A little over two weeks had passed. Progress had been slower than expected, hampered by the number of wounded soldiers, but they finally arrived at Astolat, the capital of Calidia. A roar of celebration met them. Wherever Caelan looked, he saw citizens with bright, proud faces, their cheers echoing through the streets. Led by Deus, the knights and soldiers were welcomed into the royal palace. There, they formally reported the subjugation of the
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