59 Episode 27 Triumph ceremony (1/2)
This is the heyday of the Lemurian Empire, when it had great military power, invaded the world, and prevented barbarians from invading.
Then, the Lemurian Empire's military superiority collapsed, barbarians invaded various parts of the world, and the Empire fell into decline until it was divided into East and West.
Normally, the number of triumphalist ceremonies would be higher in the heyday and lower in the decline.
In reality, however, the number of triumphalist ceremonies actually increases in the declining period.
Why?
It is because triumphal ceremonies are now held even for small military victories ...... such as defeating bandits and rebels, which would not be considered worthy of a triumphal ceremony in the heyday.
In other words, triumphal ceremonies have become a ritual to promote national prestige, rather than a ceremony to celebrate victory.
Now, Hercule has held three triumphal ceremonies so far.
The first was when he defeated Darios.
The second was when he defeated his brother Hadrian.
The third was when he conquered the Duchy of Travisos.
Now, ...... these three victories were, in fact, a little too small for a triumphant ceremony in the sense of the Lemurian Empire in its heyday.
The Pelosonian Mercenaries and the Duchy of Trabizos were small countries (in the eyes of the Lemurian Empire in its heyday), and it was common sense not to hold triumphal ceremonies for the defeat of rebels, since it was a disgrace that they had rebelled in the first place.
And ......
Hercule will now hold his fourth triumphal return ceremony.
The victory over the Kingdom of Fars, the protectorate of the Kingdom of Hayastan, the large amount of reparations, the looted treasures, and the recovery of the flags and national treasures taken in the last war: ......
Are these enough for a true triumphal return ceremony?
The answer is: ......
Yess.
The Kingdom of Phallus is a military power comparable to, if not greater than, the Lemurian Empire.
We defeated the Kingdom of Phallus.
Even the bald man who founded the Lemurian Empire would applaud him for this.
Well done, my friend.
Thus, ......
The triumphal return ceremony begins.
”Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!
The parade continued amidst the cheers of the citizens.
Led by Hercule on a four-horse chariot, surrounded by the generals, followed by the warriors who fought with Hercule, then a large group of coffins ...... who had died in battle, but had certainly fought with Hercule, and were honored with a triumphant return. Then follow those who have died in battle, but who certainly fought with Hercule and deserve the honor of a triumphant return.
Finally, carriages carrying the loot and spoils of war won by Hercule marched proudly down the main streets of the capital.
Among the loot were the captured generals and soldiers of the Kingdom of Fars, including Coward.
A band accompanied the parade, playing gorgeous music, and bureaucrats rained prearranged flower petals from the tops of buildings to add color to the parade.
The parade ends at the Great Racecourse.
At the end of the parade is the Great Racecourse, where Hercule, holding a box in his hand, dismounts from his carriage and sets his feet on the ground.
He is followed by the high ranking generals ...... Galfis, Edmond, Carolina, Darios and Oscar.
And they, the generals, whisper into Hercule's ear every time he takes a few steps.
”Memento mori.
”Memento mori.
”Memento mori.
You may be at the top of your game now, but you don't know if you will be tomorrow.
One day you will die, you will decay. Remember that and never be conceited.
That's what I remind the winners.
And so the group arrives at the big race track.
The bleachers are filled to overflowing with citizens, and they are greeted by Lucanos, Christos, Todoris, and a number of high-ranking vassals.
Galfis, Edmond, Karolina, Darios, Oskar, and the rest of the vassals who had been waiting for them at the Great Racecourse all kneeled to Hercule.
And they chanted in unison.
”Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live our Emperor, whom the gods have given us!
”God bless our emperor!
God bless the Lemurian Empire! Lemuria, forever!
”God be with us, God be with us, God be with us!
And with that, the quiet citizens chanted in unison.
”Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live our emperor, whom God has given us!
”God bless our emperor!
God bless the Lemurian Empire! Lemuria, forever!
”God be with us! God be with us! God be with us! God be with us! God be with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God is with us! God be with us!
”Thank you for coming, Titus. I have a favor to ask you.
”Does the Emperor have a request for me ......? Anything.
The day after his triumphant return, Hercule summoned his brother Titus.
Titus has a strange look on his face.
Is it a maid's uniform?
I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I just remembered that! ...... Later, I'll give you her three sizes, and you can design something that will look good on her.
And with a grin, Hercule smiles.
Hercule hadn't forgotten the grudge he'd been framed for by Renalier.
It made him feel good just to imagine that innocent face turning red with shame.