Kingdom's Bloodline, page 300
"I am willing to swear upon my honor"—Olsius paused momentarily and frowned before he finished his sentence—"and my life."
"I am willing to swear upon my honor, and my life." Archduke Lecco's expression was serene, as though this was only a tiny wave in the long river of his life.
"I am willing to swear upon my honor… and my life." Biting his words, Archduke Roknee had a scowl on his face, but he suppressed his anger and finished his sentence.
"I am willing to swear upon my honor, and..." Trentida seemed a lot more relaxed. He looked around at the other archdukes before saying in a calm and composed manner. "My life."
"I am-I am willing to swear upon my honor, and my life." Saroma imitating the others, stuttering at the beginning. Thales could not help but worry, but the girl completed her oath smoothly. As he recalled what he said to the girl and his promise to her, Thales sighed internally.
"As a Northlander, I will accept this oath, dedicate my sword and shield as the king's vassal, stand beside the king…" The four archdukes and the archduchess placed their right hands on their bosom. Even though their expressions differed, they repeated the prior oath respectfully.
Everyone waited for the high priestess's reaction anxiously and not without anticipation.
A few seconds later, the high priestess nodded somewhat. As she stood beside Lampard, she turned to face the crowd.
Tolja walked past the crowd and went beside the high priestess. He was respectful and held something in front of his chest. Everyone focused their gazes on it and went still simultaneously.
Thales fixed his gaze on Tolja's hands...
… and he recognized it.
It was an iron crown. It was dark gold in color and looked unremarkable, even simple and shabby. However, a dark red gemstone was inlaid on the fore of the crown.
It was the crown King Nuven wore before he died.
'Wait.'
Thales was somewhat startled. As he focused his gaze on the dark red gemstone, Thales felt that it looked extremely familiar.
Amid the crowd, Nicholas snorted softly. Under Viscount Kentvida's threatening glare, he slowly walked forward, took down the Severing Souls Blade from his back and stood in line with the Fire Knight.
As part of the Five War Generals, the two men turned and their eyes met for a moment. It was as though there was an electric current in the air.
High Priestess Holme nodded slightly. Extending her hands, she took the crown from Tolja and turned to look at Lampard. The other archdukes also stared at him with differing expressions.
Lampard took a deep breath. He kneeled down on one knee, facing the outside of Heroic Spirit Palace. His gaze was firm.
Thales also sucked in a deep breath. He could not help but notice that on the side of the crown—held by the high priestess—there was a black and unusual mark.
Thales' heart sank.
That was the blood that had splattered onto the crown when King Nuven was assassinated. Since a few hours already passed, the blood had dried and could not be wiped off.
With bated breath, everyone focused on the high priestess as she raised the crown.
"Thus, in the name of the Bright Moon, bearing the weight of Errol the Holy Sun, and in accordance with Raikaru's Joint Ruling Pledge…"
High Priestess Holme went slowly to Lampard's side and held up the crown.
"I crown you, the Archduke of Black Sand Region and descendant of Quiso Lampard the Revolutionary King, Chapman Lampard, as the first Chapman in the Lineage of Common-Elected Kings…
"The heir of the King of Dragon Knights and Raikaru the Hero, the Overlord of the Western Peninsula Northlanders, the Watcher of the Glacial Defensive Line, the Defender of the Northlanders…"
The Northlanders' expressions became a little more solemn for every title stated.
Finally, after the head priestess stated the four customary titles, she gently placed the crown on Lampard's head and said the last and most important title,
"The 46th Common-Elected King of Eckstedt and Glacier Quiquer."
Everyone fixated on this scene. The man beneath the crown lifted his head slowly. High Priestess Holme took the Severing Souls Blade from Nicholas and passed it to Lampard. "As symbols of the king's authority and status, may the Dragon Scale Crown remind you of your identity, and the Severing Souls Blade remind you of your duty.
"With the Bright Moon as witness, may Errol's light shine on Eckstedt forever, King Chapman." High Priestess Holme did a salutation in the style of the Bright Moon Goddess and retreated slowly.
In the most overbearing and solemn atmosphere, the new King of Eckstedt, King Chapman the First, rose slowly with the blood-stained crown on his head and the Severing Souls Blade in his hand.
As he looked around with his sharp, knife-like gaze, the crown made him seem even more powerful.
'Like a massive dragon that is slowly waking up and opening its eyes after a very long, deep slumber inside a cavern.'
This thought flashed through Thales mind, giving himself a scare. King Chapman turned and looked at the four archdukes and the archduchess.
With differing expressions, the archdukes bent down their bodies and bowed their heads to give their regards, starting from Archduke Lecco.
At the same time, while he looked around him, Viscount Kentvida said appropriately. "The former king is dead…" He slowly lowered his body and kneeled on one knee. He spoke, solemn and loud,
"Long live the king! Long live King Chapman!"
His voice echoed in the palace.
Then, led by Tolja, the fighters of Black Sand Region in the corridor knelt unanimously on one knee. They placed their right hands on their bosoms and bowed their heads.
In Heroic Spirit Palace, the fiery and furious roars of countless fighters echoed in unison.
"Long live the king! Long live King Chapman!"
In the resounding cries, even those who were unwilling—such as Nicholas, Justin, Mirk, the White Blade Guards, and the archdukes' personal guards—had no choice but to kneel on one knee and salute their new king.
On the other hand, King Chapman stood in the center of the crowd with his cold gaze, listening to their shouts with an unchanging facial expression.
"Long live the king! Long live King Chapman!"
Among the saluting crowd, the four archdukes were the most prominent. They only pressed their hands to their chests and lowered their bodies slightly.
"No, my lady." Count Lisban stopped Archduchess Walton, who was subconsciously about to kneel. His expression was stern, and his tone was forceful. "Remember, you're not one of us. You only need to bow. As an archduchess who also rules Northland, you never have to kneel before the king."
Saroma nodded, staring at Count Lisban, dazed. She then imitated the archdukes and bowed at King Chapman.
They were not the only exceptions. In one corner of the corridor, the Constellatiates stood against the wall and stared with complicated expressions at the Northlanders kneeling on one knee. They watched the special coronation with concern.
"Tell me, my prince…" Putray sighed a little while he watched the very powerful King Lampard. "The first time you met him, have you ever thought that this would happen?"
"No." The prince answered without hesitation. "But the second time I met him, when I was held captive by him…"
Under the deafening yells, Thales rested his gaze on King Chapman and frowned a little. "I suddenly thought that… perhaps this man…"
Thales recalled the time King Chapman—when he was still an archduke—stood outside the carriage and spoke with anger and authority to the Shadow Shield's 'Stake'.
"This man, whose face is as calm as water, but whose gaze is fiery… is the most suitable king for Eckstedt," the prince said absentmindedly.
Putray narrowed his eyes. "What a pity," the vice diplomat said flatly.
"Yeah." Thales nodded. He had mixed feelings. "I'm starting to regret it a little."
At this moment, amid the crowd's cries of salutations, King Chapman suddenly looked at him. It gave Thales a scare.
King Chapman raised his left hand slowly. The people slowly stopped yelling and saluting when they noticed newly-crowned king's gesture. They rose one after the other. Some ten seconds later, the corridor was silent once more.
Chapman the First looked around and said coldly, "As your new king, I will now issue my first order."
Thales' heart skipped a beat. 'It can't be. He just became king. What does he want to do?'
But the other archdukes' gazes were calm, and their expressions were indifferent. They, apparently, already saw this coming.
Only Saroma stared at Thales worriedly, and this made the prince anxious. Everyone was solemn as they waited for the king to speak.
The new Common-Elected King of Eckstedt, Chapman the First, turned slowly to the Constellatiates and said coldly,
"As the Common-Elected King of Eckstedt, I hereby extend an invitation to the esteemed Second Prince of Constellation, Thales Jadestar, to reside permanently in Dragon Clouds City as a testimony to the friendship and rapport between our two kingdoms."
