When Little Hart walked out from the dim cabin, the scorching sunlight made him squint and shield his eyes.
After a while, he slowly lowered his hand, taking in the scene before him.
Rows of people eagerly watching were standing on the inverted V roofs, Night Watchers blew copper whistles urging them down.
Below the red brick white walls were bluish-gray stone slabs, stretching out mosaic flower beds in geometric shapes and two rows of May trees.
Ahead, was the dock where the troop ships were moored, packed with throngs of people.
Women in aprons, men with darkened fingers, citizens in wool vests, farmers wearing pigskin wind hats... They waved, shouted, and jumped, all towards the soldiers before them.
As if sound and light blended as one, when Little Hart could see clearly, the deafening noise and cheers finally reached his ears.
"Leia people, go eat shit!"
"Long live His Majesty Horn, nine thousand years to Her Majesty Jeanne, nine thousand years to Her Majesty Jia Li!"
