Chapter 125: The Next King

Lucius sat at the round table in the office of the royal castle.

Around him were ministers and nobles gathered from the capital and its surroundings.

Assisting him was Mark, the commander of the royal knights.

He had dispatched all the royal knights to the south and stayed behind alone to assist Lucius.

Next to him sat Cyril, the grandson of the king.

“Sigh…”

Lucius leaned back deeply in his chair.

“It seems the empire has completely withdrawn.”

“Yeah, their main force was annihilated almost immediately after the pincer operation failed. I didn’t expect them to retreat so easily though. I thought the invading forces from the empire wouldn’t pursue too deeply, but they withdrew more easily than anticipated.”

Mark stared at the map and pieces on the desk.

“There were just too many uncertainties. After all, more than forty ships of their fleet vanished suddenly. Despite being the empire, they must have needed to be cautious.”

For the past two weeks, Lucius had been busy commanding nobles and knights, barely able to get any sleep.

As if to catch his breath, Cyril began to tidy up the documents spread out on the desk.

The courtiers around them did the same.

At that moment, the door to the office opened.

Entering from the corridor were six people.

Lord Strauss, the lord of the north, and his eldest daughter, Olivia.

Lord Lilinz, the lord of the east, and his son, Kaiseon.

Lord Telugu, the lord of the south, and his daughter, Lucial.

It was the entrance of the four major nobles and the candidates for the throne.

Everyone looked exhausted. They must have been tirelessly dealing with the situation on the front lines.

However, they maintained a resolute attitude.

Everyone in the room bowed their heads.

Each region had been under attack by the empire.

They had received news that they would head here once the situation on the battlefield settled, but the timing depended on the circumstances.

Presumably, when the retreat of the imperial army became the established route, they set out for the capital.

Naturally, the agenda was about post-war negotiations.

To show his respect, Lucius stood up and bowed.

However, despite everyone bowing their heads, the four major nobles did not take their seats.

— What’s going on?

“Lucius.”

It was Lord Strauss who spoke up.

“Yes?”

“As the lord of the Thousand Dragons, if you do not permit our seating, we cannot proceed with the discussion.”

“Huh?”

The four major nobles were kings in their own right.

They didn’t need permission to sit from anyone but the king.

Except for the king.

Olivia spoke sharply to Lucius.

“At the current state of war, Lucius is the regent of the king.”

— Indeed, that’s right.

“I apologize. In the name of the Thousand Dragons, I hereby declare the end of the war.”

With this declaration, it meant Lucius’s authority would return to that of a normal baron.

The nobles sighed with relief at Lucius’s words.

Some were moved to tears that the crisis of their nation had passed.

Following their words, the six of them took their seats at the round table, dividing into north, south, east, and west.

Of course, the western side remained empty.

Lucius stood up from the round table and went to the edge of the room.

The agenda would likely involve assigning responsibility, punishment, and rewards.

The wealth monopolized by the nobles of the west would be confiscated and distributed after many of its owners had died. Perhaps the western province itself might disappear.

Most importantly, it was about deciding the next king in the election.

There was so much to do.

In contrast to Lord Strauss and Lord Lilinz, Lord Telugu, the lord of the south, was sweating profusely.

After the death of Lady Adelaide, he knew he would bear all the responsibility.

It was unclear how involved he had been, but his position could even lead to a capital offense.

Still, he had not fled, and had come here to fulfill his duty as lord.

— Has my duty ended too?

Lucius headed towards the door alone.

“Hey, Lucius. Where are you going? We have a lot to discuss from now on. What are we to do without the greatest hero of this war? Hurry, sit down.”

It was Lord Lilinz, the lord of the east, who called out to him.

“No, this is just between us.”

Everyone in the room leaned in to hear Lucius’s words.

“I’m going to secretly enter the Republic from now on, so please take care of the post-war arrangements.”

Everyone froze.

“What!? Wait a minute, Lucius. What do you mean all of a sudden! Explain yourself!”

Olivia couldn’t help but raise her voice.

