It was getting to be evening in Westirifer, and the cold winds had begun descending from the mountains.
Even amidst the gently blowing chilly breeze, an atmosphere of happiness and celebration could be felt everywhere.
People were dressed in new clothes. Bonfires were burning at various places, while music and singing filled the air.
Along the winding mountain roads, Sunstone bulbs had scattered their warm glow, while here and there, some houses were decorated with red lanterns. Food stalls had been set up in numerous places, filling the streets with enticing aromas.
Such a festive atmosphere was not limited to Serendity Town alone; it could be seen throughout Westirifer. It was as though the entire region had wrapped itself in a blanket of happiness.
And how could it not?
Everyone knew that the Duchy's Ascension Ceremony was only a day away.
It was not merely the duchy that had been adorned like a bride. The Ducal Palace of Westirifer looked no less magnificent than a groom dressed for his wedding.
The majestic flags of House Velmora fluttered proudly atop every tower of the palace.
All the palace lobbies were fragrant, as though they had been transformed into gardens overflowing with flowers.
The Sunstone bulbs illuminating the palace's many walls seemed to fill the evening with such vibrant radiance that it felt almost like a bright, joyous afternoon.
And as the evening deepened, the splendor of Westirifer only grew more magnificent—like lotus flowers blooming one after another in the cool morning dew.
---
Serendity Town, Westirifer
Inside the Ducal Palace courtroom.
Mia, being the Grand Duchess of Westirifer, was sitting on her ducal throne along with Duchess Amelia, looking quite attractive, sexy, and regal in her crimson gown.
As she was in constant contact with Head Minister Allen.
In front of the pair of mother and daughter on the ducal throne sat various ministers in rows, such as:
Minister of Finance — Jeff
Minister of Foreign Affairs — Veronica
Minister of Agriculture — Noel
Minister of Literature and Education — Dorothia
Minister of Defence — Vance
Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs — Jasper
Minister of Public Works — Thomas and Tello
Minister of Trade — Bekelen
Minister of Culture — Kristina Velenthy
Minister of Health — Garigus.
And many more other ministers, including Oswald, Baldwin, Cesar, Maxwell, Catherine, Agnes, Elspeth, Elenor, etc.
While other members of the Velmora family who were interested in welcoming guests from other neighbouring states were also present there, but they were sitting on several other beds, daybeds, and chairs which were placed on the opposite side of the rows of ministers.
As Mia was smoothly conducting the evening session of the Ducal Courtroom, she suddenly called Allen, who was standing beside her throne, as she asked,
"Allen, you said that today some of the guests will arrive in the duchy. Who were they exactly?"
Allen replied,
"Your Highness, they were ruling families and noble families of our neighbouring states, which include the noble families of Florence County, Livingstone Duchy, Weilhiem Duchy, Redbarn Barony, and Ironford County.
Except for the noble families of these five neighbouring states, there are also guests from the Holygrill family arriving today."
Hearing Allen's words, Mia replied,
"Allen, you are part of our Velmora family. You don't have to address me like some high-end person, so don't address me like 'Your Highness.'
You can be normal with me. Listening to that formal term from your mouth feels kinda distant.
And another correction for you: now the Holygrill family is part of Westirifer, which means they are not our guests but our own people.
Now tell me the status of the rest of the guest families.
I mean, in simpler terms, where have they reached or about how much time until they arrive here?"
Listening to Mia's words, Allen felt quite elated because she had given him permission to address her normally even in formal court sessions.
But he didn't get complacent as he answered,
"Madam, according to my latest enquiry, the delegation from Florence County has already departed from Luciana Town about an hour ago.
As for the delegation of Livingstone Duchy, they departed from Breathwait Town at about two in the afternoon, which means they are to arrive anytime now.
As for the delegations of Ironford County and Redbarn Barony, they are coming along with the people of the Holygrill family. If nothing unexpected happens, they will arrive in an hour.
And for Weilhiem Duchy, they are a bit late, but it's expected that they will arrive before dinner. If I speculate, then they will arrive in as much as two hours."
Listening to Allen's report, Mia nodded like an experienced ruler.
Then she asked,
"Did you enquire about how many people were coming from each delegation?"
At this, Allen answered,
"Yes.
From Florence County, it's Countess Cinthia Grace Florence who is coming along with her seven husbands, her son, her four daughters, along with about 12 ministers and security personnel consisting of about 100 knights.
That means the total number of people coming from Florence County is 125.
If we round it off, then take it as about 130 people.
Then from Livingstone Duchy, Duchess Velora Livingstone is coming along with her main husband — Nicole Kidman, her daughter — Reverina Livingstone, and the Duchess's youngest brother — Kinru Livingstone.
Along with these main members of the family, there are also about 7 ministers and about 80 knights.
That means the total from Livingstone Duchy is 91 people. Rounded off, take it as a hundred.
From Weilhiem Duchy, Patrich Gelvin is coming along with her 11 concubines as well as his daughter — Lorisa.
Except for them, there are about 20 ministers with a massive entourage of 700 knights.
So all in all, it's about 733 people, but I'll consider it 750 people.
As per information from the Holygrill family, Ironford County has a delegation of about 100 people in total.
This includes the old Count — Goccrek Ironheart and old Countess — Layuri Ironheart, their grandson — Ildrek Ironheart, along with 13 ministers, 3 maids, and 80 knights.
Redbarn Barony has rather small numbers.
From there, every member of the main family line is coming, including Baron — Denford Redlife, Baroness — Neria.
The Baron's another 17 concubines and his two daughters — Lady Aelema and Lady Fiji.
From Redbarn Barony, there are no other ministers coming, nor any knights or soldiers, so the total is 21 people.
And lastly, from our newly integrated Holygrill state.
Lady Aria is coming along with her three main husbands, all five of her kids, and her aunt and Oracle Master — Lady Synthia.
From the Holygrill family, there are no other ministers coming, but a unit from the Valkyrie Knights and a unit of Paladins are coming, which means the total is 209 people.
So, round it off to 210 in total.
If we add all of these, then I think about 1,311 people in total are coming today.
Hmm, I think it's better if we take 1,400 people as the total."
As Allen concluded his statement, Mia glanced towards Noel as she asked,
"So Noel, did you arrange refreshments for our expected guests?"
At this, Noel stated,
"Grand Duchess, even without Sir Allen's prior notice, I have already arranged refreshments and dinner for about 1,500 people.
I think this will be sufficient."
As Noel was saying all this, suddenly Amelia interrupted her in the middle.
"No, Noel, it will not be enough.
You did prepare an estimate for the guests, but did you forget that there are also us?
I mean our ministers, members of the Velmora household, as well as members of the Keilname family.
So I suggest you prepare extra food and refreshments for another 150 people, so that our operation goes well without any obstruction."
When Amelia concluded her words, Noel looked at her firmly as she said,
"Duchess, I'm only talking about the guests.
But as usual, I have instructed our kitchen staff to prepare food for family members as well, but that isn't counted in those 1,500 plates."
Listening to this, Mia said,
"Then it's all good."
Just as she remarked this, suddenly everyone inside the Ducal Courtroom heard the sound of drumming, which was the indication that the guests had finally arrived near the periphery of Serendity Town and that, at any moment, they would arrive at the Ducal Palace.