Today, the goddess wore a classical silk evening gown adorned with graceful Phoenix patterns. Her radiant beauty was accentuated by a subtle smile of satisfaction and anticipation. Her rose-colored lips curled into a mesmerizing arc, and her emerald eyes sparkled with recognition and joy.
Her elegant, snow-white feet were clad in thin unicorn silk stockings, slipped into pale blue strappy high heels. Her golden hair, reaching down to her ankles, was adorned with a crown of multicolored iris flowers, cascading over her shoulders. The goddess's impressive figure was on full display. Golden ribbons inscribed with the sacred tenets of chivalry hung from her golden hair and sleeves. Every inch of her was adorned with various ornaments made from "Eldar Star Diamonds" and gold. A complete set of white gold jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings, emitted a divine light from her person.
The Lady of the Lake nodded slightly, acknowledging those present, and took the King of Knights' crown from Belegar.
Within the council hall, iris petals filled the air as the goddess spoke, her voice carrying through the hall.
"Ryan-Macado, my champion, the heir of Landuin~"
"Before you, many kings have reigned, their names resounding with glory and honor."
Ryan nodded slightly, his expression solemn. He gently released Sulia's hand and walked alone toward the Lady of the Lake.
The sacred bells rang throughout the council hall.
"When they ascended the throne, they had nothing."
Many dukes and Grail Knights recalled the holy days of their ancestors, the endless trials and tribulations of the Grail Quest. François, Ryan's father-in-law, had tears in his eyes as he remembered the most difficult times of his Grail Quest, when he had nothing but his sword and the Lady's icon.
"But they staked everything to seek their true love and prove their worth."
Sulia stood proudly, watching her husband from behind. Yes, this was her man.
"Spurred by glory and virtue, they pressed on without hesitation!" The Lady of the Lake's voice grew more powerful.
The nobles of Bretonnia seemed to be transported back a thousand years, to the twelve great battles that forged the kingdom, to the legendary songs of Arthur and his Grail Companions. Emperor Karl Franz and the Elector Counts of the Empire also remembered the empire founded by Charlemagne. It was a time of savagery and desolation, when humanity was humble, and evil, greenskins, and raiders ran rampant. It was Charlemagne who led the human tribes to rise, to defeat the greenskins, the undead, and Chaos in one battle after another, conquering the vast, fertile plains. After the victorious war cries, the empire was established, and castles, prosperity, and fields emerged across the land.
"What makes you think that you are the chosen one?" The Lady of the Lake's voice turned icy. "Or that you are destined?"
Ryan remained silent, continuing to walk steadily toward the Lady of the Lake.
"Remember, who gave you the right to rule this land?"
The hall grew restless. Emperor Karl Franz and the Imperial nobles began to show mocking expressions, while the Bretonnian nobles remained composed.
Only Ryan remained calm, neither pleased nor angered, as he looked directly at the Lady of the Lake.
The Lady of the Lake averted her gaze from Ryan and signaled for Morgiana to open the doors of the council hall.
Outside, a tidal wave of cheers erupted as the people chanted Ryan's name.
"That does not come from the people."
The Lady of the Lake shook her head.
"Nor is it my gift."
"Everything comes from your own efforts!"
Now it was the nobles' turn to react.
What did the Lady of the Lake mean by this? It was as if she was relinquishing her divine right and legitimacy, sharing her supreme authority with Ryan! It was as if she was acknowledging that Ryan's throne was equal to hers, irreplaceable!
Karl Franz quietly fumed. Why hadn't Charlemagne appeared when he was crowned? Damn it, Ryan always seemed to get unconditional support from the Lady of the Lake and her church. Why not him?
Teclis, the High Loremaster of Hoeth from the Kingdom of Saphery, furrowed his brow at the Lady of the Lake's actions. Clearly, his goddess, the High Elf Moon Goddess Lileath, had decided to place all her bets on Ryan.
This was Lileath's choice, and Teclis could neither oppose nor reject it. But deep down, the High Loremaster felt a pang of dissatisfaction. Such a position of honor and identity, why was it bestowed upon a human and not a High Elf prince?
The world was supposed to be under the protection of the Asur!
What had happened to reduce the once-glorious Elven civilization of millennia past to this, where Lileath would choose a human as her trump card and consort?
Teclis had many questions. As one of the more open-minded and world-aware High Elves, Teclis advocated for cooperation with humans and dwarfs. He did not share the excessive arrogance and disdain that many Elven princes held toward humans, but he did ponder what had led the Elves to their current state.
Meanwhile, not far from the Couronne Palace, in an inn surrounded by a psychic barrier, a group of unexpected visitors watched the coronation from afar.
