Don't confiscate my identity as a human race-Chapter 1306 - 825 Tolyado Tears Up Working Overtime
Imperial Calendar of the Cerryti Empire, November 15th.
The day of the Moon God Festival.
In the midst of winter, this year's Moon God Festival arrived as scheduled once again.
The biting north wind whistled, and tiny snowflakes fluttered in the air.
"It's snowing, huh."
"Luckily, the snow earlier this morning wasn't too heavy."
Under the faint morning light, the Imperial Capital of the Cerryti Empire was already bustling with lively festivities.
Flags from the Elsayia Holy Domain were prominently displayed along the streets of the commercial district, with an immaculate full moon painted in the center, fluttering fiercely amidst the snow and wind.
The street lamps near Saint Kray Monastery in the southern part of the city were adorned with wreaths crafted from laurel branches, and priests wearing white cloaks and bronze crescent-shaped crowns steadily made their way towards the Main Hall square at the monastery's center early in the morning.
The grand bell inside the temple rang every fifteen minutes; its melodious sound echoed throughout the snow-covered streets.
Priests lined up in front of the temple's entrance, preparing to welcome worshippers from various districts of Brilda.
The Moon God Festival was one of the most ceremonial holidays of the Cerryti Empire, symbolizing the rebirth of life after winter's desolation. Both nobles and commoners bathed and dressed solemnly to attend the rituals. Despite the biting cold, their hearts were filled with devotion, joy, and hope. They believed that the Goddess of the Moon would grace the mortal realm on this day, hear every wish, and help fulfill year-end dreams.
In the central square of Saint Kray Monastery stood a towering Moon Goddess statue, over tens of meters high. Her graceful and compassionate visage gleamed brightly under the first rays of the sunrise.
Later in the day, a grand procession would depart from the Imperial Palace, ultimately arriving at the Moon God Altar.
Meanwhile, within the Great Monastery, Professor Landry's residence had its rooftop blanketed by snow.
"It's about time. Let me see you off."
The young professor in the dining room set down his book and spoke to his friends.
He was wearing a gray wool coat that day, adhering to his usual work style rather than changing for the festival, still exuding an air of professionalism.
"Are you sure you won't join us for the Moon God morning ritual? The weather may be cold, but the grand occasion is definitely worth witnessing."
Antanas stood up as he asked, his tone tinged with a trace of regret.
Sigrid was the earliest to head out; she had been incredibly intrigued by the Moon God Festival. The Moon Goddess was the most revered deity in the heart of the Bishop of Hegemony, and hearing that various sacred sites of Saint Kray Monastery would open today, she had run off before sunrise to join the queue.
Later, Talia, Hyperion, and Isatia also set out together. Antanas referred to this as the "Princess of Demon Clan Bond."
Presently, only Lanci, the Cat Boss, and the other four Great Demons remained at home.
"Enjoy yourselves. I still have several reports to review and likely won't be able to leave."
Lanci said warmly.
He probably needed to work overtime today.
"You should take some time to rest, Lanci."
Sinola had always felt that Lanci immersed himself in work excessively.
This was true even in the Northern Continent's Protoss Empire; whenever one saw Lanci in the principal's office, he would undoubtedly be absorbed in work.
Seeing this occasionally, she couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.
"Yeah, yeah."
Antanas attempted to persuade Lanci, playfully adopting an "evil whisper" stance as he leaned in beside him.
He urged Lanci to take the day off and spend time with everyone.
"Today, as a professor of Saint Kray Monastery, I need to attend activities at Elliot Hall. In the morning, I also have to find Yabo to confirm intelligence, while the afternoon is tied to institutional work matters. After the festival concludes tonight, I still have an appointment with Sixth Army God Violet. I doubt I'll be able to join you."
Lanci's lips curved into a faint apologetic smile.
He understood that Sinola and Antanas meant well.
Previously, in the Northern Continent's Protoss Empire, he might not have even thought about socializing, but now, though he wished to join his friends, he truly had his hands full.
"Sigh, no one wants to work overtime today except you."
Sinola remarked helplessly.
She, alongside Talia, Artemis, and Pranay, the more composed demons, were reluctant to work during holiday festivities. As for the playful ones like Antanas, Isatia, and Tolyado, forcing them to work today would likely be more distressing than death.
"I can stay and help you."
Pranay rested his hand on the back of one of the dining chairs.
For Pranay, his primary interest today was not in experiencing the festival but in studying human culture. He didn't have an urgent need for amusement and had an abundance of patience.
"No need. Most of the work revolves around magical engineering and has minimal administrative aspects. If I ever require your assistance, I'll definitely ask. For today, enjoy the festival first."
Lanci shook his head, unwilling to drag others into working alongside him today.
Perhaps the Moon God Festival was the last opportunity for everyone to relax before the final battle.
After the Moon God Festival, they would have to confront the fateful battle at Blood Moon City head-on, and the pressure on the other strong fighters would far exceed his own.
Based on their current assembly, pure combat strength appeared advantageous; making it past the Blood Moon Bad World Era's ruined Blood Moon City would not be an issue.
However, beneath Cerryti lies Blood Moon City, and apart from the Third Ancestor, Duke Rashar, Seventh Ancestor Marquis Helitier, Eighth Ancestor Marquis Somerset, and Ninth Ancestor Marquis Bainhardt, whether additional elite forces exist remains unknown.
"Alright."
Pranay sighed.
"The moon lanterns are ready; we can set them off together in the courtyard tonight."