Kapitel 26: Jewel of the Empire
Our new home in the Imperial Capital was a spacious manor nestled within a district reserved for noble families. The estate was surrounded by high walls and lush gardens, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility amidst the bustling city. As we entered through the wrought-iron gates, I marveled at the beauty of our new residence. The manor was a grand structure of white stone and dark wood, with large windows that allowed sunlight to pour into the rooms.
The interior was just as impressive. The entrance hall was vast, with a high ceiling adorned with a crystal chandelier that cast a soft, warm light. Intricately woven tapestries depicting scenes of history and mythology hung on the walls. The floors were polished marble, and the air was filled with the faint scent of fresh flowers from the many arrangements placed throughout the house.
"Welcome to our new home," Father said, his voice echoing slightly in the grand hall. "Take your time to explore and settle in."
Elara and I exchanged excited glances before dashing off to explore the manor. Each room was more beautiful than the last, with elegantly carved furniture, plush carpets, and large fireplaces. My room was located on the second floor, offering a stunning view of the gardens below. It was spacious, with a large bed, a desk by the window, and a wardrobe filled with new clothes suitable for our life in the capital.
After settling into our rooms, we gathered in the dining hall for our first meal in our new home. The long table was set with fine china and silverware, and a feast of delicious dishes awaited us. As we ate, the excitement of our new surroundings and the upcoming ceremony filled our conversation.
"This place is incredible," Elara said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I can't believe we get to live here."
"It's certainly a change from our old home," Mother agreed, smiling. "But it's a good change. We're very fortunate."
Father nodded. "Indeed. This move opens up many opportunities for us. And tomorrow, we will attend the ceremony for Lucas. It's a significant event, not just for him, but for our entire family."
'It will be good to see just how powerful this Empire is as well,' I thought.
The next day dawned bright and clear, the perfect backdrop for such an important occasion. We dressed in our finest attire, with Elara in a beautiful gown and Mother in an elegant dress that matched her striking blonde hair and blue eyes. Father looked distinguished in his formal wear, and I felt a sense of pride as I donned my own ceremonial outfit.
A luxurious carriage awaited us at the front of the manor, and we set off towards the Imperial Palace. The streets were already bustling with activity as people prepared for the day's events. Banners and flags bearing the Imperial crest fluttered in the breeze, adding to the sense of festivity.
As we approached the palace, the grandeur of the structure took my breath away once again. The high walls and towering spires gleamed in the sunlight, and the golden accents seemed to glow with an inner light. The gates opened to admit us, and we were escorted into the palace grounds, where a crowd had already gathered to witness the ceremony.
The main hall of the palace was even more magnificent than the exterior. High ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes and chandeliers that sparkled like stars created an atmosphere of opulence and majesty. Rows of seats were arranged before a grand dais, where the Emperor himself would preside over the ceremony.
We took our seats, the air buzzing with anticipation. The hall was filled with nobles and dignitaries, all eager to witness the momentous occasion.
I recognised many nobles that I had learned from my lessons. Suddenly, the sound of trumpets brought me out of my thoughts.
"The Emperor of the Killion Empire, His Majesty Alexander de Lugar, accompanied by the Crown Princess, Her Highness Rachel de Lugar, and the Second Princess, Her Highness Aurora de Lugar, are arriving!" the herald's voice echoed through the grand hall, drawing everyone's attention.
All eyes turned to the entrance as the imperial family made their grand entrance. Emperor Alexander de Lugar, though not known for his power, carried himself with a dignified air befitting his station. His silver hair, neatly combed back, shimmered under the grand chandeliers, and his warm verdant eyes surveyed the room with a mixture of pride and solemnity. His imperial robes, a rich tapestry of deep blue and gold, added an aura of regality to his otherwise humble presence.
To his right walked Crown Princess Rachel de Lugar, known as the Jewel of the Empire. She bore the same silver hair as her father, cascading in soft waves down her back. She wore an elegant gown of emerald green that contrasted beautifully with her hair and brought out the vivid green of her eyes. Her posture was graceful and composed, exuding a quiet confidence that marked her as the heir apparent. Rachel's every movement radiated a regal elegance, drawing admiring gazes from all corners of the hall.
On the Emperor's left was the Second Princess, Aurora de Lugar, Rachel's twin. She was no less striking, with her silver hair styled in intricate braids adorned with delicate jewels that sparkled as she moved. Her gown, a soft lavender, complemented her gentle features and violet eyes. Aurora's demeanor was softer, more approachable, but she carried herself with a poise that spoke of her noble upbringing.
'The Jewel of the Empire,' I mused, my gaze fixed on Rachel. 'Such high praise for a twelve-year-old girl.'
Rachel's reputation was not solely built on her ethereal beauty, which indeed sparkled like a precious gem. Her moniker also stemmed from her extraordinary talent in bureaucracy and various other domains, talents that were unparalleled even among seasoned adults. Remarkably, she already managed her own territory, assisting her father with an efficiency that belied her years.
This exceptional feat contributed significantly to the Imperial Family's sustained power. Aside from the formidable Imperial Guards, Rachel's prowess in governance ensured the family's influence remained unchallenged.
The imperial family reached the dais, and with a wave of his hand, the Emperor signaled for the crowd to rise.
"Welcome, esteemed guests," Emperor Alexander's voice resonated, rich and authoritative despite his modest power. "Today, we gather to honor the bravery and achievements of our noble subjects. For this ceremony, we also have Marquis Magnus Lumar, the Spear Saint, and the Sword of the Empire, Marquis Kilt Evergreen. Let the ceremony commence."
The crowd murmured in awe as I turned my attention to the two Marquises seated close to the Imperial Family, a privilege reserved for the Empire's most distinguished warriors.
Magnus Lumar, the Spear Saint, sat in a relaxed yet alert posture. His neatly combed black hair and sharp, piercing green eyes contrasted with the stern lines of his face. Clad in a military uniform adorned with medals and insignias that testified to his numerous exploits, he radiated an aura of unassailable strength. His presence was commanding, his demeanor a testament to his title as the Empire's strongest man.
Beside him was Marquis Kilt Evergreen, the Sword of the Empire. His appearance was a study in contrasts; where Magnus was dark and imposing, Kilt was fair and unassuming. His ash-blonde hair fell in soft waves around his face, and his deep blue eyes were thoughtful and observant. Dressed in elegant, yet practical attire befitting a warrior-scholar, he exuded an air of quiet confidence. His reputation as a master swordsman was well-deserved, and his calm demeanor belied the lethal skill he possessed.
'So that is the strongest man in the Empire,' I thought as I observed Magnus Lumar. His mere presence seemed to resonate with power and authority. My gaze then shifted to Kilt Evergreen, whose serene composure hinted at depths of skill and wisdom that were formidable yet lacking compared to Magnus.
The ceremony began with a series of accolades and recognitions, celebrating the achievements of various nobles and warriors. The air was thick with anticipation, each announcement met with polite applause. Finally, it was time for Lucas to be honored.
"Today, we bestow the rank of Imperial Knight upon Lucas Orbel," the Emperor proclaimed, his voice ringing clear and proud. "For his bravery and exceptional service, Lucas has proven himself a worthy protector of our Empire by successfully defeating a rogue Imperial Knight in single combat, saving an entire town."
I couldn't help but frown at the mention of another rogue Imperial Knight. Due to their immense power, Imperial Knights were typically deployed alone to carry out missions. Very few missions required multiple Imperial Knights, and even fewer demanded entire battalions. As a result, rogue Imperial Knights, like the one who attacked my home city, could cause devastating consequences, as they were nearly unstoppable.
Lucas stepped forward, his face a mask of determination. Having gone through puberty, he had grown taller and put some more lean muscle onto his frame. He knelt before the Emperor, who tapped his shoulders with a ceremonial sword, officially knighting him. The crowd erupted into applause, the sound reverberating through the grand hall.
"You will officially be joining the 4th Battalion of Imperial Knight," the Emperor announced.
I saw the two twin princesses looking at Lucas with some glint in their eyes. This was a given since Lucas was one of the youngest Imperial Knights of all time.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein