Obviously, there were only two thousand people gathered in the square, but the momentum was no less than that of the large-scale gatherings of tens of thousands of people in the future. Roland secretly sighed, Echo's ability was really useful.
The main purpose of choosing these people was to set an example for the people – among the three of them, none of them were nobles. Iron Axe was from the Sand Nation of the Southern Region; although Kyle was the Chief Alchemist, he didn't come from a prominent family, and had also climbed up step by step from an apprentice; and Nana was a witch.
There were foreigners, civilians, and witches, in the words of the future, it was simply impeccable political correctness.
Roland hoped that through such a ceremony, he could instill his ideas in all the people – Border Town only cared about merit, not origin.
The first person to come forward to receive the award was Iron Axe, and Roland personally handed him a gold medal with the Graycastle Tower emblem, a gear, and a ring of wheat. The soldiers of the First Army under the stage raised their hands and applauded, and many people whistled.
"You should all know his name, Iron Axe, the commander of the First Army!" Roland turned to face everyone, "Before the arrival of the Months of the Demons, he was just an ordinary hunter in the town. Iron Axe has never missed a battle in Border Town, and just a month ago, he led the soldiers of the First Army to King's City to rescue the refugees besieged by the demonic plague in the Eastern Region! Now, more than six thousand people are temporarily living outside the city walls, and it was him who brought them back! "
Most of the people in the square were natives and soldiers of the First Army, there were only a few hundred serfs and refugees, but under Echo's leadership, the atmosphere was not cold at all. After Roland's words, the crowd immediately echoed with the approval and cheers of the refugees, and the intensity of the applause was no less than that of the First Army.
Iron Axe also seemed very excited, probably because he had never thought that, with his identity as a member of the Mojin Clan, he could also win the Prince's favor. He first performed the military salute formulated by Roland, and then knelt on one knee, giving the Kingdom's Knight's salute. If not for Roland supporting him, he was afraid that he would have performed the Sand Nation's salute.
"Get up. As a soldier, you only need to salute," Roland said with a smile.
"Thank you … Your Highness." His voice trembled slightly, as if he was trying to suppress his emotions.
The Prince comfortingly patted Iron Axe's shoulder and handed him 100 Golden Dragon Coins. Then he asked Kyle Sichi to come to the front of the stage.
"This might be the first time you've seen him. He's the chief alchemist of the Redwater City Alchemy Workshop in the center of the kingdom, Mr. Kyle Sichi!"
As soon as these words came out, the subjects all sucked in a breath of cold air.
"Chief Alchemist? Isn't that a sage who is respected and courteous even in front of the king? "
"Just like the royal astrologers?"
"No, the status of alchemists is even higher than that of astrologers. After all, no one can say for sure whether the latter's prophecy will come true or not, but at least the things that alchemists make are real."
"And he's from the Alchemy Workshop of Redwater City. I heard that only the Alchemy Workshop of King's City can compare to him!"
"…"
In the Four Kingdoms, alchemists and astrologers had a transcendent status. For the common people, the alchemists, who were known as sages, were more worthy of preaching than the great nobles and lords. Roland was very satisfied with everyone's reaction. He stretched out his hand and gestured for them to calm them down. Then he said, "Although Mr. Sichi didn't personally participate in the previous battles, the several improvements of the flintlock, from single shot to continuous shot, are inseparable from his chemistry laboratory. This is also an important guarantee for the First Army to win. Without these alchemy – chemical products, Border Town wouldn't be able to truly win peace and tranquility. " The Prince paused for a moment. "By the way, the chemistry laboratory is currently recruiting apprentice alchemists. After receiving the town's universal primary education and passing the examination, all subjects can be recruited. Those who pass will not only get a generous reward, but also have the opportunity to become an outstanding master alchemist like Mr. Sichi!"
The crowd once again burst into an uproar. Kyle himself had an impatient look on his face. He took the medal and angrily said, "You called me here just for this? It's really a waste of time, I might as well do a few more experiments. "
"This is a great opportunity for publicity. Don't you often complain about the lack of manpower?" Roland shrugged his shoulders. "Wait until the scale of the laboratory is doubled. I intend to write the 'Intermediate Chemistry' and give it to you to teach."
"Intermediate … Chemistry?" Kyle immediately bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Although concentration was very important, training successors was equally urgent. The greater the foundation of the masses, the easier it would be for the project to produce results. It was the same for scientific research. Roland didn't intend to put all his eggs in one basket. Of course, he wouldn't let go of such a perfect advertising opportunity.
The last person was Nana.
Looking at the nervous little girl who had come to his side, Roland couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Compared to hiding during the Months of Demons, now he finally intended to push the witches in front of the public. After nearly half a year of preparation, Border Town had now ushered in the best situation. Choosing Nana as the representative was also a choice he had made after careful consideration. In the First Army, she was called an angel by the soldiers, and her reputation was even higher than Iron Axe's, second only to himself. Many of Border Town's residents had also received her treatment. Whether it was the mine accident or the mechanical injury, everyone had developed the habit of looking for the little angel for treatment.
The serfs, after repeatedly watching the performance of the play "The Witch Story", were no longer as resistant to witches as before. In the play, the image of a brave woman with a tortuous fate won many people's favor and sympathy.
The fugitives also survived because of Lily's ability. Even if some of them hated witches, they wouldn't speak ill of them after being rescued. Not to mention that they weren't weak individuals who were chased by the Church. At least in Border Town, these women with extraordinary abilities were protected by the Lord.
And the most crucial point was: even if there were believers of the Church who wanted to expose them, it would be very difficult to set off any storm in the Western Region. Border Town was now completely under their rule. The church in Longsong Stronghold had been razed to the ground by Timothy, and the Church had lost its stronghold to monitor the Western Region. Unless they went to the faraway Fallen Dragon Ridge or Redwater City, they wouldn't be able to find even a single priest who had been reported.
"This is —" Before Roland could even open his mouth to introduce her, the square burst into thunderous cheers.
"Miss Nana! Miss Nana, Miss Nana has come! "
"Miss Angel, thank you for curing my husband!"
"Little girl, if you have time, you must come to my house to eat. I specially raise two chickens, whether it's steamed egg custard or stewed chicken soup, it's all good!"
"Nana, she's looking at me!"
"No, she's looking at me!"
Nana couldn't help but cover her mouth, her eyes becoming moist. Roland believed that at this moment, the other witches had the same feelings as her – they had finally gotten rid of the evil identity that the Church had imposed on them. From now on, they could be like ordinary people, walking under the sun. Roland smiled and patted her head, "Don't be afraid, simply respond to everyone's enthusiasm. Don't forget, you are now the representative of the Witch Union. "
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