At that moment, Thales felt as though he was struck by lightning. The Constellatiates stared in shock at King Chapman, and then at their prince.
'Permanently reside in… Dragon Clouds City?'
Just when Thales was subconsciously about to say something, King Chapman suddenly spoke, leaving no room for doubt. "And he will accept this benevolent proposal and stay in Northland with the Eckstedtians, and enjoy the snow with us, until this esteemed prince…"
At that moment, Chapman Lampard's gaze became cold as he stared at Thales.
"... becomes king."
In his daze, Thales met with the cold King Chapman's eyes. His mind was in chaos.
A few seconds later, the prince subconsciously lowered his head and sighed softly.
Chapter 271: The Day Before the Bitter Cold Winter |
King Chapman and his subordinates regrouped their people under the people's curious gazes. The king then went before the Prime Minister-No, the former Prime Minister.
Count Lisban rose from beside the archduchess and met with the new king's eyes, showing no signs of weakness.
Saroma watched them anxiously.
"My people and I will now leave Heroic Spirit Palace, the First Gatehouse, and Dragon Clouds City." With a cold expression, King Chapman nonchalantly placed his hand on the saber at his waist, and, with his right hand, tossed the Severing Souls Blade to Lord Tolja. "Count Lisban, the patrols under you in the city will not stop us?"
Count Lisban flashed a cold smile. He swept his gaze over the soldiers of Black Sand Region who were still extremely hostile.
"We don't have the audacity to impede Your Majesty's journey," the old count said flatly, "As long as the people of Black Sand Region evacuate Dragon Clouds City in an amicable manner."
Lisban narrowed his eyes. "Other than the most unreasonable of lunatics, no one in this kingdom dares to disrespect the king."
Chapman the First nodded slowly and expressionlessly. He did not seem to catch the count's implied meaning.
"Then, I hope that all of you can provide supplies and a place for my people to rest so that we may brave the coming Day before the Bitter Cold Winter." the king probed, seeming indifferent. "It shouldn't be a problem as well."
This time, the count downright refused the king's request. "I regret that I cannot comply with your wishes."
King Chapman exhaled through his nose. His gaze turned cold.
"Because of certain 'reasons', there's a horrible mess in Dragon Clouds City that has to be taken care of." Having gone through many trials and tribulations in life, Count Lisban's expression did not change. He casually said, "I apologize for Dragon Clouds City's poor hospitality, but I must serve my mistress first before sharing the burdens of the Northlanders' overlord.
"As you are aware of, I'm no longer the prime minister who serves the entire kingdom."
Chapman furrowed his brow in a barely discernible manner. He stared at the bespectacled girl beside Lisban, at her platinum hair that was covered in dirt. Saroma anxiously crossed her arms.
King Chapman nodded slowly. "In the end, even the king has to depend on himself, right?" Chapman said flatly. "We'll find our own campsite."
Count Lisban walked slowly, shielding the archduchess behind him. He had an unapproachable look.
Only then did the king avert his gaze.
"I wish you a smooth reign, girl," King Chapman said profoundly. "After all, we're now tied together...
"I'll be watching you and that boy," the king said flatly, "Please remember that he's our leverage against Constellation. And remember your oath to defend Eckstedt and Northland with your life."
Saroma immediately paled.
Wearing the blood-stained crown, King Chapman turned without waiting for their responses and left the palace, surrounded by his soldiers.
The White Blade Guards and palace guards watched coldly as they left, their fingers never left their weapons.
Amid the crowd, Tolja the Fire Knight held the Severing Souls Blade and walked past the former commander of the White Blade Guards with a cryptic yet subtle look.
"Take good care of it," Nicholas said without looking up form bandaging the wound on his arm. "It severs souls with one strike. This is not only the symbol of Eckstedt's king, but also a mighty weapon that saved the Western Peninsula."
The Fire Knight frowned a little. He stopped to size up the Severing Souls Blade in his hand.
