The coronation ceremony was successfully completed, followed by the investiture ceremony for the ministers.
"Defense Minister Shanks, awarded the title of nobility..."
Red-haired Uncle slowly walked up to the high platform. Under the gaze of the crowd, Draco personally pinned the noble medal on him.
"Everyone, I am Shanks, serving as the Defense Minister."
"I hope everyone can give me some face and continue to maintain the stability of the Principality of Nazarick."
Shanks' words were concise and powerful, immediately drawing a round of cheers.
"War Marshal Benimaru, awarded the title of nobility..."
"Court Archmage Shuna, awarded the title of nobility..."
"Administrative Minister Shion, awarded..."
One title after another was conferred, and the entire coronation ceremony proceeded smoothly.
Except for the Guardians of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, everyone else received their due respect and honor.
Even the little girl Kurumi received a noble badge, which made Milim in the stands green with envy.
After the investiture was the military parade.
Led by Cocytus, an army of two hundred thousand marched in perfect unison through the square. The shocking scene left countless people in awe.
The purpose of the parade, besides showing the majesty of the empire, was also to intimidate those with ill intentions.
On the viewing platform, envoys from various nations fixed their gazes on the marching soldiers, their expressions solemn.
Carrion spoke to the Three Beastmen behind him.
"Phobio, Sophia, you were curious before why I cared so much about this country. Now you know."
Black Panther Fang Phobio frowned. "My Lord, such powerful military strength—how on earth did they do it?"
"I heard they have a devil instructor known as the Abyssal Demon. It took two years of hellish training to achieve this effect."
White Tiger Claw Sophia didn't care much about that; instead, she developed a deep interest in executives like Benimaru.
Sensing the faint but powerful aura emanating from them, Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly.
Beside her, Frey also looked grave, her previous dismissive thoughts instantly retracted.
A country like this could only be befriended, never provoked; otherwise, the consequences would be endless.
Dwarf King Gazel was in a terrible mood, staring intently at the twenty thousand pegasi flying in the sky.
Although he had seen the battle footage against the Kistav army in a recording stone and was mentally prepared, King Gazel still couldn't help but gasp.
But seeing it in person still made him click his tongue in disbelief.
Over a thousand years, the Dwarf Kingdom had barely managed to assemble a five-hundred-man Sky-Soaring Knights, hiding them away like treasures as a secret weapon.
Yet Nazarick casually produced a twenty-thousand-strong Pegasus corps as if it were child's play!
This dealt him a heavy blow, even giving him the urge to question the meaning of life.
No one had dared to enter Milim's territory since ancient times, which allowed the ecology within her lands to be preserved.
Pegasi, which were rare magical beasts in the outside world, were found all over the forests in Milim's territory, traveling in herds.
At the same time, King Gazel felt somewhat fortunate that he had established an alliance with Nazarick early on.
Thanks to the divine assist from the Kingdom of Falmuth!
The army of two hundred thousand advanced slowly.
At this moment, Yellow Snake Horn Albis, who had been silent behind Carrion, pointed at the approaching beastman army and asked in surprise.
"My Lord, why are beastmen from our Beast Kingdom appearing here?"
Carrion shook his head, signaling her not to get agitated.
"They are slaves!"
"The citizens and warriors of Nazarick are mostly of slave origin. This Draco is the savior who rescued them."
"Haven't you noticed? The eyes of these people below are filled with fanaticism, as if they are willing to give their lives for him at any moment."
"This is almost becoming a faith."
Carrion's words fell into the ears of several people, leaving Albis deep in thought.
"Actually, if Clayman hadn't dragged me out this time, I wouldn't have known that a large number of my beastman subjects were being sold as slaves."
Carrion said in a deep voice, "Investigate this as soon as you return. I want to see which slave trader dares to reach into our territory!"
"Yes!" x3
On the stands, while others were full of worry, only Rimuru and Milim's side were jubilant.
The few of them were like children, waving their arms at the distance and shouting loudly.
As the military parade came to a perfect close and dusk fell, the grand festival had only just begun.
People dispersed from the square, clearing the space.
Viewing from above the city, one would see a long red dragon traversing the entire city from east to west.
It was a street composed of various stalls.
Countless red lanterns were hung high, looking exceptionally brilliant in the night sky.
The stalls on both sides of the street offered all kinds of delicacies and games.
There were also performing artists playing music on stages, attracting the surrounding crowds.
This grand festival would last for seven days. During this time, food and drinks on the streets were provided for free—as much as one could eat.
Of course, besides that, there were many other entertainments.
Taking advantage of the gap while the venue was still being prepared, Draco came up to the stands.
"Everyone, it will take some time for the evening party to begin. Before that, why not take a bath and change your clothes?"
"We shall follow the host's arrangements."
"A bath? Are there hot springs here?"
"Yay!"
Milim and the others cheered upon hearing this and followed Draco to the hot spring bathhouse.
Naturally, men and women were separated.
In the spacious hot spring pool, everyone lay comfortably in the water, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
"Mare, why aren't you coming in?"
"Lord, um, I..."
Mare scratched his head, his face flushing red.
"Mare, this is an order from the Lord."
"Yes..."
"Demiurge, no need to be so serious. It's a rare opportunity; you all should relax well these few days."
"Thank you for your grace, My Lord," Demiurge said respectfully.
In the bath, Kabaru, Gido, Fiz, and King Gazel were the most relaxed, chatting freely in the water without any reservations.
Rimuru turned back into his Slime form and floated on the water.
Carrion and Phobio appeared a bit more constrained.
Next door was the women's bath, where the sounds of feminine chatter and laughter were constant.
Draco was somewhat curious about how these women could get along so harmoniously.
Festival
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