Bab 128: The decision has been made (1/3)
Icarus was training with his sword in the open space behind a grand estate. His clothes were drenched in sweat, but his breathing remained steady, controlled. The sword in his hands gleamed, the perfect reflection of wealth. Its blade, polished to a mirror shine, was flawless. The pommel was inlaid with gold and precious gems—something only the richest of men could afford to wield.
"Well done, milord. You're nearing perfection. Even if you stopped now, I'm certain you could best a veteran soldier." An old servant, dressed in modest clothes, approached with clean cloths and a pitcher of water. His voice was respectful but warm, full of admiration.
Icarus took the cloth, wiping the sweat from his brow before accepting the water. "Thank you, but I won't stop here. I want to be the best. If one day I lead this kingdom, I must be unmatched in everything."
The servant smiled faintly, impressed by his young lord's ambition. "Are you going to keep training then, milord?"
"No," Icarus replied, stretching his sore muscles, "I have someone to meet shortly. I must change and prepare for him."
"Oh?" The old man tilted his head. "The priest, is it?"
"Yes, the one who will lead my wedding ceremony. I've heard he was only ordained a few days ago, so I want to make sure he performs his duties properly." There was a sharpness in his tone, not quite impatience, but expectation.
After changing into fresh clothes and resting briefly, Icarus finally met the priest at the estate's entrance.
"Milord Icarus, it is an honor to meet you. I've heard of your valor and achievements."
Icarus smirked slightly, pleased. "I'm glad to hear my name is spoken of favorably among the clergy. I've done much to support your order as of late."
"Oh, but not just that," the young priest said with a bright smile. "It feels as if divine intervention has brought us together."
Icarus narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Why do you say that, priest...?"
The priest blinked, then hurriedly introduced himself. "Ah, pardon me, milord. I am Aaran, from Calistoga."
Everyone thought it was a foregone conclusion who would be the next king. But inside the castle, tension hung thick in the air. In separate chambers, the two princes waited for the news, each consumed by their own thoughts. Hours earlier, Queen Lucia had met with the generals and advisors to discuss the future of the throne.
In theory, the decision should've been straightforward: the crown belonged to Robert's eldest son. But recent events had cast doubt on tradition.
I can't believe this is happening! This is absurd!
"Fuuuuck!" Prince Pepin hurled a vase against the stone wall, shattering it into shards that scattered across the floor. I am the rightful heir! There shouldn't be any question!
His chest heaved as his mind spiraled into fury. This is all Threo's doing! That bastard!
He paced his chamber like a caged animal, muttering curses under his breath.
Meanwhile, in another room, Prince Threo was also waiting—but unlike his brother, he remained calm, sitting on the edge of his bed. His mind was focused, strategizing. Everything will pay off.
'I hope the new trebuchets I funded will have earned the generals' favor,' he thought, his gaze drifting toward the window as if he could see beyond the castle walls. 'The advisors too—they can't ignore the inventions I've brought to the kingdom. I've done more to advance us in a few months than Pepin ever did.'
A small smile tugged at his lips. Avice said her daughter's husband, Rafael, created the design. A genius, clearly. If I take the throne, I'll ensure that man stays close. Such brilliance cannot be wasted.
Hours passed, and the sun set, drenching the sky in twilight. The meeting dragged on. None of the participants revealed anything in their faces as they left. Queen Lucia, however, stayed up late that night, unable to sleep. Anger simmered within her, her mind replaying the way the advisors had pushed and pressured her during the deliberation.
The next day arrived like any other, except for the palpable tension that filled the castle and its grounds. In the afternoon, when the sun was at its warmest, a large crowd gathered outside the castle walls. Every commoner, noble, and servant held their breath, waiting for the announcement of their new ruler.
Inside the throne room, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation. The royal family, generals, advisors, and two representatives from each noble house in the capital were present. The throne sat empty, an ominous reminder of the kingdom's uncertain future. Queen Lucia stood beside it, her expression unreadable.