The girl he hadn’t seen in almost a year was steadily climbing the stairs to adulthood.

She was a woman with a beauty that would turn heads and a sharp gaze that made her difficult to approach.

“Maybe I still lack the power. After all, I can probably only get an advanced magic sword in the Republic.”

Lucius saw the spirit world.

Even the empire with formidable military power did not encroach upon this great nation, a corner untouched by even the mightiest of empires.

The sacred land of Sangara Republic, where priestesses and enchanted swords reside.

This country is always open to believers as a religious state.

However, places close to the heart of the nation, known as the ‘sanctuary,’ reject entry to anyone not recognized.

Lucius has read that the sanctuary houses a considerable number of high-level enchanted swords.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t stand a chance against the empire.

Indeed, he had gained the power of Samael.

But the War Emperor is not so easily defeated by that alone.

At least for now, with just one strike, he exhausts his magic power, leaving him uncertain facing a great nation.

The strength of the empire lies in its technological prowess.

In other words, they attempt to solve everything through technological development, which inevitably requires time.

They should have bought at least a year to develop countermeasures against Samael.

If Lucius does not gain the power he needs during this time, he will be swept away by the passage of time.

The result would be a repeat of the spirit world.

Furthermore, there are creatures referred to as ‘Lord of the World’ by the War Emperor.

Creatures surpassing even Samael appear in this world by cutting through the sky. Hence, further power is indispensable.

“Do you intend to make enemies of the Republic? Do you plan to intrude upon the ‘sanctuary’!”

It was the southern alliance lord Telugu who raised his voice.

The southern region is adjacent to the Republic, and he knows the circumstances.

“It’s alright. Even if I’m caught, I won’t reveal anything about my relationship with the kingdom. Just like someone else.”

Telugu averted his eyes.

“W-What do you mean…”

“Lord Telugu, you’re hesitating. Until then.”

Telugu lowered his gaze under Lord Lilinz’a scrutiny.

“Understood. You may do as you wish. But I will keep this matter confidential.”

“Yes, that’s what I’d prefer.”

If the nation’s strongest force invades the sanctuary of the Republic, it would undoubtedly be seen as a declaration of war. Moreover, if it becomes known that Lucius is absent from the kingdom, the empire will likely attack immediately.

“Even if we hurry, we should at least give some reward. If we don’t decide on a reward for the first merit, it will be difficult later.”

Lord Strauss sighed.

“And if you can’t return for a while, we might as well nominate someone else for king.”

“Understood. The king…”

Everyone held their breath.

“Most of the surviving nobles in the west were opposed to Adelaide. Therefore, they will follow Lucius, who has eliminated all threats and defended the capital. Likely, even in the south.”

It was clear to everyone whose nomination it essentially was.

“I nominate Olivia Norris Windsor.”

“…Lucius.”

“Olivia’s voice leaked out.

It’s not just because of fate.

Even Lucius has gained enough wisdom. He painfully realized the weight of the role of king through this incident.

Everyone acknowledges that Olivia achieved great success in this battle. There is also the fact that she was stationed in the easternmost state closest to the empire.

But most importantly, in the spirit realm, it is noted that a significant number of Tact domain residents participated in the resistance.

Even the divisional commander Karan, who was stationed on the front lines in the Tact domain, and the brigade commander Shaolia, survived.

Although it was partly due to Commander Karan’s decisive action, even so, the minimal damage to Tact domain residents was exceptional.

Naturally, this was due to Lady Olivia’s judgment.

She must have risked her own life to spare both knights and domain residents. Surely, she continued to stand on the front lines until she was likely the last remaining person.

As a leader, one must accept shame to survive. However, that’s assuming the organization remains intact.

Understanding that the nation as an organization would completely collapse, Olivia made her choice.

To save even a few lives.

Her stance resembles that of the former king.

“Is this really alright?”

Lord Strauss pressed.

I don’t know how politically astute the sons of the other four great noble families are.

However, I have no recollection of any special achievements from the territories of Lucial, stationed in the west, or Kaiseon, stationed in the north, after the collapse of the kingdom.

