On the Day of the Lady of the Lake, before dawn, the entire palace of Couronne had already awakened. Today marked the most significant day in nearly thirty years for Bretonnia. The kingdom's heir apparent, Duke of Mousillon, and the Lady of the Lake's chosen champion, Ryan, would be crowned as the new King of Knights.
At 4 a.m., the sky outside was still shrouded in darkness, with only the bright moonlight shining down from the heavens. Inside the palace, Ryan and his wife, Sulia, were making their final preparations.
In the quiet hall, only Ryan and Sulia were present.
Ryan was already dressed in his royal attire, adorned with gold lions and intricate embroidery on his coat, shirt, and trousers. The sword of the Goddess of Vengeance hung at his waist. His long black hair had been meticulously groomed. Ryan was no longer the young knight of ten years ago; now in his prime, his face bore no trace of youthful impetuosity. Instead, he exuded the steady aura of a mountain, the deep and inscrutable demeanor of the night, and the heroic presence that shone with the light of humanity and hope in this dark world.
Behind him stood his queen, Sulia-Coumarine-Anteri-de-Winfort, dressed in her full royal regalia. Today, Sulia wore a white and gold jeweled gown from the Rhineland court, made of the finest materials. The gown was elegant and luxurious, adorned with golden threads and encrusted with jewels, making it incredibly expensive. Sulia's stunning beauty, combined with the royal gown, was enough to dazzle anyone.
"My lady, you are breathtaking today," Ryan said softly as he approached Sulia, gently stroking her flawless face. He admired her figure, elegantly outlined by the gown, and couldn't help but praise her. "Finally, we've arrived at this day."
"Ryan..." Sulia, always composed and dignified, felt a wave of emotion as she saw the deep affection in her husband's eyes. She reached out with her gloved hand to hold Ryan's larger hand. "Ryan, thank you. I once thought that perhaps... But I never imagined you would truly become a king."
"Of course, my queen," Ryan smiled as he took Sulia's hand, speaking in a low voice. "As my wife, you deserve nothing but the best. Sulia, you are worthy of everything you've received. You are my queen and the bride chosen by my father. You are nearly a perfect wife. I've always thought that perhaps I don't quite deserve you... Over the years, you've helped me greatly with domestic affairs and court matters. When I was away on campaigns, you managed everything so well. No matter what challenges I faced, you always supported and inspired me."
"This is what a wife should do, Ryan. I should be the one thanking you," Sulia responded with a soft laugh. Her husband, a hero to humanity, exuded confidence, authority, and a brilliance that seemed to hold the world under his feet. No matter the challenge or the enemy, Ryan had never shown fear or doubt. He always appeared strong, unyielding, and unstoppable.
But in private, only Sulia knew that Ryan occasionally had moments of uncertainty, moments where he wasn't sure of himself. Only with her could he momentarily set aside his burdens.
For Ryan, Sulia and Devonhill were his warm harbor, a place where he could occasionally rest.
Sulia couldn't help but feel content with her marriage to Ryan. Even the Lady of the Lake couldn't rival her for the position of Ryan's wife. What more could she ask for? Now, she was about to become a queen, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, second only to Morgiana. Even Morgiana acknowledged Sulia's authority within Ryan's household.
"Darkness is approaching, my lady. The Everchosen of Chaos is searching for the final Chaos artifact. We may soon face the end times. All the civilizations, all the miracles, all the faith that mortals have built in the Old World over thousands of years will face the ultimate test." Ryan sat down with Sulia, taking out a golden-embellished wooden box. He knelt before her, gently lifting her gown. "Sulia, am I really... capable? Do you think I can truly lead this kingdom and protect this world?"
Beneath her gown, Sulia's long, slender legs were gracefully outlined in white unicorn silk. Her thighs were rounded and full, her calves slender and shapely. Following the alluring curves of her legs, her feet rested in a pair of simple nude heels. Ryan carefully removed these heels and opened the box, revealing the shoes Sulia would wear for the ceremony.
These were a pair of finely crafted pointed-toe high heels made of calfskin, with delicate stiletto heels and a leather upper. The shoes were white, with a pearlescent sheen that reflected a faint rainbow of colors in the light.
The sides of the shoes were made of transparent material, connecting the pointed toe and the straps. Ryan guided Sulia's small, silk-covered feet into the shoes. Her delicate ankle found its place in his warm hands. Once she was fully dressed, Sulia stood nearly six feet tall. Ryan lowered his head and kissed her soft foot. "I still..."
