featured two rows of seating on the sides and a designated seating area at the far end, overlooking the raised stage. It didn't take long for Serena to see her father, mother, and Lani settle into seats at the far end, positioned at the front row with the families of the other Highlords of Asamaywa. Grandmother isn't there, Serena thought.

Hopefully, no illness had befallen the old demon. Lani waved enthusiastically before her mother grabbed her hand and forced it to her side. Even so, Amelia waved back, which delighted Lani and set off a hushed but heated argument between her and her mother. Her highlord father seemed to be trying to pretend he was somewhere else. Shame Nina isn't in the area, Serena mused. It's been a while. I wonder how she'd react to Amelia?

Making a mental note to send her smartest sister a letter in the near future, Serena waited while Greatlord Oshiro took his place at the podium and for the seats to fill. A few assistants coordinated things on the stage, making last-minute adjustments and then leaving to position themselves near both waiting areas. Then, a long silence developed. It was as if an unspoken cue informed everyone to stop talking. The anticipation built until the bell towers across the city suddenly rang their hourly chime.

Greatlord Oshiro must have been waiting for them, as he immediately began his speech once they finished.

"Welcome," he boomed.

"Lords of the East! Citizens of the Empire! Welcome! I stand before you today as not only the Lord of the City, but a Lord in mourning! I grieve, no less and no more than you do, at the tragedy that befell our great city!" Greatlord Oshiro continued to give an overview of the inferno, the official report of its origins, and how the city fought so tirelessly to contain it.

He didn't mention the Suijin embodiment directly, only referencing that due to the threat to Asamaywa Station, a decision had been made to reveal one of the Empire's strategic assets. Then, he observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims. Once the sombre period of reflection ended, Greatlord Oshiro spoke, saying, "Attendants, if you please."

The attendants near the waiting group on the other side began flicking through their papers, directing a group of four civilians to make their way down the ceremonial grounds. Serena could hear the attendant walking with them, giving them instructions on ceremonial etiquette: when to bow and where to stand.

"Doing four at once," someone nearby said approvingly.

"It'll go quick then." The others murmured their agreement. The four made their way to the stage and, one by one, they were rewarded with their Bronze Horns. Greatlord Oshiro would introduce each one by name, their position in society, and what actions they undertook to earn them the reward. The actions were varied, but all were impressive in their own right.

"For volunteering to open warehouses for those who had lost everything."

"For risking his life by knocking on hundreds of doors in the opening hour as the fire licked his heels."

"For organising a waterline and delaying the fire until the earth mages could begin their work." The first group had their Bronze Horns pinned to their chests and were scuttled off to the side to begin the lengthy waiting process. Group after group went up, pulling students, civilians, and other individuals who had contributed selflessly to the firefighting efforts. Hinako Aikawa was in one of the last groups, earning herself a Bronze Horn for her magical aid.

The student named Daichi Ishitani also earned himself a Bronze Horn for volunteering his skills in construction work over the last month. Serena briefly wondered if anyone else knew the prideful demon had only done so because Amelia wouldn't welcome him into her private training sessions otherwise. Eventually, after nearly two hours had passed, the last of the Bronze Horns was awarded. A short break was announced before the Silver Horns would be given out. Serena glanced at her family.

Her father was sitting proudly, demonstrating every bit the diligent highlord that he was. Her mother looked on with an annoyed expression – it didn't take Serena long to see why. Lani slouched in her chair and seemed to refuse to sit up. Serena wasn't entirely certain, but she swore Lani was repeatedly muttering the word 'bored'. Serena chuckled to herself. Her stubborn, annoying sister grated her nerves almost every time they met, but she still loved Lani dearly. Reminds me of someone else… she thought idly.

After some time, Greatlord Oshiro resumed the ceremony. His voice remained strong and as reliable as a lift engine, booming across the open space. He read out the contributions and achievements of the Silver Horn recipients. Emalina Honda earned hers for organising the hundred-person medical operation that kept so many from dying before Amelia's magic could heal them.

Gregory Takeda, the head of the Department of Engineering, earned his Silver Horn for efficiently and quickly guiding the hundreds of people involved in constructing the earthen walls, and effectively redirecting a nearby stream to flood part of the lowlands, thereby slowing the fire down significantly. Ryosuke earned his for overseeing the warriors at the fire's edge, taking enormous strain from Highlord Yasuda. Mel also earned herself a Silver Horn.

With Amelia's wards, she had been able to throw herself into the flames again and again, working with Serena to bring back the injured and trapped citizens. The poor girl looked like she was going to pass out on stage, but she kept it together. She'll make a fine officer, Serena thought, looking at the Silver Horn pinned to Mel's chest. I made the right choice in picking her. Then, finally, after almost another hour, it was time for the recipients of the Golden Horns. By now, the number of people left was few.