“Yes.”

Lucius nodded vigorously.

Under normal circumstances, there could have been a different decision.

However, the coming era will be one of turmoil under imperial invasion. It is better that someone capable of making judgments that save lives takes the helm.

“…It’s settled.”

Even though he said that, tears welled up in Lord Strauss’s eyes.

“We’ll conduct an election just to be formal, even if we already know the outcome.” 

Lord Lilinz also agreed.

Lord Telugu fell silent. Originally planning to gather votes for Dion, a candidate from the west, he hadn’t even considered becoming king.

“But in that case… the West-Windsor family. What about the west?”

“That’s true.”

Tension among the ministers and courtiers intensified.

Most present here are from the west. If they caused such turmoil, it’s possible they could dismantle the west and reorganize it into other states.

“Although it would normally be up to the next king to decide… any opinions?”

Lord Lilinz looked at Olivia in an almost arbitrary manner.

It was as if he were saying, “You decide.”

Olivia remained steadfast in her demeanor.

Her expression hadn’t changed since she emerged from the forest at the age of ten.

“I want to create a country where all citizens are given opportunities, evaluated, and can live prosperously. That is my goal.”

Her eyes, filled with determination, conveyed something akin to a declaration.

The ministers and courtiers around her felt relieved to have her permission to continue.

Furthermore, several chamberlains who worked at the royal palace naturally knelt in that atmosphere.

“…I see.”

Lord Telugu and another person, Lucial, also breathed a sigh of relief.

They had prepared themselves for the coming winter in the warm south.

In that moment, everything was decided.

Even among the nobles of the west and south, there was no longer any reason not to vote for Olivia.

“In that case, we must decide on the next head of the West-Windsor family. Normally, this would be a matter for the family to decide, but given the circumstances, it’s appropriate for us to make the appointment.”

The words of Lord Lilinz made the nobles from the west tremble.

In other words, he was saying they could assign someone as a puppet.

“Lord Lilinz, that has already been decided.”

Lucius spoke up.

“Decided? Who is it?”

“It’s Cyril.”

“””Huh?”””

All eyes focused on the youngest member of the family.

“I’ve never heard of this person.”

“Who is that?”

Lord Strauss and Lord Lilinz tilted their heads.

“W-Wait a moment! Lord Lucius, what are you talking about!?”

Even Cyril himself was surprised.

“Because you inherited that ring from His Majesty, right?”

Lucius pointed at Cyril’s hand.

On Cyril’s thumb was a ring with a red gem.

The deep radiance of the gem.

It was the same magic stone as the core of Lucius’s puppet, Sol.

In other words, Lucius immediately realized that Cyril had inherited the covenant with Samael from the late king as the representative of the family.

He didn’t know the details of the deal Samael made with the people of Fels, House West-Windsor, or why he made it.

Still, there is no doubt that the former king, having prepared himself for his end, handed it over to Cyril.

“I mean, Grandfather definitely said never to tell anyone else about this ring.”

Unbeknownst to Lucius, the King had also made Cyril promise to give the ring to Lady Adelaide and Dion if they agreed to be persuaded.

In the end, the opportunity to fulfill that promise was lost forever.

“That’s what I heard from the Fairy King.”

Lucius answered with a laugh.

“The Fairy King? What’s that?”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

People from other provinces clearly didn’t understand.

Even those from the west, while familiar with the Fairy King’s name, had no idea what connection it had to the West-Windsor family.

By the way, Lucius never disclosed that he had made a contract with the Fairy King, Samael.

When shooting down the magic ship, far from the capital, and even when the curse was cast on some citizens of the capital who did not possess a magic core, it was enough to let Sol run around the capital for the curse to be undone.

Either way, scattering the light of disaster in a place where it can be seen is not possible.

“As for Cyril. Time is short, if you are the head of the family, we don’t mind if you sit as a representative.”

“I agree.”

Cyril, who was appointed by the two lords, stiffened as he took his seat on the western side.

