vstars Chapter 493: Long live the Holy Kingdom of Helderland!
Chapter 493: Long live the Holy Kingdom of Helderland!
In the spring of 1459, since the arrival of the new spring, the Helderlanders have successfully emerged from the devastation brought by the war.
The land that was once ravaged by war is now gradually recovering. New signs of life are beginning to sprout among the broken walls and ruins. People are again sowing the seeds of hope in the barren fields, and houses are slowly being rebuilt on the ruins.
At the same time, the first national code was quickly spread to every corner of the country by messengers riding on horseback.
Under the strict supervision of provincial governors and the majestic deterrence of the army, the chaos that had emerged at the end of the war in late 1458 gradually subsided.
The bandits who took advantage of the chaos to rob were arrested and brought to justice, the merchants who arbitrarily raised prices were severely punished, and the once chaotic market returned to its former order.
Even though some people were still dissatisfied, they were suppressed by the series of policies issued by John and the pressure of the army being on standby at all times, and had to abide by the law temporarily.
The entire social order has been initially stabilized, and the people of Helderland have begun to work hard to rebuild their homes and embrace a new life in this war-torn land.
After long and in-depth discussions with his ministers and repeated weighing of the pros and cons, John finally decided to hold a grand founding ceremony on April 1st.
Soon, letters inviting people to participate in the founding ceremony were quickly and orderly delivered to the monarchs and kings of the Northern Alliance, the Kingdom of Midland, the Yoda Empire, the Hall of the King of Law, and other places.
After receiving the letter, the monarchs of various countries all gave John face and replied solemnly, saying that they would definitely attend this event of great historical significance on time.
Soon, the long-awaited April 1st finally arrived. On this day, both sides of the main road in Helmingen were filled with fully armed and upright soldiers.
They were dressed in uniform armor, on which were carefully carved the emblem of the Kingdom of Helderland, which shone majestically under the sunlight.
Behind the soldiers were the enthusiastic and cheering local residents.
They waved bright national flags in their hands, and the tricolor flag fluttered in the breeze.
Men, women, old and young gathered together, their faces were filled with happy smiles, and they expressed their support and blessings for the country's founding in the warmest way.
Amid the thunderous cheers of the citizens, a number of magnificently decorated carriages carrying delegates from various countries slowly drove into the outer walls of the palace.
In the center of the palace courtyard, John and Matilda were welcoming monarchs from various countries.
The first to enter the front hall were the monarchs of the three northern alliance countries.
Although they are not as powerful as Mitlan, Yoda, and the Hall of the King of Law, as partners in the same alliance, their alliance is particularly important in the current turbulent situation.
John was well aware of the principle of "the lips and the teeth are in danger", and he would never put them in a secondary position.
King Balden, who was at the head of the group, bowed slightly and greeted John:
"Your Majesty John, congratulations on this great moment. The countries of the Northern Alliance always stand with you and witness this sacred moment together."
John smiled and responded:
"Thank you for your support, monarchs. The stability and cooperation of the alliance are also of vital importance to Helderland."
The second is the French King's Office, and this time the one sent by the French King's Office is Fidelicio.
This important figure in the French royal court was once extremely opposed to John becoming a saint.
However, things have come to this point, and no matter how much he objects, he has to value his relationship with John.
Because he keenly discovered that John becoming a saint was equivalent to dividing a part of the King of France's power, which to some extent helped him to contain a part of the King of France's power.
According to the information he currently has, John, who has become a saint, will not stay behind the King of France obediently. He definitely wants to be on an equal footing with the King of France on the religious level.
He stepped forward, bowed to John and said:
"Your Majesty John, I am here to express my congratulations to you on behalf of the French King's Office. Although we have had some disagreements in the past, we may have a lot of room for cooperation in the future."
John saw him speaking like this, thinking that now was not the time to completely break with the French King's Office, so he nodded in response:
"Mr. Fidelicio, let's put the past aside for now. Even if there are conflicts, we are all servants of the Lord and should be united."
Afterwards, people in the square saw a carriage with equally gorgeous decorations slowly approaching, the curtain slowly lifted, and the King and Queen of Midlan stepped out of the carriage.
King Midlan stepped forward and saluted John with standard and solemn movements.
John returned the greeting and said:
"Your Majesty the King of Mitlan, Your Majesty the Queen, welcome to witness this historic moment."