"I'll dispatch someone to send the 'Legend of the White Blade Guards' to Black Sand Region. Of course, you will have to bear the costs of making the white blades." There was not the slightest hint of emotion in Nicholas' tone, as though he was doing the most boring and rigid task. "From now onwards, the spirit of the White Blade Guards will have to be carried down by all of you...
"Do not soil its name."
'So f*cking ironic,' the Star Killer thought coldly.
Tolja ran his hand over the strange curve of the Severing Souls Blade, then raised his head.
There was a hint of aggressiveness and provocation in the Fire Knight's words, "Without this blade, what else can you do… Star Killer?"
Nicholas stopped bandaging his wound. His expression also changed.
"Let me think…" Nicholas clenched his fists tightly, his gaze cold. "I could... suddenly appear from some unknown, dark corner and chop off a certain king slayer's head?"
Tolja stared at him quietly.
"You know, for those who are of supreme class, those who are warriors are not the ones who can utilize the strength of those in supreme class the most," Nicholas said softly, "It's assassins."
Tolja gazed wordlessly at Nicholas, letting the subordinates behind him leave in groups. His expression grew icy.
Nicholas did not seem to care. He continued to stare at his opponent without showing any sign of weakness.
A few seconds later, the Fire Knight laughed coldly, "Hahahaha…"
Tolja placed the sheathless Severing Souls Blade beside his waist and sized up the pale Nicholas with considerable interest. Nicholas stared grimly at him.
What happened next was beyond the Star Killer's expectations.
Without hesitation, Tolja grabbed the other weapon at his waist and pulled it out together with its sheath. He then threw it forcefully.
Shocked, Nicholas instinctively extended his hand to catch the weapon Tolja had thrown at him from a distance.
A moment later, when he saw the weapon in his hand clearly, he gaped in surprise. He immediately returned the Fire Knight's gaze, the latter had a reserved expression.
"What is the meaning of this?" Nicholas clenched his teeth, staring at the Rising Sun Saber in his hand. He looked resentful.
Tolja displayed a sentimental and reminiscent gaze as he stared at his old saber.
"Take good care of it," the Fire Knight said softly. He was apparently filled with a lot of emotions. "Compared to the one that saved the Western Peninsula, this is a mighty weapon that saved the world."
Nicholas held the golden saber in a daze and was momentarily lost for words.
"Remember, Star Killer..." Tolja turned and tapped the Severing Souls Blade at his waist. His voice was solid and his gaze subtle. "Neither of us have the better of the other yet."
Clad in his torn armor, the Fire Knight strode away with firm steps without looking back.
Staring at Tolja's retreating figure, Nicholas furrowed his brow and gritted his teeth even harder.
'Detestable. This… this man…'
"A good man." Clutching a walking stick, Mirk went beside Nicholas. As he watched Tolja, he shook his head and sighed heavily. "It's a pity he's standing on the wrong side."
Nicholas closed his eyes and heaved a loud sigh. The Star Killer turned to his old friend.
"I'm here to say goodbye." Mirk tapped Nicholas' shoulder, his looked bitter. "We shall meet again some day, my friend."
As he glanced from afar at Archduchess Walton, who was surrounded by the crowd, his expression became hesitant.
"You know, you can stay," Nicholas said in a low voice.
"No. My story in the Legend of the White Blade Guards..."
Finally, Mirk sighed. He turned to leave, gazing into the distance and supporting himself on the walking stick.
"... truly ends here."
Nicholas said nothing as he watched Mirk walk away falteringly. He just reached his hand into his pocket and tightly grasped an ordinary-looking stone.
Among the retreating crowd of Black Sand Region people, Kentvida walked beside King Chapman. When he saw the Fire Knight catch up from behind, the viscount glanced at the Severing Souls Blade at Tolja's waist. His looked displeased.
"That's the Rising Sun Saber, said to be the first legendary anti-mystic equipment that changed the world," Kentvida said in dissatisfaction, but the latter paid him no heed. He could only turn to the king. "Are you just going to let him simply give away the sharpest weapon in the world like it's a piece of trash, Your Gra-Your Majesty?"
