Berserk: The Prophet

Chapter 198 Celebration Banquet

As the veterans left, Baziso sighed, "Ah, sometimes I really wish there was a life without killing."

Green smiled. "Maybe. Perhaps someday in the future, we can find that kind of life."

......

The victory celebration at the Dragon's Nest took place at night, around seven or eight o'clock. Since many families of the garrison also lived in the town inside the Dragon's Nest, the harmonious atmosphere of unity between the military and civilians filled the entire town with joy.

After soaking in the hot springs, Green and Bazso changed into clean linen clothes and stood together on the tower of the Dragon's Nest, looking down at the entire Dragon's Nest, which was brightly lit by the lights of thousands of homes.

People set up feasts in the streets and alleys to celebrate the warriors' victories and the remarkable achievements of the Duchy of Grant under the leadership of Gurenbelud. Vendors also set up stalls with happy faces, selling various delicacies and wooden handicrafts, while children played and laughed in the streets.

...That's great.

"Hanks, Bazzo, the banquet has begun."

“Okay, coming right away,” Green replied.

The guards on the city wall called the two of them down from the wall. Even with such a victory, the defense of the Fire Dragon's Nest never dared to slacken.

Green and Bazzo arrived at the main hall of the castle tower, where they saw that the food and banquet dishes had been laid out on more than a dozen tables, with empty spaces in the middle for the distinguished guests to enjoy themselves.

Everyone had almost arrived, and General Kirsten beckoned Green to sit next to him.

Green sat down next to General Kirsten. He looked around and saw familiar faces—several centurions under General Kirsten.

Sitting at the opposite table near the front were Hickel and Edward, as well as several centurions of the Flame Dragon Knights who were also credited with the first merit.

The atmosphere among the soldiers was not so formal; everyone was smiling and chatting about the intense battle that morning.

With a heavy footstep, Gurunberdo, who had been missing for a day after the battle, finally appeared in the hall and took his seat in the main seat amidst cheers from the crowd.

After Gulen Belludo took his seat, the noisy hall instantly fell silent.

The usually reserved Gurenbelud cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "Today's victory is entirely due to your valiant efforts! Let us raise our glasses together to the glory of the Duchy of Grant and to our victory!"

As if he had encountered something to be happy about, Gulenberdo was unusually talkative today.

The crowd below also raised their glasses with great enthusiasm and drank them down in one gulp, making the hall lively again.

"Come on, everyone, enjoy the food and drinks to your heart's content!" Gurunberdo said with a smile.

At the banquet, everyone enjoyed the delicious food while sharing their experiences from the battle.

"If it weren't for Lord Gurenbeldo charging ahead, we wouldn't have won so easily this time," a centurion remarked.

“Yes, the adult’s bravery and fearlessness strike fear into the hearts of the enemy,” another chimed in.

General Kirsten was also quite pleased; his usually squinty eyes narrowed even more with joy, and he raised his glass with a beaming smile, saying, "Today, we celebrate our victory here and thank every brave soldier who fought so hard. Let us toast to a brighter tomorrow!"

"Cheers!!" Everyone responded enthusiastically and drank it all in one gulp.

As General Kirsten raised his glass, the atmosphere of the banquet gradually warmed up. Everyone ate and chatted, sharing their experiences and anecdotes from the battle. Green and Bazzo naturally joined in, exchanging ideas with the others.

Green and Baziso were also forced to drink quite a bit. The two kids were teased moderately by the veterans. Green was initially worried that something might happen to Baziso, but it turned out that he had a lower alcohol tolerance than Green and was quickly passed out.

Just as things were getting lively, Green, whose cheeks were flushed from drinking, was summoned by General Kirsten to play a war song.

"Come on, kid, isn't playing the bagpipes your specialty?" General Kirsten said cheerfully, his face flushed with drunkenness and reeking of alcohol.

Green readily agreed, then stood up, walked to the center of the stage, borrowed an iron bagpipe from a maid, hung it on his body, took a deep breath, put it to his lips, and began to play softly.

The melodious sound of the bagpipes echoed through the hall, as if bringing everyone back to the fierce battlefield, yet adding a touch of triumphant excitement and pride.

Everyone listened quietly, their thoughts drifting with the melody. When the piece ended, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

"Well done, kid!" General Kirsten praised with a hearty laugh.

Green smiled and bowed to everyone in thanks. At this moment, Bazzo was still fast asleep on the table. Green shook his head helplessly.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was cheerful. Hickel watched Green's small figure playing the bagpipes, his light blue eyes revealing a hint of appreciation. The piece was a melody from the triumphant return of the sea-hunting tribes after a valiant battle, when they gathered at the "Hall of the Gods" under the guidance of the Valkyrie.

When the song ended, everyone in the audience applauded and cheered, and Green bowed in response.

Hickel's lips curled up slightly, perhaps as she recalled her past self, who was also so innocent and carefree, full of hope for the future.

At that moment, she seemed to see the potential and brilliance in Green.

Green noticed Hickel's gaze, looked back, and the two smiled at each other. In that instant, a tacit understanding seemed to arise between them. A long-lost warmth welled up in Green's heart, while Hickel secretly resolved to nurture this young man well.

Edward, of course, noticed the exchange of glances between the two. As Heike's childhood friend, he knew her very well. Aside from training, her favorite pastime was reciting various poems passed down from Grant.

"The musicians are already on stage, why don't you go and sing a song together?" Edward's eyes softened as he looked at Hickel, who was even more beautiful than before.

Her smile is still as beautiful as ever...

Hickel smiled and nodded, then rose and walked to the center of the hall. “I hope you will allow this slightly older fellow to sing a duet with the music you are playing.”

“Of course, I would be happy to, Sister Hickel.” Greene readily agreed, and the melodious sound of bagpipes soon echoed through the hall again.

"—On an island protected by elves..."

Hickel's melodious and clear voice, echoing the bagpipes, was like heavenly music. The guests present were completely immersed in the beautiful music, utterly captivated.

Green's eyes sparkled with surprise; he had never imagined that Hickel's singing voice could be so moving, truly a delightful experience.

Edward remained seated quietly, smiling as he watched the two on stage, his heart filled with emotion.

When the music ended, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Hickel and Green exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with admiration for each other.

“What a wonderful performance, Hanks,” Hickel said softly.

"Thank you, Sister Hickel, your singing was absolutely beautiful!" Green replied excitedly.

The performance became the highlight of the dinner and further strengthened the friendship between Hickel and Green.

Edward felt a pang of sadness as he watched Hecker's smile as he looked at Green. How long had it been since Hecker had shown him such a smile...?

After the performance, Hickel returned to her seat, and Edward whispered to her, "You and that kid seemed to have great chemistry."

Hickel paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "I just admire his musical talent."

Edward stopped speaking, but a dark and ambiguous look appeared in his eyes.

Led by Green and Hickel, the atmosphere gradually became lively, and time flew by amidst laughter and chatter. Finally, the banquet ended in a joyful atmosphere, with people leaving one after another, their faces slightly tipsy and satisfied.

Green helped the dazed Bazso out of the castle tower and took him back to the bastion dormitory. Finally, he stood alone on the castle wall, watching the bustling city below gradually disperse and the night view that belonged only to Grant. The slight coolness in the wind sobered Green up quite a bit after drinking a lot of ale.