Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 380: Welcomed a winner(1)

Chapter 380: Welcomed a winner(1)

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over the city of Red Rose as Mavius returned as a victorious Imperator. The air buzzed with the energy of celebration, the streets packed with cheering citizens waving theirs arms around. Flower petals rained from the balconies, and children darted through the crowd, laughing as they mimicked the soldiers marching proudly behind their leader.

The victorious Imperator's sharp eyes scanned the jubilant faces lining the streets, his expression one of stoic satisfaction, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

The soldiers following him held their heads high, their polished shields and spears catching the light as they passed under the great archway leading into the heart of the city. The chants of the people echoed in the narrow streets for the men who had successfully repelled the barbarian raid threatening their eastern borders.

Once the parade concluded and the army veered off to establish their camp just outside the city walls, Mavius dismounted his warhorse and began ascending the marble steps of the palace. Though he knew this palace was merely a replacement for the grand residence of his youth, he couldn't help but compare the two in his mind. This one was smaller in size, less of towering in height, and undeniably less opulent—lacking of close the familiarity of his home.

Mavius paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the intricate carvings adorning the palace facade, then pressed onward, his boots clicking against the stone with resolute purpose.