"Queen Lucia Otto Conrad demands your attention!" a servant announced in a booming voice, silencing the room. All eyes turned toward the queen.
"We are living in strange and difficult times," Lucia began. Her voice was clear, commanding. "Our crops have failed us. Our lands have been invaded. My husband, King Robert, fought bravely to defend us, but the Creator had other plans for him."
She paused, letting her words sink in.
"Now, we welcome a new king, one who will lead us into a brighter future."
"May the king be courageous, never faltering in the face of adversity. May the king be wise, making decisions for the good of all. May the king be gentle with his people but ruthless toward those who threaten what is ours."
The room was silent. Everyone expected her to name Prince Pepin.
"The natural course would be to name Robert's eldest son…" she hesitated, then continued, "But these are not normal times. With the agreement of the high priest, I, Queen Lucia Otto Conrad, announce our new king…"
"Prince Threo Otto Conrad, please step forward."
Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd, except for a few who had been present in the earlier meeting. Among them was Avice, who couldn't help but smile, excitement bubbling inside her.
Threo's heart raced as he stood, his legs nearly giving way beneath him. He forced himself forward, each step bringing him closer to his dream. His eyes locked onto the throne. It's mine… he thought, the weight of the moment crashing over him. All mine.
He sat down slowly, as if in a daze. The high priest approached, holding the golden crown reverently in his hands.
"With the gaze of the Lord upon you, I bestow upon you the title of king." The priest placed the crown on Threo's head, and the room erupted in praise.
"May the king be courageous!" the priest said, and the crowd echoed.
"May the king be wise! May the king be gentle! May the king be ruthless!"
"Long live the king!"
Outside, the news spread quickly. The peasants, who had gathered anxiously, broke into cheers and shouts of joy when they heard the name of their new ruler. They had always favored Threo over Pepin, and now their hopes had come true. The capital buzzed with energy, the air thick with celebration and disbelief.
Later that evening, a grand banquet was held. As Threo moved through the hall, accepting congratulations, his eyes landed on Icarus, deep in conversation with Avice. Avice's son, Eruin, was with her, meeting the royal family and nobles.
"My dear Avice," Icarus said, his tone courteous but with an air of superiority, "it's a pleasure to see you here."
"The pleasure is mine, Lord Icarus. I heard your troops managed to reclaim the northern city. Congratulations." Avice replied, her smile polite.
"Thank you. It was no small feat," Icarus said, his chest puffing slightly. "By the way, is Ella here?"
"Oh no," Avice said, glancing around. "My son Eruin is with me tonight. Ella is resting."
Before Icarus could respond, Threo approached them.
"Baron Avice, Lord Icarus, thank you for attending. I look forward to a prosperous partnership with you both."
Both bowed respectfully.
"Of course, my king," Avice said with sincerity. "My people will always be loyal to you."
Icarus added, "The same from me. My father, Count Cuthred, couldn't be here, but my mother and I represent him."
Threo smiled, nodding to both. "May the Lord guide your father to victory, Icarus. And thank you for your loyalty. Once this war is over, our kingdom will be unmatched."
Icarus hesitated before asking, "My king, may I count on your presence at my wedding tomorrow? I would be deeply honored."
Threo's smile faded, but he replied kindly, "Your union will strengthen the kingdom, Lord Icarus. But I'm afraid I cannot attend."
"There's no problem, milord. Your words are enough for me. I would have liked to introduce you to my bride, but she couldn't come tonight," Icarus said, glancing at Avice.
Avice stepped in smoothly. "She wasn't feeling well, Icarus. She wishes to be in her best health for tomorrow."
Icarus looked displeased but before he could protest, Threo intervened. "Let her rest, Icarus. She'll need her strength for the ceremony."
"Of course, my king." Icarus nodded, forcing a smile, though his thoughts were still troubled.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone