Several hours later, my party and I, along with the nobles and royal family, are standing just outside the palace in the main square. The royal guard is forming a protective circle around us, and we are facing out into a seemingly endless sea of elves. The public announcement about resolving the demon crisis is about to begin.
Elira steps forward, and she raises a small metal donut to her mouth. I'm guessing it's some kind of magic microphone. My suspicion is shortly confirmed.
"I, Queen Elira Ophelle, am happy to welcome you all to the royal palace! To those of you who traveled from afar for the royal announcement, thank you, and welcome to Avalon as well!" (Elira)
Elira pauses for a moment as cheers ring out from the crowd, then continues.
"We will start the reception for the royal announcement soon, and we'll begin allowing guests into the palace thereafter! However, we have an important statement to make to you all beforehand! This statement is not the main subject of the royal announcement, but it's important nonetheless! Rest assured, the matter has already been discussed amongst the royal and noble families!" (Elira)
As Elira pauses again, excited murmurs ripple across the crowd.
"As many of you are aware, we've been facing the threat of a demon invasion these past few months, and we even had reason to believe that Veyron the Elder Dragon would be joining the invasion force!" (Elira)
The crowds murmuring becomes more frantic.
"However! Princess Ilina was able to secure the aid of Nedonera the Elder Dragon! Lady Nedonera and her party have been welcomed as royal guests in the palace these past couple weeks, and some of you may even have seen them around the city recently! They stand next to me now, with Lady Nedonera graciously taking a human form for our convenience!" (Elira)
Elira steps to the side, and gestures at the four of us in a line, and to Ilina near us. The crowd erupts with several surprised yells, and then it transitions to excited discussion. Many people can be heard shouting Ilina's name reverently, and some can be heard shouting a variation of 'Great Dragon'. I think I also hear my name said once or twice in surprise, but it's hard to tell.
"My fellow elves! I'm pleased to finally announce that, several days ago, Lady Nedonera and her party traveled to the minor continent alone, singlehandedly defeated Veyron in combat, and resolved the threat of an invasion by the demons! Peace once again hangs over the Elven Kingdom and its people!" (Elira)
At this point, the crowd loses all sense of control, and erupts in excited shouts. After a few moments, chants of Nina's name begin to envelop the crowd, until it's all that's left. I direct a thought message at our party.
[Uh oh Nina, it looks like you might be quite popular throughout this reception. I hope you're ready to be constantly swarmed by elven admirers!] (Mizuki)
I hear Zara snort next to me.
[Fufufu…I don't know, I think I could get used to this kind of praise, Mizuki.] (Nina)
[Well, if you say so. Just don't go dropping bodies during the reception when you get tired of all the attention.] (Mizuki)
[Your fears are unfounded, Mizuki, I wouldn't kill my loyal fans.] (Nina)
God…we're losing her to the fame already. I chuckle to myself quietly. Elira raises her hand to silence the crowd, then continues.
"I'm happy to hear that you all share my gratitude towards Lady Nedonera and her party! That is why, as a token of our appreciation, Lady Nedonera and the members of her party will now each be awarded a special royal crest that allows them to visit our country freely in the future! I hope that you all will aid me in welcoming them in our country as the heroes that they are!" (Elira)
The crowd erupts in generally positive shouts and applause break out. Elira makes a gesture towards Ilina, and she approaches us with a box and hands it to Elira. She opens the box and produces a small necklace with a silver shield on it. The shield seems to have a bird emblem etched on it – I assume it's the Ophelle crest.
"First, allow me to introduce Lady Nedonera, of the Elder Dragons!" (Elira)
Elira places the necklace over Nina's head and steps away. Then, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause, and the name chanting starts again. Elira grabs the next necklace and moves on to Zara.
"Next, allow me to introduce Zara, of the wolf-kin!" (Elira)
The same ritual ensues, and the crowd breaks out in relatively light applause. Zara doesn't seem to mind. Elira approaches me with a nervous look. Yeah, I don't blame her…I'm next.
"Third, allow me to introduce Mizuki, of the humans!" (Elira)
Before Elira can place the necklace on me, intense murmuring breaks out in the crowd at the mention of my race. After she places the necklace over my head, however, I hear forceful applause scattered in the crowd. I guess my trips around the city weren't for nothing.
Though it's much less enthusiastic than even Zara, light applause eventually spread across the crowd. Elira looks relieved, and she moves on.
"Finally, allow me to introduce Alto, of the elves!" (Elira)
Following Elira's necklace ritual, applause almost as enthusiastic as for Nina break out from the crowd, and I even hear some people start to chant her name. I can't help but grin and glance towards her, but she only seems to be wearing a sad smile.
[Hey, Alto, if that gloomy face of yours has something to do with me, you should cut it out. I'm very happy for my friend right now, and I don't want you spoiling my mood.] (Mizuki)
I see Alto's eyes light up a little more, and her face transitions to a smirk as she glances at me. Good, my work here is done.
Elira makes her way back in front of us to address the crowd.
"Now, I have a few final comments before the reception! First, Mizuki's crest award does not signal a change in our general policy on human travelers. He is an exception condoned by the nobles and royal family. Second, Mizuki himself advocated for upholding our general policy on human travelers. Finally, he and all other crest recipients will be attending the reception, and they've agreed to speak with you all freely! I ask that you all treat them with civility, and that you take the opportunity to know them better! That's all!" (Elira)
With that closing statement, the reception is finally under way.