Even though it was just a plaza gathering of over two thousand people, the fanfare was not inferior to a large gathering of tens of thousands in later generations. Roland mused to himself, the power of Echo's ability was truly excellent.
The purpose of choosing these few people was mainly to set an example for the populace—none of the three were nobles. Iron Axe was a sand nomad from the Southern Territory; Kaimo, although the Chief Alchemist, did not have a prominent background, having climbed up step by step from being an apprentice; and Nana Wa was even a witch.
Foreign race, commoner, witch – in later generations’ terms, it was simply impeccably politically correct.
Roland hoped to instill his ideology to all his subjects through such a ceremony—Border Town only valued merit, regardless of background.
The first to step forward to receive the medal was Iron Axe. Roland personally handed him the golden medal, bearing the emblem of Graycastle’s tower, cogwheels, and a wreath of wheat. The soldiers of the First Army below the stage raised their hands and applauded, with many whistling.
"You should all know his name, Commander of the First Army Musketeer Platoon, Iron Axe!" Roland turned to face everyone, "Before the arrival of the Devil's Month, he was just an ordinary hunter in town. Iron Axe has not been absent from any battle fought in Border Town to date, and just a month ago, he led the First Army soldiers to the royal capital to rescue the Eastern Territory refugees besieged by the plague! The more than six thousand subjects now temporarily residing outside the city walls were brought back by him!"
The crowd in the plaza was mostly made up of natives and First Army soldiers, with serfs and refugees only accounting for several hundred people. However, under Echo's orchestration, the atmosphere was never cold. Roland paused, and the refugees immediately responded with recognition and cheers, which were no less dense than the applause of the First Army.
Iron Axe also appeared very excited, probably never imagining that he, as a Mojin, could gain the favor of the prince. He first gave the military salute established by Roland, then knelt on one knee, paying the kingdom knightly salute. If Roland hadn’t helped him up, he probably would have performed the sand nomads' prostration as well.
"Get up, as a soldier, just give the military salute," Roland said with a smile.
"Thank you… Your Highness," his voice trembled slightly, as if trying to suppress his emotions.
The prince patted Iron Axe on the shoulder reassuringly, handed him one hundred gold royals, and then motioned for Kaimo. Streel to come to the stage.
"This one, you may be seeing for the first time. He comes from the middle of the kingdom, Chief Alchemist of the Redwater City Alchemy Workshop, Mr. Kaimo. Streel!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the subjects gasped.
"Chief Alchemist? Isn't that a sage who is respected and treated with courtesy even in front of the king?"
"Like the royal astrologer?"
"No, the status of alchemists is higher than that of astrologers, after all, no one can say for sure whether the latter's predictions will come true, while the things alchemists make are at least tangible."
"And he's from the Redwater City Alchemy Workshop, I heard that only the Royal Capital Alchemy Association can compare!"
"..."
In the Four Kingdoms, alchemists and astrologers possessed a transcendent status. For ordinary people, alchemists, known as sages, were more worthy of preaching than great nobles and lords. Roland was very satisfied with the reactions of the crowd. He pressed his hand down and continued: "Mr. Streel has not personally participated in any of the battles, but the several improvements to the musket, from single-shot to rapid-fire, are inseparable from his chemistry laboratory, which is also an important guarantee for the First Army to achieve victory. Without these alchemical—chemical products, Border Town would not be able to truly win peace and tranquility." The prince paused for a moment, "By the way, the chemistry laboratory is currently recruiting apprentice alchemists. Subjects who have completed the town's elementary education and passed the assessment can be recruited. Those who pass will not only receive generous remuneration, but also have the opportunity to become an outstanding alchemy master like Mr. Streel!"
A clamor rose again in the crowd, while Kaimo himself looked impatient. He took the medal and said unhappily, "You called me here just for this? What a waste of time, I might as well do a few more experiments."
"This is a great opportunity for publicity, don't you often complain about a lack of manpower," Roland shrugged, "When the laboratory expands in size again, I plan to write out 'Intermediate Chemistry' and hand it over to you to teach."
"Intermediate… Chemistry?" Kaimo immediately bowed, "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Although focus was important, nurturing successors was equally urgent. The larger the mass base, the easier it was for projects to produce results, which was the same for scientific research. Roland did not intend to put all his eggs in one basket. He certainly wouldn't miss such a perfect advertising opportunity.
The last person was Nana Wa.
Looking at the little girl walking to his side, looking a little nervous, Roland couldn't help but feel a myriad of emotions.
Compared to hiding during the Devil's Month, now, he finally intended to push the witches to the forefront—after nearly half a year of groundwork, the town had now ushered in the best situation. Choosing Nana Wa as the representative was also a choice he made after careful consideration: In the First Army, she was called an angel by the soldiers, and her prestige was even higher than that of Iron Axe, second only to himself. Many town residents had also received her treatment. Whether it was a mine accident or a mechanical injury, everyone had developed the habit of going to the little angel for treatment when injured.
After repeatedly watching the play "The Witch's Tale," the serfs no longer resisted witches as much as before. The image of women in the play with twisted fates but who were brave enough to fight won the favor and sympathy of many people.
And the refugees also survived because of Lily's ability. Even if some people hated witches in their hearts, they would not speak ill after being rescued. What's more, they were not weak individuals who were being chased around by the church—at least in Border Town, these women with extraordinary abilities were protected by the lord.
And the most crucial point was that even if followers of the church wanted to expose them, it would be difficult to stir up any waves in the Western Territory. The town was completely under his rule. Tiffyko had razed the church in Longsong Stronghold to the ground, and the church had lost its base for monitoring the Western Territory. Unless they went to the farther Dragon Falls and Redwater City, they wouldn't even find a priest to accept the report.
"This one is—" Before Roland could even open his mouth to introduce her, a thunderous cheer erupted in the plaza.
"Nana Wa xiaojie! Nana Wa xiaojie is here!"
"Angel xiaojie, thank you for healing my husband!"
"Little girl, you must come to my house for dinner sometime, I specially raised two chickens, whether it's steamed egg custard or stewed chicken soup, it's all good!"
"Nana Wa looked at me!"
"No, she's looking at me!"
Nana Wa couldn't help but cover her mouth, and her eyes became moist. Roland believed that other witches were feeling the same way as her at this moment—they had finally shed the evil label imposed on them by the church, and from now on, they could walk in the sunlight like ordinary people. Roland smiled and patted her head, "Don't be afraid, just respond to everyone's enthusiasm. Don't forget, you are now the representative of the Witch Union."
"Mm…" She sniffled, wiped away the tears that were about to burst out of her eyes, bowed and said, "Thank you… Thank you all!"(。)