บท 12: The Ceremony 2
As Julius seated himself on his grand throne at the far end of the hall, his eyes sparkled with pride as he announced, "Now then, let the Distinguished Service Ceremony begin!" His voice filled the vast space, drawing the attention of everyone present. Meanwhile, Zoro stood off to the side, leaning casually against a pillar, seemingly disinterested in the formalities. He whispered to Vermithra, who sat perched on his shoulder, barely holding back his impatience for the feast and the promised alcohol that awaited him after the ceremony.
The hall fell silent as Julius began calling forward the honorees. "Leopold Vermillion of the Crimson Lion King Knights, with seven stars earned! I hereby grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Second Class!" Julius's voice carried a tone of admiration as he looked upon Leopold. "You wield the same flame magic as your elder brother, Fuegoleon, the leader of the Crimson Lions. Your power is overwhelming, Leopold—just make sure you don't go overboard," he added, a gentle reminder amid his praise. Leopold beamed, his posture proud yet humble, nodding respectfully at Julius.
Next, Julius called out, "Sol Marron of the Blue Rose Knights, with six stars earned! I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Third Class!" Sol stepped forward confidently, her expression full of pride. She crossed her arms, smiling with fierce determination as Julius acknowledged her contributions, her loyalty to Captain Charlotte evident in her bold stance.
"Nebra Silva of the Silver Eagle Knights, with nine stars earned," Julius continued. "I grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, Third Class! The skillful illusions you craft with your mist magic are nothing short of fantastic." Nebra gave a courteous nod, her face a mask of reserved pride. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice smooth, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
Julius smiled before turning to the next recipient. "Solid Silva of the Silver Eagle Knights, with six stars earned! I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Third Class!" Solid strode forward with a smug expression, casting a glance toward the other knights. He accepted his new title with a slight bow, pride and ambition clear in his gaze as he looked toward his sister, Noelle, with a smirk of superiority.
One by one, the remaining knights received their titles, each honored with a personal acknowledgment from Julius, who praised their unique skills and contributions. The hall resonated with applause as Julius finally stood, smiling broadly. "Well done, all of you! Now, we have a simple reception set up, so please, enjoy yourselves," he said warmly, gesturing toward the tables laden with food and drink. The knights and captains dispersed, many moving to mingle and celebrate.
As the ceremony began to wind down, Julius turned his attention toward Zoro with a mysterious smile. "Oh, Zoro-kun," he called, his voice friendly yet tinged with intrigue. "I'd like to talk to you for a second."
Zoro glanced over, raising an eyebrow. What could this guy want now? he thought, curious but unconcerned. He nodded and pushed off the wall, moving to follow Julius, suspecting this wouldn't be a trivial conversation.
Before they departed, Julius addressed the gathering once more. "Additionally, we have some special guests with us today," he announced, his voice encouraging. "Take a moment to introduce yourselves and get to know one another." He gestured toward Yuno, Asta, and the others, nodding in approval at the young knights who had joined the ceremony for the first time. With that, Julius motioned for Zoro to follow him to a smaller, more private chamber.
.....
"First of all, I would like to thank you for your efforts on the last mission," Julius began, a rare look of genuine respect gracing his face. "Because of you, not only did we secure all the treasures from the dungeon, but you also managed to eliminate a renowned mage from an enemy nation—a significant blow to their power." His tone was solemn, appreciative, a hint of pride in his gaze as he regarded Zoro.
Zoro rolled his eyes, sighing. "Cut the formalities, Julius. You know I don't care for that stuff. I was just watching over the kids," he replied, his usual nonchalant tone seeping through. But despite his dismissive words, he folded his arms, clearly satisfied with the mission's outcome.
"Hahaha!" Julius laughed heartily, amused by Zoro's bluntness. "That's precisely why I enjoy our conversations, Zoro-kun. I don't have to be reserved around you." He grinned, relaxed in a way he rarely showed with others. "But as Wizard King, there are some formalities I'm bound to, whether I like it or not."
Zoro's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone shifting. "So, what's this really about? I'm guessing you didn't call me in just to pat me on the back."
Seeing Zoro's seriousness, Julius's expression grew solemn as well. "Our kingdom could be facing an imminent attack," he began quietly. "I have reasons to believe an enemy spy has infiltrated our ranks."
Zoro cocked an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "And why are you telling me this, exactly? For all you know, I could be the spy."
Julius laughed, the sound loud and genuine, cutting through the tension in the room. "You, a spy? No chance," he said, shaking his head. "I've known you and Yami long enough to know that you two are far too… straightforward for something like that. If anything, you two are so oblivious in some areas that it's laughable." He sighed, a trace of exasperation in his voice, as he thought of the female captains, Dorothy and Charlotte, who harbored crushes on Zoro and Yami, respectively. Neither of the dense duo had ever noticed.
Zoro snorted. "So why tell me all this now? What's the catch?" he asked, still skeptical but listening closely.
"I need you to inform Yami," Julius said, laying out his plan. "Keep an eye on suspicious activities in the kingdom. I've also informed William—just in case."
Julius's expression softened as he continued, "You're one of the strongest people I know, Zoro. I trust you to help protect this kingdom." With that, he gave a small, respectful bow.
Zoro's eyes widened in surprise, a deep frown crossing his face. "What are you doing, you idiot? No emperor should be bowing! Straighten up before someone sees and thinks I forced you to do it," he scolded, waving his hand dismissively. Julius only chuckled in response, finding humor in Zoro's uncharacteristic concern.