"Ryan, you must believe in yourself. You are the only one who can lead this kingdom out of its troubles. You are the champion of the Lady, the one chosen by fate, the hope of Bretonnia, and the reformer of the chivalric spirit." Sulia let Ryan finish helping her with the shoes, then gently cupped his face with her hands. "You are also my beloved husband, my love. No one else has the ability to do this. You will be a good husband, a good commander, a good king, and a good leader. You must believe in yourself. You can do this. You are the man I, Sulia, chose. You are the best, the greatest. Everyone believes in you—whether they are serfs, knights, the Lady, or even the Emperor, the Elves, or the Dwarves, they all believe in you."
"Everyone believes in me, they all believe in me," Ryan seemed somewhat uncertain, almost lost as he looked deeply into his wife's eyes. "Do you believe in me, Sulia?"
"If I didn't believe in you, how could I be your wife?" Sulia's radiant smile lit up the room. "Go ahead and do what you must, Ryan. The Lady and I will be your strong support. Why resist your destiny?"
"In the face of a heavy crown, I feel as weak as Richard," Ryan murmured, doubt clouding his voice. "I..."
"You will face the same evils and overcome them," Sulia reassured him, stroking his cheek. "You are the chosen champion of the Lady. You will be the greatest king Bretonnia has seen since Arthur, and you will lead us to victory over evil."
"Yes, I will," Ryan's resolve hardened once more.
Indeed, this was his destiny. He had to embrace it, for the sake of this world and for all that he loved.
"Lord Duke, my lady, it's almost time," Sylvia, the head maid, knocked on the door from outside after the couple had exchanged a few more private words. "Are you ready?"
"Let's go, my lady," Ryan stood and offered Sulia his hand. "Today is not just my stage but yours as well."
———I am the line for embracing destiny———
At 7 a.m., the coronation ceremony for the new king officially began. The streets of Couronne were packed with people, eager to witness the crowning of their new king.
The grand procession started on the River Sannez, with the Sea God fleet of Bordeleaux and the Bretonnian navy of Le-Angoulême making a grand display. Hundreds of ships adorned with colorful banners and flags of the Bretonnian duchies sailed down the river. Ryan, accompanied by his wife Sulia and their son Devonhill, stood on the small sailboat "Lady of Glory," receiving the cheers of the people. Various celebrations took place throughout the streets of Couronne, with the Church of the Lady of the Lake also contributing by distributing 5,000 cakes and 5,000 cups of sweet wine to devout followers at the entrance of the Holy Grail Cathedral.
The river parade began outside the city on the River Sannez and continued until it reached the royal dock within the city. The parade passed over several bridges, including the Couronne Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Kariod Bridge, and Cillrúadh Bridge. Ryan and Sulia disembarked at the royal dock.
Though it was still before dawn, the streets along the royal dock were already packed with people. Citizens of Couronne crowded both sides of the road, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of their new king and queen. The Couronne garrison and the Holy Grail Knights stationed in the city had been deployed en masse to maintain order.
As the sailboat docked, Ryan gently helped his wife Sulia onto the dock. The crowd erupted into a deafening roar of cheers and applause. Ryan smiled at the scene but remained silent. Behind him, the Old Guard began to disembark.
The Old Guard's reputation had spread across every corner of Bretonnia after years of warfare, but the people of Couronne had never seen this army in person. In their imaginations, the Old Guard would be similar to the Holy Grail Knights, adorned with flowers and banners, their plumes resplendent like colorful roosters.
But the Old Guard before them was nothing like what they had imagined. Aside from the striking red, white, and blue tricolor flag with
its golden patterns and fleur-de-lis, there were no other frills.
Before they could be disappointed, the citizens of Couronne turned their attention to the soldiers.
The people of Couronne had never seen such a spirited army!
Wearing bearskin caps, dressed in half-plate armor forged by dwarves, with red and blue epaulets, immaculate trousers, and golden tassels, the Old Guard marched with their heads held high and their chests puffed out, proudly following Duke Ryan's footsteps as they walked up the royal road. Their faces gleamed with oil, their expressions as if chiseled from stone, and they marched in perfect formation.
The citizens could almost see a radiant spirit illuminating the face of every member of the Old Guard.
Their uniforms were pristine, their curved swords and muskets gleaming!
