"Is that the city?" A young kid took a peek outside the window, staring at a majestic city in the distance.
His eyes were filled with excitement, the same as the rest of the people inside the trains. They were heading straight toward the city, believing that this might be their new home.
The train slowed down toward an additional wall that was made for a train station. It was still outside the city essentially, and the people would have their luggage checked out to avoid smuggling dangerous goods.
The boy enthusiastically moved to the very front. "Is that the Lord?"
After that, they were stopped by the soldiers right in front of the gate. There was a platform right in front of the gate. Thousands of people were standing in the road, looking at the gallant figure that gradually climbed the platform.
Anna wasn't on his side this time. Instead, she was watching along with the pillars as well as all the important people in the city.
With such high expectations coming from their gaze, Noel smiled and opened his mouth.
"A few years ago, the Ardagan family was at its peak. My late father had brought back the Ardagan family from the brink of destruction to be the wealthiest family in the kingdom.
"Unfortunately, it was only temporary." Noel closed his eyes with a pained look.
The people had heard the story about the Ardagan family since they had lived here for a year. It was a rather sad story.
At the same time, the Ardagan stood back on its feet again, climbing to the top. "However, the tears have been shed, and the past will remain the past. We learn from our mistakes to face tomorrow.
"This city will become the witness of our path from today onward. No matter the challenges we will face in the future, we will not disappear into the dark, we will not remain quiet.
"We will keep rising back up, we will live on. All the people standing here today know that not every farmer will die as a farmer, not every commoner will die as a commoner.
"I have forged the path not only for me but for all of you. Grasp it and make this city even more beautiful than its current state. I might be the lord of this city, its head... However, all of you are the backbone of our city.
"That's why, as the lord of the Golden Dawn City, I ask you as my friends, my people, and..." Noel put on a sincere smile. "...my family."
The people were staring dumbfoundedly. It had been a rollercoaster of emotion.
Rose felt a bit emotional. Golden Dawn City. That was the name Noel showed her a month ago. The 'Golden' word signified the golden era of the Ardagan family. The way the Ardagan family was about to be destroyed and Noel rebuilt was like a sun rising from the east, illuminating the world from the darkness.
It was the sign of a new era... a new golden era for the Ardagan family. That was why Noel named this city Golden Dawn.
The rest of the pillars smiled. They were proud to serve a master like this. Tristan and Livia clenched their fists. This was the burden they had to carry as the students of Noel Ardagan.
Incetta was watching with Vivi from a distance. Vivi couldn't help but tear up while saying, "That guy is one ridiculous monster. He will definitely surpass his ancestor."
Incetta wryly smiled, facing a dilemma. On the one hand, she had the task of rebuilding the family with the correct name. On the other hand, serving someone like him swayed her heart a lot. "Maybe... I should just rebuild the family in this place."
The shock didn't only come from the people inside the city.
Those who were outside and ready to enter couldn't help but feel moved. Noel was an extremely different lord than any lord they had seen so far.
Little did they know that several nobles were actually mingling among them.
There was Raincart smiling among the crowd. Even though he looked calm, his heart was set ablaze. He really wanted to shout, "That's my grandson! That's my grandson over there!" if not for the fact that today Noel was the star. It would be better not to cause a ruckus.
There were also a couple not far from him. It was Anna's brother and his assistant, who was also his fiancee. They didn't go together with Kevin and Vivian because he wanted to see how much Noel had achieved to change the life of a commoner.
Just from listening to his speech alone, Dylan couldn't help but say, "My brother-in-law is truly astounding."
She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "It's fine. In this life, not everything is about the competition. It is all about moving forward until we reach the end. Instead of competing with them, I prefer to listen, learn from them, and apply it in our place. Just like how you inspire me and teach me during our time in the military..."
Dylan held her hand tight while saying, "Yeah. This is only the beginning. As always, we'll continue moving forward."
After the speech, Noel walked toward the gate that had been sealed with a ribbon.
Noel grabbed his sword's handle and used it at a speed not visible to the naked eye to show his martial prowess.
The moment the ribbon was cut, Noel extended his hand toward the new people. "Welcome to Golden Dawn City."