"Interesting," Lorgar said, his hands clasped in a prayer gesture. "Very interesting."
"Hey, this god seems quite sensible," Vulkan raised his fist. "To be fair, she did give Ryan a lot. Ryan couldn't have come this far without her support!"
Jaghatai Khan and Corvus Corax remained silent, the former wondering who would have crowned Saint Gilles if the Second Empire had been established—himself or Guilliman?
Corax, on the other hand, wondered why Ryan received such universal admiration, while he, a Primarch who often fought to protect civilians, was met with hostility and suspicion.
"It seems this one doesn't need my reminder today," the Emperor spoke. "Good."
Back in the council hall, the coronation ceremony continued. Ryan reached the Lady of the Lake, kneeling before her. The goddess gently held the King of Knights' crown in both hands, and from the air, she slowly placed the crown on Ryan's head.
"You have earned everything with your wisdom and strength!"
"Congratulations, Ryan, King of Bretonnia! After a thousand years, the kingdom of knights is unified once more!"
"May the gods bless you!"
Ryan nodded with a smile. From this day forward, he was king.
Taking a deep breath, Ryan turned to face all the guests in the council hall.
Thunderous applause erupted once more, and the nobles cheered loudly. Ryan gripped his sword's hilt, looking at the nobles in the hall. The intense atmosphere made Ryan slightly nervous. Having never experienced such a moment, he took another deep breath. Before he could speak, Belegar-Ironhammer approached with the golden platter, smiling. "Brother Ryan, it's your turn to crown your queen. Relax."
"Thank you, Belegar, my friend." Belegar's sincere blessing and playful tone helped Ryan relax. He smiled at Belegar, reached out, and took the Queen's crown.
The Queen of Bretonnia's crown was composed of hundreds of pearls and 1,333 diamonds. The back of the crown was adorned with twelve fleur-de-lis and roaring red dragon motifs, symbolizing the first King Arthur and his twelve Grail Companions. This crown was incredibly valuable, priceless, and had been personally blessed and consecrated by the Lady of the Lake.
Sulia, her cheeks flushed with excitement, slowly walked up to Ryan. With the help of Sylvia, Olica, and others, she knelt before him. Ryan looked at his wife with deep affection, gently placing the Queen's crown on her head. He whispered, "Now, Sulia, my queen, it belongs to you."
Radiant and resplendent, the entire council hall was filled with the envious, jealous, and admiring gazes of noble ladies, especially the duchesses. Typically, a King of Knights would ascend the throne in old age. While the Grail's power might keep them youthful, their queens were often elderly. It was rare to see a young and beautiful Queen of Knights like Sulia, but who could blame her for choosing wisely?
Emilia lightly bit her handkerchief, pouting. "So jealous of Sister Sulia. I was first!"
"She's so beautiful!"
"Congratulations to Lady Sulia!"
"She's so lucky to have married well!"
"I wish I could wear that crown~"
The noblewomen whispered among themselves, their eyes red with envy as they stared at Sulia's crown.
Ryan helped Sulia to her feet, pulling her close. Sulia's face was full of happiness and pride. Seeing her expression, even the Lady of the Lake felt a twinge of jealousy. She had often regretted arranging Sulia's marriage to Ryan, but remembering Ryan's father's attitude, the goddess could only sigh.
"Thank you, everyone. Thank you for coming. Thank you, Lady. Thank you to all who fight for survival and order in this world," Ryan began his speech. "Today's glory does not belong to me alone but to all present and many who are not!"
"Now, a new era has dawned. Let us unite against our enemies! Let us rebuild our homes, enjoying peace and glory. Let us follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and create new splendor on this land bestowed by the Lady!"
"Aye!!!" The council hall erupted in applause and cheers once again.
As Ryan looked out over the scene in the hall, with iris petals floating
down, he softly sang a song from his distant memory.
"I've paid my dues~"
"Time after time~"
Regent Lawn led the dukes forward to pay their respects to the new king.
"I've done my sentence~"
"But committed no crime~"
Emperor Karl Franz led the Elector Counts of the Empire to pay their respects to King Ryan.
Then it was Teclis leading the High Elves, Araloth leading the Wood Elves, Belegar leading the Dwarves, and the nobles from the southern nations, all paying their respects to the new king in turn.
"Long live the king!"
"Long live the king!"
With the coronation ceremony concluded, a new era for Bretonnia had begun.
Next, the Royal Tournament of Bretonnia was held at Couronne's Lion's Ring Arena.
Bretonnian knights, Imperial knights, and Elven knights would compete for supremacy.
The prize? A golden grail, personally revealed by the Lady of the Lake.
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