King Mitlan nodded slightly and said:
"Your Majesty John, I hope that our two countries can maintain friendship in the future and jointly develop trade so that the people of both countries can benefit."
John responded:
"Helderland has always cherished its friendship with Midland, and exchanges will surely become more frequent."
Queen Mitlan smiled and said:
"May the friendship between our two countries last forever and may the children grow up healthily."
John looked at Matilda and nodded with a smile:
"It will definitely happen. With the blessing of Her Majesty the Queen, it will definitely be so."
Afterwards, John welcomed Count Reginale, the representative of the Yoda Empire and his father-in-law.
"So as your father-in-law, you put me last?"
Count Reginale stared at his son-in-law with dissatisfaction and questioning in his tone.
John looked at his furious father-in-law, feeling helpless, and explained:
"I can't help it. After all, we just fought a war with your country."
After hearing this, Count Reginale looked at Karl and Catherine beside Matilda with a hint of pampering, and then told John and Matilda:
"For Matilda's sake, forget it. You two should live a good life in the future and take good care of my grandchildren."
In this way, everyone climbed up to the south side of the palace's outer wall. In order to welcome foreign guests, John changed the south wall into a structure with a tower in the middle and viewing platforms on both sides.
Today, the place has been decorated solemnly, with flags flying on the tower and representatives from various countries sitting in turn on the viewing platform.
Looking at the roaring crowd in the square across the street from the wall, Theodore first shouted loudly through the megaphone:
"Please be quiet, all guests. Now let's have a speech from His Majesty King John, the first king of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland and the leader of all the Helderland people."
As everyone quieted down, John came to the stage, picked up the megaphone, and solemnly said to everyone:
"Dear Helderland compatriots and distinguished guests, today we gather here with great excitement to witness this great historical moment of the founding of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland."
"Looking back on the past years, we, the people of Helderland, have experienced countless hardships and tribulations. Once upon a time, war was like a ferocious beast, ruthlessly trampling our land, destroying our homes, and shattering countless families. Wherever the invaders' iron hooves went, there was desolation, lives disappeared in the flames of war, and the blood dyed the earth red. Our towns became ruins, the fields were barren, and the people struggled in pain and cried out in despair."
"However, we, the people of Helderland, never surrendered! In the dark moments of the war, we united as one and rose up in resistance. Countless heroes stepped forward. With their love for their hometown and their yearning for freedom, they resolutely threw themselves into the battle to defend their motherland and fight for independence. Whether it is the streets and alleys of the city or the fields and mountains of the countryside, our fighters have left their footprints."
"It is because of the bloody battles of all the Helderland people that we have been able to get rid of the shadow of war and usher in today's peace and independence. The country we have built does not only belong to me, John, nor does it only belong to everyone present here. It belongs to all the Helderland people. Every inch of its land is condensed with our sweat and blood; every river in it flows with our hopes and dreams. It is our common home and our reliance for generations to come."
"From today on, we will work together to build this country. We will make fair and reasonable laws so that every Helderlan citizen can live under the protection of the law; we will develop the economy so that the people can live a prosperous life; we will strengthen military defense to protect our country from foreign enemies. We will make the Holy Kingdom of Helderlan a prosperous, harmonious and beautiful country, and let the whole world know that the Helderlan people are invincible!"
When John finished his speech, Theodore continued:
"Perform the flag-raising ceremony."
As soon as he finished speaking, a team of soldiers marched in neat steps, holding the tricolor flag that symbolizes national dignity and honor, from the main entrance of the palace to the flagpole.
Their eyes were firm and solemn, every step they took was neat and powerful, and the tricolor flag was bright and dazzling under the sunlight.
After the flag bearer skillfully tied the flag to the rope of the flagpole, Theodore said solemnly:
"Play the national anthem!"
As a passionate melody sounded, all the citizens participating in the ceremony sang the national anthem "Helderland Stands in the World" following the melody of the military band.
The passionate singing echoed over the square. Everyone sang with deep emotion. The flag-bearer slowly raised the national flag to the rhythm of the national anthem.
When the last line of the lyrics ended, the national flag finally rose steadily to the top of the flagpole, fluttering in the breeze, as if announcing to the world the birth and rise of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland.
"Next item, the parade celebration!"
Hearing this, Hawke, the military commander below, shouted:
"National Founding Parade, ready!"
As the military band began to play the exciting music, the army formation that had been waiting for a long time marched forward in neat steps.
