Chapter 361 Closing Ceremony 2/3 (1/2)
The closing ceremony had finally arrived.
Unlike the past, the closing ceremony was now held at the Main Square in front of the palace. There were two reasons for this change; one, Lydia was the person who organized the midsummer festival and second, the Sacred Arena had been severely damaged due to the battle between Rhode and Waltz.
The countless people gathered at the Main Square gazed fervently at the castle towers, softly exchanging words with each other. The aftermath of the midsummer festival still lingered among the people, and they couldn't help but discuss what was about to happen.
In the past, the midsummer festival was an unspoken tradition for the four Guilds to duke it out with each other. Many people had grown weary of such an arrangement that had already lasted for centuries, so when Rhode and his entourage appeared and broke the tradition, he immediately garnered the attention of everyone.
A mysterious mercenary group leader that popped out from nowhere, leading a bunch of average mercenaries to defeat Sky Sword, Purple Lily, and Liberty Wings? Outrageously outstanding!
Furthermore, there was that rumor that spread like wildfire after Starlight defeated Liberty Wings — it was practically impossible for the Northerners to keep silent after being ridiculed over the past years! Starlight's presence could be said to be the solution to their bottled up anger and frustration. Both nobles and regular citizens alike were ultimately still humans; they had their pride and hated to be oppressed, so they immediately lashed out the moment the chance came.
They might not be Rhode's supporters, but praising Rhode's name meant that they could cause the other side to tremble in anger — something that they absolutely delighted in doing. Whether unaware or not, their actions increased Starlight's prestige and influence in the city.
But of course, when there is light, there is also darkness. The conflict became a vicious cycle; the stronger the support, the stronger the objection. Southerners would rather dig their graves than to give Starlight or Rhode any respect. From their perspective, Rhode was merely a dog of the noble families, and Marlene's identity further reinforced their beliefs.
Clearly, this man called Rhode was part of the powerful nobles whose purpose was to kill their hope with despicable means. Not only did he defeat Sky Sword and Liberty Wings, he even publically executed their hero Rosen and forced Waltz to turn into a depraved demon. Everything was orchestrated by this evil man!
However, we will never give up. No matter how powerful you are, our hearts will never yield to you and always be free. Perhaps the shameless nobles will recognize your success, but we will not acknowledge it!
As Rhode led his men towards the Main Square, all he could hear were waves of hisses coming from the crowd. Many stood upright with their wide-opened mouths, hurling dissatisfaction at Rhode and his mercenary group. While there was no physical contact, the sound of their hissing was enough to bring Rhode back to the center stage.
Some of the nobles from King's Party looked at Rhode with respect. Vanity had always existed in humans; although both sides were against each other due to a difference in ideology, they still respected Rhode's unwavering stature in the midst of the all the jeering.
Rhode appeared totally unaffected by his surroundings and even dug his ear with his finger. This sparked the wrath of some people who tried to break through the blockade set by the battle angels.
Eventually, their jeering became louder, but Rhode merely swept a glance at them and displayed a bored expression as though they were nothing but insignificant garbage before turning to Marlene to chat.
Who can tolerate this?!
Aggravated once more, the hissings once again reached a new high.
Since you look down on us, we will show you what we can do! We're going to make a ruckus so you can't even have a conversation. Let's see if you will show some respect!
However, as much as they tried to disrupt Rhode's conversation, their voice became hoarse from the incessant screaming. Soon enough, their jeering turned into a mess, and Rhode cast a sneer before turning back to chat with Marlene.
”Mr. Rhode, I think you'd better not provoke them anymore.”
Marlene looked at Rhode hopelessly. This was her first time witnessing this side of Rhode. Although she knew that he was a self-determined and unwavering person, for him to actually disregard their taunts… perhaps he was the only one in the whole of the Munn Kingdom capable of doing this.