Chapter 502 — Memorial Day
Blade of Dawn · Page 4 of 4
"I have already prepared for the journey south. I will speak with the founding duke myself," Victoria said gravely. Even this northern ruler known as the Queen of Ice and Snow could not help but take on an especially solemn tone as she spoke these words. "I will do everything in my power."
"What do you think the odds are that he'll support me?"
Victoria drew a deep breath. "...I only hope he won't oppose it."
After those words, the two of them fell silent together.
They gazed at the great pyre in the courtyard, at the straw rings and death-daisies adorning every corner, at the mages and masters of ceremony making their preparations for the rite.
The sky was gradually dimming; the failing light meant the hour for lighting the bonfire was near.
The truly important part of the Memorial Day was about to begin.
It was a day for honoring one's forebears, for seeking blessings from the ancient dead.
Yet the ancestor this festival had first been meant to commemorate... had now himself returned from the far shore where the death-daisies bloom.
Victoria Wilde walked silently into the courtyard, took up one of the oak branches laid on the stone table, cast it onto the pyre, and then gave the order to light the bonfire.
Watching the flames rise little by little, the ruler of the North let out a sigh.
If only it took nothing more than throwing a single stick into the bonfire for one's ancestor to bless you... how wonderful that would be.
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