Serena, Amelia and Lunaria were the only ones from the academy. There was also the Earthlord and the handful of warriors who had run into the inferno repeatedly with Serena, surviving only thanks to Amelia's wards and healing. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. They went up one by one instead of in groups of four. The warriors went first, pride and gratitude plastered upon their faces.

For the Golden Horn recipients, Greatlord Oshiro took even longer to introduce each one, emphasising their previous achievements in depth before their contributions relating to the fire. When he pinned the Golden Horn on their chest, the audience erupted into rapturous applause. The Earthlord went up next, followed by Lunaria. They both earned their horns for essentially doing the work of a hundred normal mages.

Lunaria was especially complimented by the Greatlord, who stated that the station would have almost certainly been engulfed in flame if Lunaria hadn't used her massive aether capabilities to shift the rocky foundations. Then it was Highlord Yasuda's turn, and in almost no time at all, only two were left. Serena and Amelia.

"Lord Halen," an attendant spoke.

"If you could follow me, please."

"See you in a bit," Serena muttered to Amelia. Her girlfriend didn't respond; she seemed preoccupied with chanting mantras that sounded oddly like the phrases 'no one is watching' and 'no need to be nervous'. She'd be fine, wouldn't she? Serena walked the length of the ceremonial grounds with the attendant. She could feel all eyes on her, but that was fine. As captain of the Vengeance and instructor of the Asamaywa Academy, Serena was more than used to being the centre of attention.

She strode up the platform steps and stood before her Lord Superior. Greatlord Oshiro began describing who she was and listing her achievements, focusing on her valuable contributions to the war, both on and off the battlefield. When it came to the fire, he emphasised that Serena, under her invocation of Narean, had braved the hottest of flames and rescued the most people individually out of all other warriors.

Photographers took the opportunity to take as many photographs as possible, prompting a few dozen hisses of steam to sound when Greatlord Oshiro pinned the Golden Horn on her chest.

"I imagine this won't be the last time I'm pinning an award on you," Greatlord Oshiro muttered.

"Let's hope next time is under better circumstances, don't you think so, Lord Halen?"

"Yes, Greatlord," Serena replied, bowing deeply when he took a step back.

"It's an honour to serve you, our Overlord, and the Empress above." With the formalities over, Serena took her position next to the other recipients. Greatlord Oshiro wasted no time, already beginning his speech as Amelia approached the platform. Looking at her, she looked every bit like an elegant lady, confidently striding towards her deserved accolades. But Serena knew her girlfriend's stomach was twisting inside. Nothing would go wrong, right?

"It is with great honour that I award the next recipient," he began.

"Those of us who haven't been reading the headlines in the last few months would have still heard her spoken of by other names. The 'Golden Healer', 'Lady Thornheart of the Lowlands', and even…" Greatlord Oshiro paused momentarily." Saint Amelia. In such a short time, she's left her mark of love and kindness upon the world of demons. As our war ends, this noble woman symbolises unity between our two races. She emphasises our desire for prosperity and peace! I, of course, refer to Lord-Prospect Amelia Thornheart!"

He finished his opening introduction by dramatically gesturing to the side of the stage where Amelia was walking up the steps with an uneasy smile. And, just as everyone began clapping, Amelia tripped on the last step.

She took one stumbling step, then two, then seemed like she was going to stabilise before collapsing face-first into the wooden ground with a distinctive thud that echoed around the ceremonial grounds far more than it had any right to. Serena had never seen an audience start and stop clapping so quickly. A few whimpers of sympathy were muttered from those around her.

"Oh dear…"

"Ouch…"

"Oof…"

"Damn it," Amelia muttered, accepting the hand of a nearby attendant. She clambered to her feet, fixing her sash and uniform that had become untidy, all while looking at the floor and mumbling, "Just a dream, just a dream…" She finished fixing her clothing, put on her characteristic grin, and strode forward with determined steps, as if it had never happened. It was an almost flawless continuation if it weren't for her face, burning as red as the Red Moon itself!

Serena reckoned that if she pushed her aura into orange and focused a little, she would be able to hear Amelia's pounding heartbeat. Poor Amelia. Serena made a mental note to hug her on the carriage ride back.

"Ahem!" Greatlord Oshiro began. Before continuing with Amelia, he took a moment to tell a story of when he embarrassed himself as a young lord. To ordinary citizens watching, it must have come across as a tactful attempt to reset the mood and ease Amelia's awkwardness. Those who understood that a Greatlord's actions were often far more calculated didn't miss the secondary implication under the story. I'm willing to embarrass myself to protect Amelia Thornheart.

"Amelia's benevolent actions saved the lives of hundreds of demons, perhaps even thousands," Greatlord Oshiro announced to the seated attendees.

