The Golden Throne

Soon, the fateful day of the departure of Liu Feng had arrived. As planned, Nicholas arranged for a huge announcement. The town was bustling. Everyone gathered at the town's square. Nicholas stood on the stage along with Liu Feng. There were at least ten thousand people who arrived. Nicholas was bustling with pride. When he left for Dilheim with Liu Feng, he was ordered by the majesty to make sure that the town would not completely dissipate after Liu Feng tried a few schemes. Who would expect Liu Feng to come up with such ingenious ideas and methods to make even a barren land into the paradise that it was poised to become?

Nicholas cleared his throat, but could not help gulping. This was the first time that he had to speak in front of such a huge crowd. Even in the capital, such crowds rarely formed. He stepped onto the podium and started addressing the crowd. He started off with some basic improvements in life, and a few tax changes, including the introduction of the tax audit. But everyone knew that these were not the true reason that they were called here. Then, Nicholas gave a gap and resumed,

"Yes, these are substantial increments to what we have, but I would not inconvenience you for this. What I am about to say is far more important. First of all, today is a joyous occasion because my son will be attending the magic academy near our town. Unfortunately, because of the strict rules of the academy, he will only be allowed to visit us during the summer break. That means that you shall say farewell to the young lord for the year."

The crowd cheered, congratulating Liu Feng, but there were some that shouted at him, asking him not to go. Liu Feng smiled at everyone, and waved his hand, appeasing the crowd.

"Now, as for the other good news, It is my pride and honor to say that Dilheim is no longer a town, but a basic city. You will now be looking at the city lord, and be referring to Dilheim as a city. It is truly unexpected that a town came to achieve this status in such a short time, but this rise can only be attributed to you. If you want the city to develop, your cooperation is required. But enough of that. It is time to party. Also with us to celebrate this joyous occasion, please welcome the city lords of the western region of Aegon. These are all esteemed guests, and I hope that they will get the same treatment that I will."

Nicholas concluded the event, and went to the event ball reserved for the nobles. This was an exclusive event, because the city lords and their children, and a few other nobles and their children had arrived to enter the magic academy, and decided to stop at Dilheim. They decided that it was well worth waiting a day for, and Nicholas did not disappoint. Liu Feng made sure that the ball was reserved for a big event at any short notice, so that problems do not occur. This ball was a sort of a mixer for the children of the western part of Aegon. As they were not esteemed nobles, they had to rely on each other to make sure that they stayed in power. That was why this ball was important for Dilheim's future.

The city lords were conversing with each other quite freely, but the children were hesitant. Liu Feng saw this and finally decided to approach Sylvette, the daughter of the city lord of Gaon, a city about ten miles away from Dilheim. She was a quiet, unspoken lady, with a charm of her own. But, Liu Feng was no less inferior in looks. He grew up in a predominantly male environment so he did not know the power of looks, but when he introduced himself to Sylvette, she blushed. She extended her hand and said, "Hello. I am Sylvette. But please call me Sylvie."

Liu Feng nodded, and conversed with her for a while regarding her magical affinities and her classes of choice.