“Next, let’s talk about rewards.”

Lord Strauss urged.

“In that case, is four good?”

“Of course.”

Everyone’s gaze turned to Lucius.

If desired, one can have as much land as one wants in the west. Depending on one’s wishes, it could even lead to the birth of a grand count.

Lucius looked at Lords Strauss and Lilinz.

“First, the magic steel to my territory of Bulgia.”

Everyone present frowned.

“Magic steel? Is it that metal found in the labyrinth that cannot be processed?”

“Yes.”

Processing magic steel can only be done by dwarves. Therefore, for humans, it is merely a metal that is hard and worthless.

“I don’t quite understand, but I accept. We’ll have the magic steel from the entire country delivered.”

“Thank you. Second, a call for diplomatic relations with the Pandora Federation.”

“That country strongly supports tribalism. Not only are they cut off from diplomatic relations with other countries, but they’ve even severed ties with the Southern Continent.”

“Even so.”

“What is your purpose? If you’re going to engage in diplomacy, you need a goal and a strategy.”

“I would like the manufacture of the Typhoon class that was once controlled by Hero King Xenon. Please also revive the five giant Titans and other works.”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

It didn’t make sense. It’s like asking for the preparation of legendary weapons in a country that is not even an ally.

It’s almost an impossible goal, and even if achieved, who benefits from creating something that brings only fear rather than national interest?

“I don’t see the point.”

“What do you mean?”

“The War Emperor is invading the kingdom solely to pressure the Pandora Federation. If they produce the Typhoon-class, the ultimate culmination of their secret arts, there should no longer be a reason to attack the kingdom. I’m not offering this for free. Also, please convey my readiness to deliver one of the Tower Lord’s magic stones.”

The War Emperor’s goal is to pressure the Pandora Federation and to have them manufacture the Typhoon-class, which is likely intended as a force to combat the demon known as the ‘Lord of the World’.

“Wha… the Tower Lord’s magic stone!? Lucius, did you actually ascend to the top floor of the tower!?”

The room erupted in commotion all at once.

“I have various reasons, and it’s just something I happen to have. Let’s proceed with the negotiations.”

“…Understood. If you insist, we’ll dispatch a special envoy. But don’t expect too much.”

“Yes. And thirdly, I would like to receive the Sword of Light.”

“Of course.”

Upon Lucius’ words, Cyril stood up straight and headed to the back of the room. When Cyril returned shortly thereafter, he was holding a magic sword wrapped in cloth. 

As Captain of the Royal Guard, Mark narrowed his eyes suggestively, but Cyril unwrapped the cloth.

“Here it is.”

The magic sword radiated light, the beloved sword of the king and also the cursed sword that killed him.

“My grandfather asked me to return it with the next reward before he passed away. There are two more.”

“In that case, instead of us, it would be appropriate for Cyril, or rather Lord West, to deliver them as ordered by the late king.”

Cyril bowed his head and stepped forward before Lucius.

He held up the treasure swords with both hands.

Lucius knelt and accepted the three magic swords.

‘You will be the light for this country as a hero,’ came words from somewhere.

He felt as if he had heard those words once when he was three years old, when the king bestowed upon him the treasure swords.

“…Understood,” Lucius responded just as he had back then.

Back then, he had gone with the flow of the moment, speaking with words that were only on the surface.

But this time was different.

It was a word filled with clear will and resolution.

Lucius stood up and sheathed the sword of light on his left side.

“Of course, it fits perfectly,” he thought.

After confirming the feel of the sword, he handed over the large sword to Captain of the Royal Guard Mark with his right hand.

“This large sword. Please use it to protect the next king.”

Lucius glanced at Olivia.

Chiyou refused to accept it and the commander and vice commander of the dragon knights already had magic spears.

There was no way Lucius could effectively utilize it.

“…Yes, certainly,” 

Captain Mark of the Royal Guard said, kneeling to receive the magic sword from Lucius.

Tradition was disrupted and then returned to the man who had done so by the advent of the magic dragon.

“And fourthly—“

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