The first to enter were the infantry phalanxes. They were wearing heavy armor with exquisite patterns carved on them, and the weapons in their hands sparkled coldly in the sun.
Their steps were uniform and every step was full of power, as if stepping on people's heartstrings. Every soldier in the square stood upright, looking firmly ahead.
Following closely behind were phalanxes of archers, musketeers, cavalry and artillerymen, who arrived at the main gate of the palace's outer wall in the most energetic state, winning praises from the foreign guests.
After the army passed, the militias from various places came in. They were dressed in simple but neat clothes, holding crude but practical weapons in their hands. Although their equipment was not as sophisticated as that of the regular army, their eyes revealed their love for their hometown and their determination to protect it.
Next came the phalanx consisting of people from various occupations, including farmers, miners, lumberjacks, and craftsmen.
The parade circled the square, and every time it passed a place, it would cause cheers and applause. The crowd on the square was like a boiling ocean, with cheers and shouts rising and falling, echoing over the entire city of Helmingen.
As the parade came to an end, John walked steadily to the podium and began to give his closing speech. His voice was loud and firm, echoing throughout the square:
"Dear people of Helderland, today's founding ceremony is our common glory. At this great moment, I would like to pay my highest respects to every citizen who has participated in national construction and fought for national independence. You are the cornerstone of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland and the future and hope of the country."
"In the days ahead, no matter how many difficulties and challenges we encounter, we must unite and work together. Because the prosperity of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland is inseparable from the efforts and contributions of every citizen. Let our country, in the long river of time, always stand tall and shine brightly!"
Then John shouted:
"Long live the everlasting and prosperous Holy Kingdom of Helderland! Long live the united and indomitable people of Helderland!"
A tsunami-like cheer immediately erupted in the square. The cheers were like surging waves, one after another, as if they were about to break through the sky.
People waved flags, cheered, and their faces were filled with happy smiles.
Amidst the laughter and joy, the founding ceremony of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland was successfully completed.
In the brilliantly lit palace at night, the sparkling crystal chandeliers cast a soft and bright light, illuminating the entire hall with splendor.
John was dressed in a gorgeous and solemn dress, standing under the gaze of all the monarchs.
The music was melodious. A team of court musicians played cheerful yet solemn music in a corner of the hall. The melody echoed in the hall, adding a sacred atmosphere to the entire coronation ceremony.
John slowly walked towards the high platform in the center of the hall. On the platform was the crown that John had worn for many days, which he wore just for formality.
When Pros, as the Archbishop of Helderland, walked towards John with solemn steps, holding the crown that symbolized supreme power and status in his hand, the whole hall suddenly became quiet. Everyone held their breath and focused their eyes on him.
Pros walked slowly to John, who bowed his head slightly, his expression solemn and respectful.
Then, Pros solemnly placed the crown on John's head, every movement precise and slow.
This placement was not just about placing a crown on John's head, it also represented that the French King's Office officially recognized John's legitimate status as king and the status of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland among the countries that believed in the God of Light.
John raised his head and bowed slightly to express his gratitude to everyone. His gesture fully demonstrated the majesty and humility of a monarch.
Afterwards, everyone stood up and applauded enthusiastically. The cheers echoed in the hall for a long time.
At this moment, John became the rightful king of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland.
Then, it was time for dinner.
In the banquet hall, there is a wide variety of delicious food, and the exquisite dishes exude an enticing aroma.
The silver tableware sparkled coolly under the light, and the crystal glasses were filled with fragrant wine.
The band continued to play cheerful music, the guests danced on the dance floor, and laughter echoed throughout the banquet hall.
John was dressed in a gorgeous suit and surrounded by the crowd. He moved among the guests and talked with monarchs from various countries.
His words and deeds fully demonstrated the elegance and demeanor of a monarch. He sometimes listened to the opinions of the guests and sometimes expressed his vision for the future of the country, winning unanimous praise from everyone.
At the dinner, there were fine wines and delicious food, singing and dancing, and people were enjoying this happy moment to the fullest.
After dinner, John and Matilda returned to their bedroom.
He lay in bed feeling slightly tired, feeling a little exhausted from the day's activities.
Large-scale celebrations are indeed very torturous. All the red tape and welcoming and seeing off guests consume a lot of his energy.
He closed his eyes slightly, wanting to rest for a while and recover some strength.
However, when John saw the text on the system screen, he felt that it was all worth it. A line of text appeared on the screen:
"Napoleon Total War system loaded."