Chapter 51 - 51: Winter Solstice (1/2)

The Winter Solstice is only several days away. It is a celebration everyone anticipates to honor the Goddess of Astra.

Everyone continues to ensure that everything is safe, and the celebration will commence without fail. It is a significant event, after all.

Captain Jairu and his men are responsible around the Temple Grounds while Lord Tiger sends her men to assist them. So far, everything is indeed perfect, and according to plan.

Meanwhile, the reassignment of the two remaining battalions is also inevitable. There is really nothing more they can do in Limes Temple.

Days before the event, Eu requested the Divine Lord to change their deployments. She states their presence is not required there anymore, and they might be valuable somewhere else.

She hates to see them leave, but they need a place where they can utilize their abilities and skills.

”I'm sorry. I suggested your reassignments on the border.” Eu confessed.

She approaches and hands Aryen and Presea's order doc.u.ments from Captain Jairu. She believes that they are perfect guarding the border than spend their days in Limes Temple.

”Don't worry, Little one. We don't need special powers to foresee this from happening. Besides, Reone is already there.” Presea said as she receives her reassignment doc.u.ments.

She adores the little girl from the start, and it is really sad to part ways with her. She knows that they will still cross their paths again eventually.

Meanwhile, Aryen only smiles as he received his doc.u.ments. He had a feeling that she planned everything since the beginning and admires her foresight.

She made them train for seven years because she knew the dangers they will face. Well then, he can only be thankful for meeting her.

Eu only responded with a smile.

Aryen and Presea decided to move out as earliest time possible. They reluctantly left the Temple Grounds as they bid Eu and the others goodbyes.

Their seven-year stay in the Limes Temple Grounds and meeting Eu has indeed been eventful.

Looking back, they are just small units assigned under a little girl. They shunned the idea and considered it the Divine Lord's punishment.

Then again, as days gone by, meeting Captain Jairu, his men, Little Eu, and the others, they can say it was indeed a blessing.

Their experiences, their training, and their encounter are memorable. It was indeed sad to part ways with everyone.

Then again, they have to look ahead and face the new challenges life has in stored for them.

It was not the end but a new beginning.

People come and go.

Nonetheless, they will cross paths once again…

Late night before the festivities, the Divine Lord Foeni and the four Holy Guardian Lords discreetly arrive at the premises.

Captain Jairu and the Lords head straight to the study to discuss matters with him. Jairu reports to them the situation around Inner Courts. The Holy Lords also gave input and give information they gathered around the Realm.

The Divine Lord Foeni listens to them attentively and analyzes the situation.

So far, everything is indeed well, but everyone remains cautious. They still fail to figure out plenty of details about their enemy.

Besides, he has the ability to strike when they least expect after all.

The day of the festive event finally arrived.

Thus far, everything progresses according to their arrangements.

The sky is cloudy and chilly, and the cold wind blows against their bare faces. Everyone is wearing thick clothing to protect them from the biting cold that day.

Some have scarves wrapped on their necks, wearing hooded cloaks and coats. Despite the threats, many still attend to join and witness the festivities.

Limes Temple is beautifully decorated with delicate, colorful linens, while sweet winter roses scent filled the air. Solas Gems scattered around and floating to illuminate the grounds.

It was a spectacular sight.

Limes Temple offers food and refreshments for their guests. While some sell souvenirs and trinkets to bring home.

The once solemn place is now crowded with worshipers from all walks of life. In this time and place, everyone is equal.

Eu and her companions lend a hand to assist the Temple Guards. She entrusted Di'Anon and Seig to monitor everything in order to prevent any mishaps.

Not long, the moment all the Solas Gems dimmed, the ritual ceremony commences.

Everyone is silent.

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Along time ago, this ritual ceremony was only done in Themis. Limes Temple adopted this custom from the Oracles when they evacuated two hundred years ago.

Unfortunately, the Oracles can't attend this year and let the Divine Lord and Holy Guardian Lords facilitate on their behalf.

Looking back, the Divine Lord can barely recall the original facilitator of this event. The Oracles only assisted and ensure everything is in order back then.

Changes were made because of the transitions. They merged their customs with Mystic Spirit, and the Winter Festival is born.

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Ever since that day, this festivity is important and highly anticipated by everyone in this Realm as well.

Not long after the ceremony, Eu and the Holy Guardian Lords finally met. It's also been a while since they last saw each other.