บท 56: Chapter 56: The March of Unity
The grand square of Rimuru was a sight to behold—streets thrumming with energy, lined with villagers, soldiers, and nobility. The March of Unity had drawn not only the powerful nobles but common folk from every corner of the kingdom. Banners rippled in the wind, the sigil of the phoenix glowing under the golden light of the sun, a symbol of Rimuru's resilience.
Padrino Penduko, walking at the front of the procession, felt the pressure of thousands of eyes on him. Every step he took echoed with the weight of the moment. This was more than a march; it was a testament to the fragile unity that held his kingdom together. Any fracture today, and everything he had fought for would crumble.
His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the weight of it a familiar comfort. His closest allies walked beside him—Hinata with her calm but commanding presence, Marko calculating every move of the surrounding nobles, and Prince Benimaru, who wore the quiet determination of someone who had seen too much destruction. The others—Asuna, Vincent, and key military leaders—walked with the disciplined grace of those prepared for battle, even in times of supposed peace.
The march was more than a show of strength. It was Padrino's gamble to expose any traitors lurking within the noble houses. As the procession wound its way through the city, he kept his eyes on the nobles trailing behind them, observing every subtle movement and exchanged glance.
Tensions Among the Nobles
Bravius, the most powerful noble in the kingdom after Padrino, marched with a stony face. His eyes flicked about, watching the crowd, measuring the loyalty of those around him. Padrino had never fully trusted Bravius, despite his pledge to Rimuru after Galdros's defeat. There was something about his recent actions that reeked of hidden agendas. But today, Bravius was walking alongside the kingdom's finest, and if he had any plans for betrayal, they would reveal themselves soon.
As they passed through the noble district, murmurs arose among the onlookers. The wealthy lords and ladies watched from their balconies, cloaked in their fine silks and jewels, clearly divided on their loyalty. Some wore the colors of Rimuru, openly supporting Padrino's regime. Others stood back, their faces masked in indifference, as if waiting for an excuse to break away.
Marko leaned closer to Padrino, his voice low. "I don't like this. Too many eyes on us, too many unknowns in the crowd."
Padrino nodded but kept his focus forward. "Let them watch. This march is as much for them as it is for us."
Hinata, ever observant, whispered, "The people need to believe that unity still holds. If we waver, they'll sense it."
She was right. The people trusted Padrino because he had never shown doubt in his decisions. But even so, as the march continued, Padrino couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen—something beyond his control.
The Square of Unity
As they entered the grand square, the cheering grew louder. The heart of Rimuru's capital was packed with citizens, their faith in their kingdom evident in their excited faces. The grand platform at the center of the square had been prepared for the final moment of the march, where Padrino would address his people and the nobles would declare their loyalty.
Padrino ascended the steps with Hinata, Marko, and Benimaru at his side. He felt the weight of expectation settle on him as he stood before the crowd. Soldiers lined the perimeter, and archers stood ready on nearby rooftops—precautions Padrino had insisted upon, knowing that public events such as these were ripe opportunities for assassination attempts.
The nobles began to take their places behind him, Bravius at the forefront, his face an unreadable mask. Behind him, other key nobles like Lord Cormac and Lady Valeria stood in varying degrees of enthusiasm. Some looked genuinely supportive, while others seemed to be waiting for something—a signal, a shift in the winds.
Padrino stepped forward to address the crowd. His voice boomed across the square, filled with conviction.
"People of Rimuru, today we march not just as villagers or nobles, not as separate factions or divided houses. Today, we march as one! United under the banner of Rimuru, we face an enemy that seeks to destroy everything we've built."
The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound of their voices like thunder rolling across the square.
"We stand here today because we believe in a future—one where Rimuru is not just a kingdom, but a beacon of hope for all who seek refuge, for all who value freedom. Together, we have fought, we have bled, and we have triumphed. And together, we will continue to stand."
As Padrino spoke, he watched the nobles out of the corner of his eye. Some nodded in agreement, their loyalty genuine. Others stood still, barely masking their discontent.
"And now," Padrino continued, "I ask you, the nobles of Rimuru, to stand with us. To declare, here and now, your loyalty to this kingdom and its people."
One by one, the nobles stepped forward, declaring their allegiance to Rimuru. Bravius spoke last, his voice slow and deliberate. "I pledge my loyalty to the kingdom of Rimuru and to its king, Padrino Penduko."
But even as the words left Bravius's mouth, Padrino could feel the cold edge of betrayal lurking beneath. Something wasn't right.
The Unseen Threat
Just as Padrino was about to close the ceremony, a sudden movement caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a figure in the crowd—cloaked, moving through the throng of people with unnatural speed.
Marko noticed it at the same moment. "Padrino, something's wrong."
Without hesitation, Padrino drew his sword. The crowd gasped, but before they could react, the figure lunged toward the platform, a dagger gleaming in the sunlight.
Hinata was faster than the would-be assassin. In an instant, she summoned a wall of light, blinding the attacker and stopping them just inches from reaching the platform. Soldiers rushed forward, seizing the cloaked figure.
Padrino's heart pounded as he descended the steps, pulling the hood back from the assassin's face. It was a woman—young, with the markings of Galdros's covert operatives etched into her skin.
The crowd stood in stunned silence as Padrino addressed the assassin. "Who sent you?"
The assassin glared up at him, her lips twisted into a sneer. "You may have won today, but Galdros is far from finished."
Padrino narrowed his eyes. "Galdros isn't the only enemy here, is it? Who helped you get into this city?"
The assassin's smile widened, her eyes darting to Bravius before she spoke her final words. "You'll find out soon enough."
Padrino's blood ran cold as he realized what had just happened. The March of Unity had been a trap. And while they had caught one assassin, there was no telling how deep the conspiracy ran.
As the soldiers dragged the assassin away, Padrino looked up at Bravius, whose expression hadn't changed. But Padrino knew now—there was treachery in his court, and the battle for Rimuru's soul was just beginning.
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