79: star sea day

June 1st, Year 31601 of the Dawn Calendar.

Two and a half years have passed since the fleet of the Star Sea Territory first arrived on the wild shores of Shattered Star Island. The foothold that once required bloody battles to survive has now become a rising, unignorable pearl in the Storm Sea Region—the Star Sea Territory.

Star Moon Town, three hundred kilometers to the northwest, has also begun to take shape through the joint efforts of Evan and Ronald. Next to the town, a massive Dragon Scale Horse Farm has been constructed, with neat fences, clean troughs, and a dedicated running area where dust flies—that is where the squire knights are undergoing day-after-day integration training with their partners.

The "Life Procreation Potion" and "Mild Bloodline Growth Stimulant" that Linn and Dolia studied with great concentration have achieved significant results. Over the past half year, more than a third of the age-appropriate mares in the Dragon Scale Horse Farm have become pregnant. What's even more surprising is that many of them are carrying twins or even triplets! This not only means that the future scale of the Dragon Scale Knights will far exceed expectations, but also symbolizes that the reproduction of this precious Demonic Beast species in the Star Sea Territory has entered the fast lane. The Orcs tribes have also benefited; with the help of specialized potions and a stable, abundant living environment, the cries of newborns in the tribes have become louder and more frequent, and the population is growing steadily.

On this day, the sun was bright and the summer breeze was light. In the center of Star Sea City—Star Sea Plaza—people were jostling, and the atmosphere was solemn and enthusiastic.

On the left side of the plaza was the Star Sea Territory's army, with disciplined ranks and bright armor. The Guard Army, Divine Arrow Army, the First to Fourth Armies (including the Orcish Army), and the newly established, still-prototypal but already imposing Dragon Scale Knights representative square formations stood in order. The soldiers stood tall with burning gazes, their blades glinting in the sunlight, silently speaking of the power and loyalty of this army.

On the right side of the plaza were representatives of the Freemen from Star Sea City and the surrounding villages, including men, women, young and old. They wore simple but clean clothes, their faces brimming with curiosity, expectation, and pride. For many, it was the first time they had seen such a complete military display under the Lord's command, and the first time they had participated in a formal gathering of such scale.

At the end of the plaza, on a temporary platform decorated with star flags and evergreen vines, Baron Lynn Star Sea stood tall. Today, he did not wear elaborate attire, but a simple dark Lord's daily outfit. However, his posture was straight, and his gaze was as deep as a star sea. After more than two years of tempering and settling, the youthfulness between his brows had long since faded, replaced by the steady majesty of a ruler and the sharp edge of a pioneer. That strand of gray hair, which had grown early due to casting a Forbidden Curse, had completely disappeared because of his Breakthrough to High Gold Rank.

Behind him, on the left, stood Chief Steward Morton, always meticulous, with relief and pride in his eyes. On the right was the ethereal and still-as-a-painting elven guard Elise, her emerald eyes quietly scanning the area below, maintaining the alertness of a guard and the indifference of an elf. Slightly behind Linn, Young Miss Aivi of the Sea God Clan was also invited to attend. She wore a sea-blue dress, and the scales on her forehead reflected a dreamlike glow in the sunlight. Her beautiful face wore a gentle smile as she quietly watched Linn's back, her eyes filled with complex emotions—admiration and trust.

Over these past two years, Aivi had frequently run to Star Sea City, leaving the Sea God Clan to the High Priest. Her relationship with Linn had become increasingly familiar.

Linn's gaze slowly swept over the army standing solemnly below the platform, over the Freemen with eyes full of hope and trust, and a sense of indescribable emotion and ambition surged in his chest. He cleared his throat. In the next moment, his voice, enhanced by magic, clear and steady yet sounding as if it were directly in everyone's ears, spread throughout the plaza and even floated to more distant streets:

"Soldiers of the Star Sea Territory! People of the Star Sea Territory!"

As soon as the voice rang out, the plaza, which had been slightly restless, instantly became silent, and everyone held their breath.

"Today, we stand here, in the center of the city we built with our own hands, watered with our sweat and faith!" Linn's voice carried a heavy sense of historical reflection. "Recall more than two years ago, when we first landed on this island, we faced wilderness, powerful enemies, and unknown dangers. We lost heroic companions, experienced cruel battles, and shed countless drops of sweat!"

Below the platform, the faces of many veterans became solemn, and some of the earliest pioneers among the Freemen also showed expressions of intertwined memory and emotion.

"But!" Linn's voice suddenly rose, full of soaring fighting spirit and pride, "We did not retreat, we did not fall! We opened up fertile fields with our hands, built a city with our wisdom, won peace with our courage, and gathered partners from different ethnic groups with our unity! Look around us—Star Sea City stands tall, Star Moon Town is rising, a powerful army guards our peace, and the fertile land nurtures our descendants! We, in this once-unfamiliar sea, have truly taken root and built our own home!"

