The cold wind blew in, like invisible knives, cutting Sebastian's face painfully.

He stretched out his cold hands and rubbed his stiff face. After his hands and face turned red, he looked up at the sky.

It was a grayish-white sky, devoid of the azure of a spring noon and the fiery red of a summer evening. It was like a piece of white paper soaked in water, neither hazy nor transparent, but giving people a damp and astringent feeling, much like the gray and white spots on food after it has gone moldy, which made people feel disgusted.

Now, gusts of cold wind howled through the air, and the temperature in the air had dropped to almost freezing point.

It was evening, not yet the coldest time of day, but Sebastian had a feeling that it might snow tonight.

Even so, it will not affect the fleet's continued voyage, because after speeding up last night, the distance has been greatly shortened, and they will be able to reach the port of Bruno tonight, with only the first half of the night remaining.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"After tonight, tomorrow will be the new year," said the adjutant who was always by Sebastian's side.

He crossed his arms, his face unusually solemn, showing no trace of the joy and happiness associated with the "New Year".

Sebastian was the same; upon hearing this, he simply said:

"Yes, tomorrow is the new year."

"Tonight was supposed to be very lively."

The adjutant sighed almost imperceptibly and then said, "Sir, if the people behind us don't encounter any unexpected situations, it's fine. But if something unexpected does happen, we'll probably be held accountable when we get back."

Upon hearing this, Sebastian's face twitched slightly, and he said coldly:

"Mark, can you please stop worrying so much?"

“You’ve said this several times along the way. If you felt it was inappropriate for us to leave back then, you should have said so then.”

"What's the use of saying this now? We're about to arrive at the port."

"What we need to do is, upon returning to port, immediately transmit the information to the ground forces, and the entire western front region—no, the entire country—must immediately enter a state of emergency!"

The adjutant was speechless for a moment. He opened his mouth, thought for a moment, and then said:

"Yes, sir."

Sebastian's expression softened slightly, and he continued:

"The following fleet will arrive at the port a little later, but not for long. They should arrive before tomorrow morning."

"Until then, all we need to do is be ready to provide support."

"Those warships must sail into the inner bay; they absolutely cannot be destroyed by the Yan people."

"If the Yan Kingdom launches a full-scale attack on the port, we will definitely inflict heavy losses on them! Our troops on the shore will make them taste defeat!"

"Yes, sir!" the adjutant replied, but after speaking, he slightly turned his head to look behind him.

White waves surged on the dim sea, and the cold wind howled, making a razor-sharp, chilling sound.

He instinctively shrank his neck and turned up his collar.

——

"Take off your coat, Gustav. No one will dare steal the medals from your clothes, hahahaha."

Inside the Royal Castle banquet hall, a band was playing lively songs, and several fireplaces were burning brightly, making the huge banquet hall so warm that it was almost hot.

Gustav, holding a wine glass, was already flushed from drinking, with beads of sweat streaming down his face and even soaking his collar. After hearing the teasing from the person next to him, Gustav put down his wine glass, reached down and unbuttoned the buttons under his collar, but still did not take off his coat.

At the awarding ceremony this afternoon, a new Imperial Twelve-Year Honor Medal was added to this military uniform. It is the most valuable of the four medals on this uniform. Unlike the other medals, this newly awarded medal is inlaid with a delicate gemstone. It is so bright that it can even reflect colorful light in the sunlight. Moreover, this gemstone is exceptionally hard, symbolizing the eternal glory of the Delta Federation today.

When von Palen personally pinned the medal on his uniform, Gustav had already decided to wear it and return to the West Coast Fleet with honor after the celebration.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, so he should be wearing his military uniform and medals.

The melodious music echoed in the hall. Amidst the clinking of glasses and the lively atmosphere, the banquet hall was filled with laughter and joy. All the officers participating in the banquet put down their burdens at this moment, immersing themselves in the pleasure and expressing their excitement and joy without reservation.

Gustav had just finished his drink when he was suddenly patted on the shoulder.

He turned his head and saw Wolfgang standing in front of him.

"Alright, Gustav, stop getting drunk."

"It's almost eight o'clock, the banquet is about to end, and we still need to go to St. Marienplatz to listen to the bells ring and welcome the New Year," Wolfgang said with a smile.

Wolfgang's reminder brought Gustav back to the main event of the evening. He immediately smiled, put down his glass, and bowed deeply to Wolfgang, saying:

"Thank you for the reminder, Field Marshal Wolfgang."

"Haha." Seeing Gustav's obviously drunk appearance, Wolfgang stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

Soon, after eight o'clock, the banquet at the Royal Castle ended amidst laughter.

The officers who left the royal castle boarded their chariots. To welcome the New Year, the horses pulling the chariots were even dressed in bright red embroidered totems, with bells tied to their feet that made a pleasant ringing sound as they walked.

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