After two months, Li Lin returned to the grand city of Dawnkeep, which had changed significantly since his last visit. The official trade agreement between the Lightshield royal family and the Kiramman Family, with its generous concessions, had brought prosperity. Kiramman's superior technological products were highly sought after by the nobles.
Items like bicycles, which failed to take off in Demacia in previous years, were now widely popular, along with wristwatches that had become a staple in Piltover. This was all before electricity was introduced to Demacia—had it been, products like electric vehicles and household appliances could have multiplied Kiramman's profits several times over.
Demacia, a nation rich with history and affluent nobility—especially around the capital and its neighboring towns—offered a lucrative market. With exclusive sales channels and no competitors, Kiramman's profits were unparalleled.
Currently, the city was adorned for celebration. Blue and white banners, decorated with symbols of wings and shields, spanned between buildings. Colorful lanterns, each with a perpetual candle, swayed gently in the early summer breeze. The streets bustled with children playing, vendors greeting passersby with smiles and blessings, and the occasional mage in hooded robes patrolling alongside guards to maintain order.
Though some faces still bore traces of unease—an echo of the fear that once gripped the kingdom during the mage purges—things had greatly improved.
Dressed in simple Demacian attire, Li Lin politely returned greetings as he made his way to Dawnkeep. Upon arrival, he donned his noble outfit before entering the gates.
The guards knew him well. After all, Li Lin's impact on Demacia was profound. He inquired about King Jarvan III's whereabouts, refraining from troubling the busy soldiers, and headed directly to the grand hall where guests were being received for the celebration.
A royal wedding was a national event, and with Prince Jarvan IV being the only heir of the Lightshield family, the occasion carried even greater weight.
Nobles from all over the kingdom had traveled to attend, staying in Dawnkeep until the festivities concluded. Even allied nations sent envoys to congratulate the prince. King Jarvan III, despite his fondness for drink and being in his forties—an age considered elder by Demacian standards—personally greeted every guest. It was only thanks to a body-enhancing potion Li Lin had provided two months earlier that the king could bear the strain of these demands.
Li Lin walked unimpeded into the hall. As soon as he appeared, the king's hearty laugh echoed through the room.
"Look who's back! Our great hero!"
Li Lin paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the familiar faces filling the hall. Among them were King Jarvan III, flanked by Xin Zhao and Tiyana, along with prominent nobles like the Buvelle and Crownguard families, Garen, Fiora, and members of House Uwendale.
In one corner, Sona and Kahina stood chatting with a young girl with golden hair, while elsewhere, a female ranger with light armor, a finely crafted crossbow at her hip, and a rare Blue Rock Eagle perched on her shoulder conversed with the guards.
Not far away stood a Yordle clad in armor, carrying a hammer and shield. Her intense gaze fixed firmly on Li Lin.
Gathered were Lux Crownguard, Quinn Uwendale, sponsored Rangers, and Poppy, a companion of Demacia's founder. Nearly all of Demacia's most iconic figures were present, except for Prince Jarvan IV and Shyvana, who were likely occupied elsewhere.
King Jarvan III's jovial greeting drew everyone's attention. Eyes turned to Li Lin, most expressing joy or reverence, though none shone brighter than Sona's. Her excitement was impossible to conceal, despite her usual serenity.
Unfazed by the attention, Li Lin calmly approached.
"You're the last to arrive, Li Lin," the king teased, slapping his back with mock severity. "You'll have to drink three glasses as penance!"
With a grin, Li Lin readily downed three glasses of strong wine as if it were water.
"Good man!" the king roared with approval, raising his own glass before sharing Li Lin's legendary exploits with those less familiar.
From rescuing Prince Jarvan IV and quelling the border conflict to defeating and sealing the ancient demon Fiddlesticks, Li Lin's feats were the stuff of legend. His development of a nuclear fusion reactor that powered Galio, his role in resolving the mage crisis, and even helping Morgana reconcile with her sister made him the subject of countless tales.
Between rounds of toasts, the king introduced Li Lin to other notable figures in attendance. These included Augatha Crownguard, Garen and Lux's dignified mother; Lux herself, who had recently moved to Dawnkeep; and Poppy, who, after hearing of Li Lin's heroics, had found renewed hope in her quest.
Even Quinn, though from humble beginnings, had risen through hardship and sponsorship to become a respected ranger knight.
With Barrett's help, Li Lin finally managed to slip away to a quieter corner. Waiting there with a smile were Kahina and Sona, her gaze warm and radiant.
Li Lin met her eyes and returned the smile. "It's been a while, Sona."
(End of Chapter)
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