"To commemorate this arduous yet glorious journey of pioneering, to celebrate the prosperity and peace we have created together, and even more to look forward to an even more brilliant future..." Linn paused for a moment, his gaze like a torch, and announced with power:

"I, Linn, in the name of the Lord of Star Sea Territory, declare—from this day forward, June 1st of every year shall be designated as 'Star Sea Day'! This is a holiday belonging to all members of the Star Sea Territory! On this day, whether it be the hardworking farmers, the sweating builders, the ingenious craftsmen, the duty-bound soldiers, or even the Slaves who have contributed labor to our construction... everyone shall enjoy seven consecutive days of rest! Throughout the Star Sea Territory, all non-essential labor is canceled, and a territory-wide celebration begins!"

"Oh—!!!"

"Long live the Lord!!"

"Star Sea Day! Star Sea Day!"

After a brief silence, a huge wave of sound erupted from the plaza like a tsunami! The Freemen waved their arms excitedly and hugged each other, many with tears in their eyes. A seven-day holiday! For them, who worked all day long, it was an unimaginable blessing! What moved some sensitive people even more was that the Lord had specifically mentioned "Slaves"—this meant that on this day, even those with the lowest status could take a breather and feel the festive atmosphere. This kindness and inclusiveness made a sense of belonging arise spontaneously.

In the army formations, although discipline kept them standing solemnly, every young or weathered face was brimming with excitement and pride. What they were guarding was a Lord and a territory truly worthy of their loyalty and one that cared for its people!

Linn smiled and waited for the sound to die down slightly. Then, he signaled the attendants to bring forward several rolls of beautifully decorated parchment.

"On this auspicious occasion of the establishment of 'Star Sea Day', I also formally promulgate the 'Star Sea Territory Basic Law' and the 'Taxation and Welfare Regulations', which have undergone half a year of revision and improvement!" His voice became clear and powerful again, ensuring every clause could be understood:

"The law will clearly define the rights and obligations of every Freeman, protecting your property and safety! Taxation will be fair and transparent, taken from the people and used for the people—the taxes collected will be specifically used for expanding public schools, so our children have the opportunity to learn to read and understand reason; for establishing more public medical clinics, so the sick can receive timely treatment; for building and maintaining roads and canals to improve everyone's lives; and for creating a stronger army and city defenses to protect our home from infringement!"

"At the same time, new welfare policies will be implemented simultaneously: families with many children will receive extra subsidies; pioneers will have tax reductions; meritorious soldiers and their families will enjoy priority protection; for the elderly and widowed, the territory will provide basic support..."

Clear and caring policies flowed from Linn's mouth one by one, no longer empty promises but articles about to be implemented. The people below listened incredibly seriously, especially the clauses regarding welfare, which caused bursts of uncontrollable cheers and discussion. Worry was replaced by tangible security, and uncertainty about the future was dispelled by a clear blueprint. They truly felt that they were not just residents of this land, but "subjects" recognized and protected by the Lord's law, part of a thriving community!

"May the god of dawn witness! May the Star Sea be with us!" Linn finally raised his right hand and concluded.

"May the Star Sea be with us!!" The mountain-like response resounded through the clouds, the voice full of heartfelt support and infinite longing for the future.

As Linn announced the start of the celebration, the solemn atmosphere was instantly submerged in a sea of joy!

The center of the plaza was quickly cleared and turned into a venue for a banquet. Long wooden tables were laid out with food contributed by the Lords Mansion and various merchants in the city: whole lambs and fat pigs roasted golden and oily, mountains of white bread, freshly caught and cooked sea fish, various seasonal fruits, and barrels of ale and fruit wine that were usually hard to drink freely! Morton had already arranged everything in an orderly fashion, ensuring everyone had a share.

Soon, the plaza was filled with enticing aromas and cheerful noise. The soldiers temporarily set aside their seriousness and joined the people in the fun, putting their arms around each other's shoulders to compete in drinking and boasting about their respective battle achievements. The Freemen let go of their restraint, and families sat together, enjoying the rare food and leisure, while children played and ran excitedly through the crowd.

The Orcs soldiers also joined in, their massive appetites and hearty manner drawing bursts of good-natured laughter. Batu and Augus were even pulled by Ocean, Karl, and others into a unique "friendly" arm-wrestling competition, and the scene was lively.

Aivi was surrounded by enthusiastic people; her identity as a member of the Sea God Clan was no longer a secret here but was treated as a noble ally. She smiled slightly, occasionally tasting a bit of human food with an elegant posture, but her gaze involuntarily followed the figure in the crowd who was being constantly toasted and was talking and laughing—Linn. Elise sat quietly at a table slightly further away, taking small bites of fruit that elves liked, watching the lively and harmonious scene before her, and a very faint but real warmth appeared on her cool face.