When everyone was paying attention, Victor called out for some artisans who carried in four boxes that were slightly smaller than the length of a standard sabre. What was in these boxes were historical artefacts from the time of the Gongsun Dynasty.
These artefacts were decorative short swords that were gifted to each of the Animal Generals. Each one had its own unique design to represent the title it bore. Unveiling these artefacts that were kept hidden in the Gu family's vault was a historic event. All of these artefacts were believed to be lost, not hidden away by the previous Royal Family.
There was an element of risk in bringing these artefacts now. A foreign king presenting these artefacts and installing new Animal Generals could be seen as heretical and ill-mannered. Messing with the history and culture of the Simbarnese people could rile up rebellious elements hidden within the continent. Nevertheless, Victor wanted to make a bold statement that a time of prosperity was soon upon the people of Simbar.
With everyone's attention on the artefacts, Victor began his announcement in Simbarnese. "Field Marshal Gai Mou, please step forward." The Simbarnese Field Marshal stepped forward, right in front of the base of the throne.
Victor slowly descended from his throne and was a few steps away from being on the same level as Gai Mou. Once he was there, Victor continued to speak, but he repeated the same thing twice, once in Bulgartic and the second time in Simbarnese.
"For your distinguished military service and your contributions in defence of the Southern lands, I hereby appoint you as the Vermilion Bird General. The Southern Army will remain yours to command. The city of Jiuzhen will also become your fief. May you serve me well."
Field Marshal Gai Mou dropped to one knee and bowed at Victor's feet. The room was awestruck; it was a picturesque moment that signified the coming together of two peoples. Applause echoed throughout the vast throne room. Gai Mou was presented with the short sword that was decorated in fine gems that were vermilion in colour. A well-designed bird pattern was etched into the flat half-sphere pommel.
When Gai Mou's presentation had concluded, Victor cleared his throat and began the next presentation in Bulgartic. "General Kan Ki, please step forward." Just like the previous recipient, General Kan Ki stepped forward to be right in front of the base of the throne. When he was right in front of Victor, the King continued to speak.
"For your efforts in helping secure and maintain order in Xiangyang, I hereby appoint you as the White Tiger General. The Western Army will now fall under your command. May you continue to serve me well."
General Kan Ki followed the Field Marshal's lead and promptly dropped to one knee and bowed to his King. Kan Ki was presented with his short sword. It was decorated with white sapphires and black onyx. Etched on the flat half-sphere pommel was a fierce-looking tiger. Everyone applauded him as he slowly stepped back from the throne.
With the second appointment concluded, Victor moved on to the next person and called for General Gaku Raid to step forward. When Gaku Rai was before him, Victor began to read out his appointment in Bulgartic.
"For your valiant efforts in driving away multiple Kislevian raiding parties and recapturing two fishing villages, I hereby appoint you as the Azure Dragon General. Henceforth, you shall command the Eastern Army. May you continue to serve me well."
Gaku Rai had really proven himself during his time on the southeastern coast. While Field Marshal Gai Mou was in Jiuzhen, it was General Gaku Rai who had thwarted the raiders multiple times. His ability to enter the fray and go on a killing spree was frightening to enemies. He was a perfect choice for the Azure Dragon General.
Gaku Rai followed the previous commanders' example and quickly knelt. He was presented with his short sword that was coated in dark-blue sapphires. It was arguably the most remarkably designed of all the short swords. Etched on its flat, half-sphere pommel was a ferocious dragon.
While everyone was applauding Gaku Rai, there was one man who was green with envy. General Lasalle believed that he was deserving of the title. He may have been a foreigner, but his contributions to the Kingdom's war effort on Simbar were more than enough for him to warrant that title. Nevertheless, he bit his tongue and stayed silent. His time would surely come.
For the last Animal General appointment, General Taku Kei was called forward. "For your contributions in securing and fortifying, and defending the fishing village of Hepu, I hereby appoint you as the Black Tortoise General. Henceforth, you shall now command the Northern Army. May you continue to serve me well"
General Taku Kei was also someone who had distinguished himself in the South. While General Gaku Rai was going on the offensive, Taku Kei was left to fortify and defend the Hepu Village. The fishing village was assaulted twice by incoming raiders. General Taku Kei and his men repelled two forces that outnumbered them 2 to 1. With Hepu secured, General Gaku Raid could continue going on the offensive.
With Taku Kei securing the last spot for the Animal Generals, everyone thought the appointments would be well and truly finished; however, there were two more left to go.
"General Lasalle, please step forward," Victor announced. Lasalle was initially confused but did not waste any time stepping forward. Once he was in front of Victor, he felt nervous. Perhaps this was a chance for him to be recognised for his contributions.
"General Lasalle, during this campaign, you have exemplified what it means to be a soldier and a commander of the Luxenberg Military. You have performed admirably and led your men effectively. As such, I hereby appoint you the title of Duke of Leibenzig. The city and all the surrounding villages will now fall under your rule. Congratulations."
General Lasalle was over the moon; he had thought that he was overlooked since he did not receive the Azure Dragon General title. But for him to become a Duke was much greater than he could have anticipated. He quickly knelt in front of Victor and graciously thanked him.
Finally, the last, if not most important, appointment was upon them.