[188] A hero's praise

Another week passed and the Elf Palace, a breathtaking testament to the delicate and refined beauty of Elven architecture, was all decked up. It was a scene right out of a fairytale, the whole area bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the Elven lights. Vines draped over elegant stone arches were festooned with lanterns. Fireflies darted about, their soft lights adding to the overall enchantment. The gleaming, intricate palace loomed in the background, its spires reaching for the star-lit sky, making it look as though it was woven from dreams and starlight.

The massive courtyard had been transformed into a dining area, with tables laden with a diverse spread of food and drink. The feast was a breathtaking array of colors and scents. Platters of exotic fruits, roasted meats, and mouth-watering Elven delicacies were arranged neatly on every table. Towering fountains of wine and other aromatic brews gushed, their sweet, intoxicating scent hanging heavily in the air.

Seated around these tables were heroes, leaders, and warriors from all races, their faces glowing with joy and relief. Their animated chatter, the clink of glasses, and the hearty laughter created a melody of celebration. The united army, now not burdened by the weight of an impending battle, looked lighter, their faces creased with smiles and laughter.

The stage at the center had been set for performers - bards and musicians tuning their instruments, dancers stretching, and jesters practicing their tricks. The sounds of flutes being tuned, strings being plucked, and drums being tested filled the air with an eager anticipation.

It was a grand feast, fit for the heroes who had fought valiantly against the demonic forces. The mood was infectious, a powerful celebration of victory, unity, and hope, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Elven palace.

With the sounds of merriment reverberating around me, I stood, my hand raised in a gesture for silence. As if an invisible wave had passed over the crowd, the jubilant noise ceased, the only sound the gentle trickling of the wine fountains and the distant call of a night bird.

"Ladies, gentlemen, friends," I began, my voice resounding with a quiet strength that filled the courtyard. "Before we continue with our celebration tonight, let us take a moment to remember those who aren't with us today."

A hush fell over the assembly, the levity replaced with solemnity. Faces turned serious, eyes lowered in respect, glasses were held closer to the chest.

"Brave men, women, warriors of all races who stood by our side, fought with everything they had, their strength unyielding, their spirit indomitable. They met their end in the battlefield, not out of a desire for glory or fame, but for a cause they believed in. A cause that transcends race and kingdom, that of freedom and unity."

Pausing for a moment, I looked out across the silent crowd. The air was thick with emotion, the flickering lights reflecting off the moist eyes of the toughest warriors.

"We owe them our freedom, our peace, our unity. We owe them this victory. Let us take a moment to remember them, to honor them. Let their names, their deeds, their sacrifices never be forgotten."

As my voice faded, I lowered my head in a silent tribute to the fallen, my fist clenched over my heart. And in that moment, the Elf Palace's grand courtyard was filled with a deafening silence, a heartfelt tribute to the ones who had given up their lives for the greater good.

Raising my head, I let my gaze sweep across the gathered crowd, their faces softened by the tribute, their eyes glistening under the warm glow of the elven lanterns.

"But tonight," I said, my voice echoing in the still air, "is also a celebration. A celebration of our victory, yes, but more importantly, of our survival. And we would not be here tonight if it were not for each and every one of you."

Pointing out into the crowd, I continued. "To the soldiers, who fought bravely on the front lines, who stood shoulder to shoulder against an enemy of unimaginable strength and horror. You, with your unyielding courage and determination, are the shield that protected our homes, our loved ones."

Moving my hand towards another section, I added, "And to the healers, the blacksmiths, the farmers, the craftspeople. You, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing us with the necessary tools, nourishment, and care we needed to continue fighting. Your contributions may have been silent, but they were invaluable."

My gaze then fell upon a group of young children at the edge of the crowd. "And to the children," I said, my voice softening, "who provided us with the greatest motivation to fight: hope. Your smiles, your laughter, they reminded us of why we were fighting, of what we were protecting."

"As we stand here tonight, victorious and united, let us remember that this victory was won not by a single hero, not by a single race, but by all of us, standing together, fighting together."

Raising my glass high, I concluded, "To you all, the true heroes of this war. Thank you, and congratulations!"

The courtyard erupted in applause and cheers, glasses clinked together in a symphony of victory as the celebration continued, imbued with a newfound respect and appreciation for the strength and unity of the diverse crowd.

A chorus of laughter erupted from the girls as they looked at each other, their eyes glinting with mischief. "Alright, boss," Sera began, her voice carrying an uncharacteristic hint of playfulness, "It's your turn to fly."

Before I could even react, they all grabbed hold of me and hoisted me up above their heads. "Whoa, wait—" I protested, but my words were lost in the roars of the crowd.

"One," Aurelia counted, her fiery eyes dancing with amusement.

"Two," chimed in Kuroko, grinning broadly, her feline ears twitching in excitement.

"Three!" They all shouted in unison, and before I knew it, I was flying through the air.

The world spun around me as I was tossed from one pair of hands to another, a whirl of smiling faces and outstretched arms. Cheers of "For Wang-Yi-Fei!" echoed around the room, and despite myself, I couldn't help but laugh. It was a dizzying, exhilarating feeling, being carried by the very people I'd fought alongside, their happiness and admiration palpable in their cheers and laughter.

Amidst the chaos, I spotted Nia's flirtatious wink, Yuki's playful giggle, and Isolde's dominant smirk. Their celebration was as much for our collective victory as it was for the joy they took in this playful moment.

The sea of faces beneath me gradually slowed down as I was gently lowered back onto solid ground. Panting and laughing, I found myself back in the comforting presence of the girls.

"That was quite the ride," I said, trying to catch my breath.

"Well, you deserved it, boss," Sera responded, her tsundere personality giving way to a rare, sincere smile. "After all, heroes should know how it feels to fly."

With that, the crowd erupted in laughter and cheers again, and the celebration continued late into the night, with a joy that only victory could bring.

Q: Do you like going to big parties?