Wizard: I Have a Cultivation System

Chapter 390: Chapter 85: The Morning Star Shines Anew, a New Chapter Begins

’She could almost "hear" the groans and laments of the land.’

’The "wind" her father had spoken of was no longer a distant, rumbling thunder. It had become a raging hurricane sweeping across the land, mercilessly snatching up countless "leaves"—people like Deacon Byron, the farmers of Baron Valen’s Domain, the residents of Grey Stone Town, and the refugees she had just seen—only to toss them about and tear them to pieces.’

’And all she was doing was dripping water onto a parched, cracked field.’

’It might help a few seedlings hold on a moment longer, but it was powerless to stop the entire field from turning to desolate waste under the scorching sun and violent winds.’

The carriage jolted along the increasingly rugged and dilapidated road. Outside the window, the scenery was desolate. Occasionally, she could see the ruins of burned-down farmhouses or skeletons lying by the roadside, gnawed by beasts until they were unrecognizable.

The autumn wind wailed as it passed through the dead forests, whipping up clouds of withered leaves and dust that swirled and rose, as if playing a bleak and hopeless dirge for an era rapidly descending into an abyss of chaos, blood, and suffering.

...

「Monte Territory.」

The October sun of a golden autumn poured down upon the lands of the Monte Territory like melted honey.

The air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread, the richness of apple cider, and the sound of heartfelt laughter.

It was the Monte Territory’s annual harvest festival, one of the few days in the Northern Territory when everyone could celebrate to their heart’s content before the onset of winter.

The square that Murphy had specially built in front of Monte Castle was already bustling with festive decorations.

Long wooden tables were covered with white linen cloths, piled high with golden loaves of bread, sausages sizzling with fat, whole roasted chickens, barrels of foaming ale, and sweet apple cider.

A huge bonfire blazed in the center of the square, its sparks crackling as they flew up into the azure sky.

Colorful ribbons and wreaths decorated with wheat stalks and pumpkins were everywhere.

Kaiden stood on a temporary wooden stage in the center of the square. Dressed in a simple white uniform with a ceremonial longsword at his waist, he cut a tall and sharp figure.

Beside him stood Alina, dressed in a warm yellow woolen gown with a matching cloak. Her brown braids were adorned with a few small, wild chrysanthemums, and her smile was gentle and bright.

"Everyone!" Kaiden’s voice, amplified by his Life Energy, carried across the square, and the noisy crowd gradually fell silent.

His gaze swept over the familiar faces. There were old residents whose families had lived here for generations, as well as new residents who had moved from various places in recent years.

There were weather-beaten farmers and skilled artisans.

There were white-haired elders and children held in their parents’ arms.

"Another harvest season is upon us." Kaiden’s voice was steady and strong. "We thank Oriane for her blessings, but even more, I thank every one of you for your hard work. It is your sweat that watered the heavy heads of wheat in the fields. It is your craftsmanship that forged sturdy tools and exquisite fabrics. It is your vigilance that has kept the Monte Territory peaceful in these turbulent times."

Murmurs of agreement and applause rose from the crowd.

Alina took half a step forward, continuing where her husband left off. "This year’s harvest is twenty percent larger than last year’s. The granaries are full, and the cellars are stocked with enough supplies for the winter. But more importantly—"

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "This year in the Monte Territory, not a single person has fallen to hunger, and not a single family has succumbed to the cold. That is our shared achievement."

"That’s right!"

"Thank you, Lord Governor!"

Cheers erupted like a tidal wave.

A blacksmith with a full, bushy beard raised his wooden mug and shouted, "To Lord Kaiden! And to Lord Monte!"

The people around him raised their cups in response, and the aroma of ale and cider filled the air.

Kaiden smiled and raised a hand to quiet the crowd. "At today’s celebration, there is no high or low rank, only neighbors. There’s more than enough food and drink for everyone! Let us celebrate this year’s harvest and the hope for next year to our hearts’ content!"

As his voice fell, musicians struck up a cheerful Northern Territory folk song.

The flute was clear, the hand drum rhythmic, and the fiddle melodious.

People began to dance to the music. The young folk started a lively circle dance by the bonfire, the elders sat at the long tables clapping and humming along, and children weaved and played through the crowd, clutching freshly-given honey cookies.

Alina came down from the stage and personally poured drinks for some of the older residents.

An old woman, who had lost most of her teeth, grabbed her hand, her eyes moist. "My lady, I’ve lived for seventy years, and each year has been better than the last. My son works in the smelting workshop, and the wages he earns each month are more than enough to support our family. This life... this is a life I never even dared to dream of."

"You’ve earned it, Grandma Edith," Alina said, gently patting her hand. "Enjoy today. And don’t be afraid when winter comes. The castle will ensure everyone has enough firewood and food."

Meanwhile, Kaiden was surrounded by a group of young men.

They were militiamen who had just completed their training last year and were now the backbone of the territory’s guard.

"My lord," a young, freckle-faced soldier said excitedly, "my family’s new house is finished! We used the new bricks and tiles from the territory’s workshop—it’s so warm and sturdy. My father said he’s going to get me married come spring!"

A round of good-natured laughter erupted from the others.

Kaiden laughed as well and raised his cup. "Then congratulations in advance! Remember to protect your home, and protect the girl you’re going to marry."

"Yes, my lord!" The young soldier puffed out his chest, his eyes shining with pride.

As the sun set, the bonfire burned even brighter.

The aroma of roasting meat grew stronger. Attendants carried out a whole roasted suckling pig, its golden, crispy skin glistening in the firelight.