Serfs could one day stand proudly among the knights like this?
These soldiers had all once been serfs!
The citizens of Couronne were stunned, their throats choked with emotion, unable to speak. This scene, with its unique power, brought tears to their eyes.
Ryan and his entourage didn't pause despite the citizens' reactions. From the moment he stepped onto the royal dock until the last cavalry unit entered Couronne Palace, the cheers rose like a surging tide, wave after wave. The people praised Ryan's great contributions, sang of his endless glory, and recounted his heroic deeds. The immense sound echoed over Couronne, lingering for a long time.
At 10 a.m., Ryan and his party arrived at the main keep of the palace, where the council hall was already filled with distinguished guests. The Bretonnian nobles, the nobles from the Empire, the dignitaries from the southern nations, and representatives of the dwarves led by Belegar and the elves led by Teclis and Araloth were all present.
Cannons fired in salute, and confetti rained down from the sky. Amidst the thunderous applause, Ryan, holding Sulia's hand, arrived at the gates of the council hall.
Morgiana, leading the priestesses of the Lady, began to sing.
"They are the finest knights~"
"They are the symbols of virtue~"
"The most glorious chivalry~"
"The victorious army~"
"The king's army~"
"A grand gathering!"
"Bear witness to the birth of a new king!"
"He is the Lady's choice."
"He is the people's admiration."
"He is the symbol of the kingdom."
"He is invincible."
"He is our new king, Ryan-Macado!"
To the melodious and grand music, the doors slowly opened. King Ryan, gently holding Queen Sulia's hand, walked towards the council hall.
Behind Sulia, the Dark Elf Olica and the head maid Sylvia, along with the sorceresses Teresa and Veronica, helped lift Sulia's long train.
The entire council hall erupted into thunderous applause. In this moment, whether Bretonnian, Imperial, Southerner, Dwarf, or Elf, they all genuinely offered their applause to Ryan. This human hero, who had spent over a decade fighting evil, defeating enemies, and protecting the world, had achieved undeniable, indisputable, and unparalleled glory. Ryan's accomplishments were the epitome of humanity's resilience, their determination to survive against all odds.
The regent, Lawn, stepped forward and took a deep breath, loudly proclaiming, "Now, let us welcome..."
"...the heir of Bretonnia, Duke of Mousillon, Earl of Glamorgan, Baron of Gisne, Champion of the Lady of the Lake, Grand Master of the Holy Grail Knights, Protector of Marienburg, Destroyer of the Hell Pit, Slayer of the Everchosen, Judge of Egil-Red-Eyes, Ender of the Red Duke's Nightmare Legend, Savior of Helmgart, Good Brother to the Angrond Clan, Sole Trading Partner of the Wood Elves, Reformer of the Chivalric Spirit, Cleanser of the Undead, Great Defender of the Grey Mountains, Restorer of Mousillon, Rightful Heir to the Spirit and Virtue of Landuin, Undisputed Supreme Commander of the Old Guard, Crusher of Tamurkhan's Decaying Body, Close Friend of Nuln, Terror of Chaos, Confidant of the Emperor across the Mountains, Hammer of Nordland, the Pious Ryan-Macado and his wife, Sulia-Coumarine-Anteri-de-Winfort!"
As the music played, the special guest of honor, King of the Angrond Clan and true King of Eight Peaks, Belegar-Ironhammer, proudly held a golden platter covered in silk. On the silk rested the crown of the King of Knights. Belegar was visibly pleased to be carrying the crown, standing tall and ready.
As if by arrangement, the music ended just as the palace bells began to toll: "Dong~ Dong~ Dong~"
The entire council hall was suddenly bathed in blinding white light.
The Lady of the Lake descended to the mortal realm, appearing in the council hall's air. Shrouded in thick mist, the goddess's divine figure and breathtaking beauty were revealed to all present.
As the Lady of the Lake appeared, all the Bretonnian nobles knelt on one knee in reverence, and the other noble guests from human nations bowed deeply, showing their respect for the goddess.
The dwarves, standing in the back, were too short to be seen kneeling or bowing.
The elves merely nodded; Araloth's eyes gleamed, while Teclis frowned, each with their own thoughts.
The goddess looked upon her chosen champion and his queen standing at the entrance of the hall. She smiled and spoke in a light, ethereal voice that everyone in the council hall could hear.
"Ryan, my champion, step forward with your queen, Sulia."
"The time for your coronation has come."
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