From the day Elya received Aeris' instructions to head to the Capital City, she immediately began her preparations. With the support of Count Hatra, half of the Hatra Knights were dispatched alongside her.
Elya did not disappoint her friend. As soon as her carriage departed, news about the opening of the Southern gates and the possible holding of the Annual Swordsmanship Tournament and the Royal Hunting Competition began to spread among the people of the Southern Region.
The rumours first began within the noble houses. With servants gossiping among themselves, the news spread widely in just one day.
At first, the rumours circulated only within Ambroise's territory, Aerwyn City. However, within three days, they had already spread throughout the entire Southern Region.
By the time the nobles realised what was happening, it was already too late. The rumours had already turned into belief. They did not have the courage to step forward and explain to the commoners that nothing had yet been confirmed.
They believed the excitement would soon fade if they simply remained silent. Unfortunately, the news that Aerwyn City's gate, which led to the outside world, had opened for the first time in seven years changed everything.
When the city gate opened, everyone was bewildered. Many were in disbelief and thought that perhaps Duchess Ambroise had ordered it opened only for repairs.
Yet when a carriage bearing the Hatra crest appeared, along with their knights riding toward the gate, they finally realised that the rumours might truly be real.
The sight of more than fifty knights escorting the Hatra carriage was astonishing. People cheered as they followed them toward the gate. Unfortunately, they were stopped by the guards, as it was not yet time for the civilians to pass through.
However, despite being refused permission to cross the gate, the civilians did not complain. They knew that the gate, which had remained closed for the past seven years, would soon open again.
They had already waited for seven years. They could still afford to wait a little longer.
That day, the city that had remained quiet for so many years finally became lively once again.
"So it's true that Her Grace has decided to open the Southern Region again?" a fruit vendor in the market said cheerfully to her husband beside her. She watched the gate open and the Hatra knights ride out with great interest.
One of her customers, who actually wanted to join the excitement but pretended to be buying fruit, chimed in, "Of course! You know, my cousin works at Marquis Zarki's mansion. A few days ago, he came home and told us that Her Grace truly plans to open the gates again. There are already many activities being prepared. All they need now is approval from His Majesty."
"Is that why the Hatra Knights were dispatched? Are they heading to the Capital City?" another customer beside the man asked. She was a young woman dressed in green.
The man nodded and looked at the girl with appreciative eyes. As if thanking her for chiming in.
"Yes, that's right. It must be Count Hatra's daughter in the carriage. I heard that Lady Elya is the Duchess's aide. Her Grace must have sent her to the Capital City!" he said confidently, which earned amazed looks from the others nearby.
They all assumed that this man's cousin must have been an important servant in Marquis Zarki's household for him to obtain so much information. Little did they know that this man himself was one of the Hatra Knights, known especially for his ability to spread gossip. His name was Roland Hawke.
Elya had specifically chosen him to carry out the task of spreading rumours. As expected, Roland took his mission seriously and succeeded in spreading the news within three days before Elya's departure.
"So does that mean the Swordsmanship Tournament, which has always been held in the Capital City, will be held in our city this year?" The young woman asked excitedly. She jumped happily, showing her naivety. Her question was also in everyone's minds.
Would Duchess Ambroise truly intend to hold the Swordsmanship Tournament in Aerwyn City this year?
They did not care much about the Royal Hunting Competition. After all, that was something only nobles enjoyed. They, the commoners, could not share in that joy.
However, the Swordsmanship Tournament was different. Anyone could participate, from commoners to nobles alike, as long as they possessed talent. The tournament was also usually head in a public arena where everyone could gather to watch.
It had been a long time since the Southern Region, especially Ambroise's territory, had held any festivals or large activities. They were truly looking forward to good news.
"Yes. His Majesty is a generous ruler. I believe he will approve it once Lady Elya presents the ideas!" Roland replied in a firm tone. He had been tasked with instilling the belief that the Emperor would accept the plan.
As Aeris had said, if they spread the news that His Majesty was a benevolent ruler who cared for his people and approved House Ambroise's plans, the people would believe it and praise him endlessly.
Alas, His Majesty would be left with no choice but to agree.
"Surely, His Majesty will agree!" The young woman nodded happily, showing her naivety.
The fruit vendor also smiled and nodded happily. Her husband, a middle-aged man, had said nothing throughout the conversation. His eyes remained fixed on the already closed gate with an unreadable expression.
"What's wrong?" the woman asked, curious about why her husband kept looking at the gate.
The man turned to his wife. He softly shook his head before speaking, "It's been seven years."
"Yes, it's been a long time," the wife replied.
"Since the gates are going to open, that means Her Grace is ending the mourning period," the man continued.
He had been selling fruit at the market for more than twenty years. He had frequently met the late Duke and Duchess of Ambroise. Sometimes they would sneak out together, but most of the time their three children would follow along.
Back then, the young Lady Aeris always came to his stall to buy apples. She claimed that his apples were sweeter than the others, which made his stall even more popular because many people wanted to taste the apples she liked.
It had been a long time since he last saw the family of five walking together. Yet the memory of their happy smiles was still fresh in his mind. However, ever since the tragedy, the new Duchess had rarely shown herself again.
As time passed, people also began to forget what Duchess Ambroise looked like. If everything went according to Aeris' plans, then everyone would be able to see her again, as the Head of the Southern Region would surely need to appear before her people.
His words brought a solemn mood, but it was soon interrupted by Roland.
"Well, Her Grace must be doing all this to repay us for supporting her! So, let's wait for news from the Ambroise Duchy." Roland let out a laugh as he steered the conversation in another direction. Just like that, everyone forgot the man's words and continued discussing the upcoming events excitedly.
The man looked at Roland with suspicious eyes, but in the end he simply shook his head and remained silent.
After meeting countless people for over twenty years, he knew well what he should say and what he should not say as a fruit vendor if he wished to keep his stall open.