357 Coming Of Age Ceremony Part Two

A large stage was erected out in the middle of the city. This event was for all citizens no matter if they were nobles or commoners, all were allowed to come and join the feast. It was a day of celebration like no other. Streamers, flags, balloons, and banners filled the streets. Confetti fell from the rooftops. The streets were filled with such vibrant colors that those who came out to join the festivities, even if they were in a bad mood their spirits would be lifted right away.

The stage was set and the day the Princess that the people of Alastine looked up to the most, the one person who every little girl wished to be like, was coming of age on this day. Even the young men wished to be in the running to be her marriage partner. But those dreams got shot down quickly when it was announced her wedding day would be announced to all. 

"Are you ready?" King Augustus asked. The smile on his face could not be hidden. But when he looked up at the young man holding her hand, he couldn't help but frown. He wished he was in his place! 'Wasn't it the father's duty to escort his daughter who had just come of age!? Why was it this stinky brat!?' 

As if sensing King Augustus's disapproval, Alicia chuckled and said: "Dad, when it is time for my wedding day you get to walk me down the aisle. Since I am announcing my engagement today with Blake, it is only natural for him to be by my side the entire time." 

"Humph!" King Augustus pouted and turned his head like a little kid. 

Alicia couldn't hold back her laughter anymore as she stepped forward and gave him a hug. "You will always be the father I love and care for. Come on let's go, you can each take a hand that's fair right?" 

Feeling a little bit better, King Augustus nodded and gave Blake a mocking look as if to say: 'Look see my daughter loves me best!' 

The group walked on to the large stage garnering a large round of applause and cheering. Alicia could hear the citizens of Alastine giving her their blessing and congratulations. With King Augustus on one side and Blake on the other, she took the lead and walked to the edge of the stage. The way she was dressed made her look like she was the true king alastine completely overshadowing King Augustus's presence. 

Her gaze swept the crowd as she smiled at them all. Using spiritual qi to amplify her voice, Alicia began to speak: "First I want to thank each and every one of you for coming to my coming of age ceremony. Today is the day I turn fifteen. It is the day I become an adult, can begin a family, and take on the responsibilities every adult has to take on. For me, this is also a day where I can give my thanks to you all. Each citizen of Alastine no matter which race you are or what gender you are, are all special. You have helped Alastine grow into a kingdom that does not discriminate against someone's race. I have even seen mixed race couples and find it absolutely amazing.

"I promise no matter what hardships the future may bring, I will do my best as a princess of this great Kingdom of Alastine, that I will protect you all even if it costs me my life.

"On this joyous day that is now the day I become an adult, my heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every single one of you, the citizens of Alastine and for those who have passed on protecting this land, my thanks to you can never be enough. Later I will do a sending of the souls for those, who have lost their lives protecting not only you but me as well." Alicia's speech caused everyone to go silent, some had tears in their eyes listening to these words. 

These words came from the bottom of Alicia's heart. They were words she had always wanted to say to the citizens of Alastine. Once she was done speaking Alicia bowed her head towards the crowd which made them even more taken aback. Not a single one of the citizens of Alastine expected the one who saved their country, feel that it was because of them that they were able to continue on to have such a day like today. It was as if she had turned the day that was supposed to be for her and her only and shared it with the entire kingdom. This was a day for every citizen, not just herself.

After a bout of silence, a massive wave of cheers could be heard from below. In the eyes of the citizens of Alastine, Alicia was like the goddess who descended down and brought them prosperity and good fortune. 

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