"Her expertly cast wards protected many of her fellow Golden Horn recipients as they delved again and again into the white hot fires. Her healing of those pulled from the inferno gave them a second chance at life. Despite knowing it would exhaust her, Amelia's grand spellwork even covered those working at the fire's edge, saving even more lives!" Serena didn't miss the not-so-subtle implication that Amelia's spells exhausted her. She'd spoken about this messaging before with Amelia.

It was all to construct a narrative where Amelia and her Lord Superior would have a handy excuse to politely push back on requests for her healing, allowing some breathing room in the future. The photographers went wild when Greatlord Oshiro approached her with the Golden Horn. Over steam hissing, Serena heard Greatlord Oshiro quietly say, "You're not the first to trip on those steps, believe me."

Then, he leaned forward slightly and whispered, "Don't worry; you'll have a chance to redeem yourself at the ceremonial dinner. You'll be carving." He bent back with a grin as Amelia's eyes widened and her mouth opened.

"Only jesting," he said before turning around and announcing the next part of the schedule to everyone. Poor Amelia! Serena made another mental note to give her an extra-long massage to make up for today. She would massage these awkward memories out of her. Seven hells, Serena thought. I'm such a good girlfriend, aren't I? With the pinning ceremony complete, they were let go individually to line up in front of the stage.

It took half an hour but was still much quicker as it was more of a final roll call than anything else. Once positioned, Greatlord Oshiro loudly declared, "Lords of the East!" All the attending Lord-Prospects, Lords, and Highlords sitting in the special seating area stood up. Serena glanced up to see her father standing tall, his face filled with pride.

"In honour of those that serve with excellence, we bow!" Greatlord Oshiro shouted before bowing to the medal recipients deeply. Then, all the lords in the special seating followed suit and bowed. Serena heard more than a few civilians swallow. To them, having a regular Lord, let alone a Greatlord, bow to them out of respect was almost too much to handle. With the act of gratitude finished, the main part of the ceremony was over.

Families were allowed to come down from the stands to mingle with their sons and daughters. At the same time, dozens of attendants suddenly appeared and began setting up chairs and tables for the upcoming celebration dinner. They would be eating out in the open.

"Did you hear what he said to me!?" Amelia hastily whispered.

"I felt like I was going to cry… hey!" Her girlfriend puffed her cheeks out.

"Why do you look like you're trying not to laugh!"

"I'm not!" Serena countered while biting the inside of her cheek.

"You did great," she continued.

"No one will remember what happened anyway," she added reassuringly.

"Daughter!" a familiar voice called. Serena turned to see her father making his way through the crowd with her mother and Lani behind them. Serena barely opened her mouth before she was captured by her father's arms.

"A recommendation to commodore and now a Golden Horn!" her father intoned, squeezing her tight.

"You and Nina just keep raising the status of this family! I'm proud of you!" Serena smiled but awkwardly detached herself from her father's grasp.

"Thank you, Father. Mother! It's great to see you! And Lani… are you behaving?"

"No," her mother said.

"Yes!" Lani chirped, hugging Serena.

"Big Sister! My horns are getting bigger, aren't they!?"

"Lani!" Mother snapped.

"It's fine." Serena couldn't stop herself from smiling. She rubbed her sister's back before stepping back.

"Hmm… I think they're much bigger. What do you think, Amelia?"

"Yeah!" Amelia gave Lani a happy thumbs up.

"You'll overtake Serena in no time!"

"Hehe!" Lani giggled before suddenly pointing at Amelia.

"Amelia! You have to come to my academy!"

"W-what?" Amelia blustered.

"Why!?"

"Because no one there believes I'm friends with the Amelia Thornheart! They keep calling me a liar!"

"Oh my!" Amelia opened her mouth in mock indignation.

"We can't have that! Only… are you keeping up with your studies?" Now, it was Lani's turn to be flustered.

"W-why does that matter?"

"You promised me you'd put your best effort in every workbook they gave you, didn't you?" Amelia pressed forward, leaning in slightly.

"You can't ask me a favour if you don't fulfil your promise to me, isn't that right? Hmm?"

"... Yes," Lani muttered.

"Are you keeping up with them?"

"... Maybe," Lani answered in a small voice, chewing her lip.

"She most certainly is not," her mother interrupted with a motherly glare.

"She was good for maybe… How long was it, Lani? Five days? Hmm?" She crossed her arms as Lani shrank under the disapproving gaze.

"Well… oh!" Lani's eyes suddenly widened.

"I see someone from my academy over there! It was an honour seeing you again, Amelia! See you later!" Before anyone could stop her, she quickly bowed and bounced away to a group of teenagers who had gathered in their own space, away from the intimidating adults and nobles.

"She's still the same," Serena said, giving her parents a sympathetic stare.

"How's Nina doing? Have you had any communication?"

"Only to inform her of your award," her father answered.

"She gave her congratulations and wanted to attend herself, but she couldn't get the time off. She's been put in charge of some important project that she can't talk much about. I think she's travelling a lot. The last aethergram from her was routed from Killion!" Killion? What would Nina be doing in the Southern Terra-Firma?

"What about grandmother? Didn't she want to come?"

"We wanted her to, but she said"–her father sighed–"that if she had to leave the house every time you earned a medal, she'd be travelling until she keeled over." He frowned momentarily.

"I think that was her way of saying she's proud of you…" That sounded just like her. Still, Serena would like to see her grandmother again before leaving. The old devil was getting on, and Serena wouldn't have many more opportunities to spend time with her.

"Are you staying for long?" she asked her father.

"We're set to sail shortly after graduation, but I'd like a family meal if you can fit it in. I'm busy myself, so no promises." As their leaving date drew closer, Serena's workload increased by the day. Her gunnery officers under Thorne were finishing up their training at the Asamaywa Gunnery School, and the installation of the new Ambler Firing Tables was being finalised and tested. Not only that, but she still needed to work with Amelia to settle on the final names for their softhorn elite squad.

"We'll find time." Her father nodded reassuringly.

"Amelia, you're welcome to come," her mother added sweetly.

"Oh! Thank you!" Amelia's bright expression brightened further.

"It'll be an honour, only…" She leaned in slightly.

"Please don't make me carve." Her mother raised a hand to her mouth, laughing politely.

"Follow me, dear. Let's take a walk around the grounds while you tell me about that lovely kimono of yours. Did Serena help you pick it out? There's a lovely shop near…" Her mother expertly led Amelia away. Serena wasn't concerned. After Amelia healed the slums, her mother had changed her tune. There was no sign of her prior subtle dislike. With Amelia becoming the talk of the Empire, even her mother couldn't deny the advantages it would bring to align her with House Halen.

Serena watched them momentarily before turning to her father and whispering, "Does she… know?"

"About? Oh…" Her father had a complex expression on his face. He looked around to make sure no one was nearby before whispering.

"I think so, but you know what she's like. She might never bring it up unless something…" He tensed his jaw, a look of worry forming on his face.

"Unless something obvious happens."

"I see," Serena replied.

"As long as Lani doesn't find out…" She trailed off, happy to see her father nodding in agreement. Lani had stumbled upon her and Amelia practically undressing each other in Shimashina, and only by Amelia's quick thinking had she been able to fool the innocent teenager. Should Lani find out for real… well, Serena didn't know exactly what her little sister would do. But it probably wouldn't be good. With the cry of the city's bells, the afternoon became evening and the dinner began.

It was a neat affair with the nobles and their families maintaining polite conversation while the citizens from the lowlands tried not to draw too much attention to themselves but still whispered excitedly over the expertly cooked dishes. Down the table, Serena noticed one young man sitting next to Mel, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. It was Mel's brother, and he spent most of the meal picking at his food.

He cast more than a few glances towards Amelia, but once he met Serena's eyes he never looked their way again. Judging by how Mel's parents were doting on their daughter and her Silver Horn, it seemed they had a new favourite child to fawn over. Well, it was his fault for attacking Amelia so cowardly. With food eaten, people mingled. Many nobles tried to establish ties with Amelia, but only a few were brave enough to attempt it while she was standing next to Serena's highlord father.

Amelia handled it well enough, giving polite non-answers. If the person pushed too far, Serena would just give them a glare and they'd back away. Slowly, as the sun began to dip low, people and their families excused themselves and returned to their homes. Just as Serena thought it might be time to go, Greatlord Oshiro appeared.

"Lady Halen," he intoned politely to Serena's mother.

"Highlord," he greeted her father.

"Greatlord," they replied in unison.

"I'm afraid I must take Lord-Prospect Thornheart with me. There are one or two people who have been waiting a long time to meet her. One of whom is a grumpy old member of the clergy who's been the source of a headache for me. Ah…" Seeing Amelia's expression, Greatlord Oshiro glanced between her and Serena.

"Would you prefer it if Lord Halen accompanied you? I know she's been a supportive pair of horns in helping you navigate high society."

"Mmm! Yes, please!" Amelia nodded, the worry that started to form on her face quickly melting away.

"Both of you it is, then," the greatlord said with a nod.

"Lady, Highlord, thank you for your brief company." He nodded towards Serena's parents before turning and striding across the ceremonial grounds.

"Don't wait for us," Serena said hastily.

"I'll send you an aethergram afterwards!"

"Alright," her father replied.

"Good luck!" With that, Serena and Amelia were led through a door and down a corridor, stopping outside a sliding door. She had no illusions about who was on the other side of the door. Greatlord Oshiro had discussed the man in their prior meeting, and Serena had extensively talked about the matter with Amelia since. It was time for Amelia to meet the cardinal.