Suddenly, Julius's demeanor shifted as a familiar gleam appeared in his eyes. He leaned closer to Zoro, practically buzzing with excitement. "But seriously, how are you so strong without any magic? You rely purely on physical abilities! Just once, won't you let me examine your body?"
Zoro's eyes widened as a chill ran down his spine. He took a quick step back, horrified. "Stay away from me, you magic-obsessed lunatic!" he yelled, his voice rising as he bolted for the door.
Julius called after him, laughing with unrestrained amusement, "Come on, just one peek!" but Zoro was already gone.
.....
In the grand hall, Asta was in his element, delighting in the spread of luxurious dishes as if he were at a festival. Each bite he took was accompanied by a grin of pure bliss, savoring the flavors of foods he'd only heard about before. With no regard for the stares or whispers around him, he dug in with the boundless enthusiasm that defined him. He was surrounded by nobles in pristine attire, many of whom watched with barely concealed disdain, yet none of that seemed to reach him.
"Just look at that confidence. I'd expect no less from Asta," Klaus remarked to Mimosa, a hint of admiration in his voice as he observed Asta's carefree manner. Though even he, a knight of noble standing, felt uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes of the room, Asta remained unbothered.
However, not everyone shared Klaus's admiration. Alecdora Sandler, a noble from Golden Dawn, shot Asta a glare as icy as his demeanor. "Vulgar peasant," he muttered under his breath, his lip curling in disgust at Asta's enthusiastic eating. His sharp voice carried enough that others nearby turned, and a hushed but cutting conversation began to ripple through the room.
"Why would the Wizard King invite someone of such lowly birth?" one noble whispered, his tone thick with indignation.
"Just look at the way he eats—disgusting," another sneered, turning away as though the sight itself were too appalling.
"He's a misfit, a rat in a house of lions. This is a place for dignity, not… whatever that is," scoffed a woman, wrinkling her nose in distaste as she looked Asta up and down.
Mimosa and Klaus exchanged worried glances, their own unease growing as they noticed the intensity of the nobles' scornful remarks. They could see Asta could hear the murmurs, yet he showed no sign of shame or frustration.
"Hmm, they sure are tearing into me, huh? Well, I'm used to it," Asta chuckled, barely pausing as he took another bite, his words muffled by the mouthful of food he was chewing.
Klaus and Mimosa were struck by his resilience, both thinking in quiet admiration, How magnanimous.
Suddenly, Leopold Vermillion stepped forward, observing Asta with a mix of curiosity and respect. "Well, I see you have your own peasant who doesn't realize his place," he said with a hint of playful challenge.
Alecdora's gaze shifted dismissively from Asta to Yuno, his eyes narrowing with disdain as he looked the young mage up and down. "Well, I don't expect much from a peasant like him," he sneered, his voice laced with a cold superiority meant to slice right through Yuno's calm demeanor. His words dripped with venom, and the crowd of nobles surrounding him chuckled, finding amusement in his sharp jab.
Klaus's jaw clenched as he watched Alecdora's contemptuous display. He couldn't hold his silence any longer. "If I could just say one—" Klaus began, his voice steady but edged with restrained frustration. However, before he could get another word out, Alecdora turned on him with an icy glare that seemed to cut him off mid-sentence.
"You too, Klaus," Alecdora interrupted, his voice harsh and unyielding. "With your skills as they are, aren't you ashamed to be standing here among true knights? You're as disappointing as the rest of them." His words struck Klaus like a blow, the harsh criticism causing Klaus to tense up. The usually composed knight couldn't find the words to respond, his head lowering as Alecdora's words sank in. Klaus knew his skills weren't on par with the higher nobles, but having that deficiency thrown in his face was both humiliating and painful.
Alecdora's gaze then shifted to Mimosa, his tone as cutting as ever. "And you, Mimosa. A royal Vermillion, injured early in the dungeon, leaving the front line behind. Ridiculous," he said, the word laced with judgment. "The Vermillion name should be synonymous with strength, yet here you are, showing such weakness. Honestly, how could you bring such shame to your family?"
Mimosa's face flushed in embarrassment and hurt, and her head fell forward as she whispered, "I'm terribly sorry…" The words were barely audible, but the weight of her apology was palpable. Mimosa, usually so bright and confident, felt crushed under the weight of Alecdora's harsh judgment, her shoulders slumping as she tried to steady herself in the presence of the jeering crowd.
Solid's mocking voice cut through the grand hall, dripping with disdain. "Now hang on. The most useless misfit of the lot is you, isn't it, Noelle?" His words rang out, amplified by the surrounding silence. Noelle's eyes widened in shock and hurt, and she struggled to find a response, her voice trembling.
"Big brother Solid…" Noelle stammered, unprepared for this sudden public attack from her own family.
Nebra sneered, stepping forward with a smirk. "You were practically exiled from the Silvas. I'm surprised you even had the nerve to return to the noble realm." Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched Noelle's face fall, her words striking deep.
Then, Nozel's voice, colder and more cutting than the others, pierced through. "Getting excited over a single success, Noelle? Did you come specifically to bring shame on the Silva name? You don't belong here. Leave this place, you failure!" His words landed like a blow, and Noelle felt a wave of shame wash over her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to hold back her emotions.
"Big brother Nozel…" she whispered, her voice choked with tears. She lowered her head, trembling, as the jeers echoed around her. She was about to turn and leave when she felt a hand grasp hers, warm and reassuring. She looked up to see Asta, standing by her side with fierce determination in his eyes.
"You don't have to run from these jerks," he said, his voice loud and unwavering. With a sudden burst of energy, he jumped onto a nearby table, drawing the eyes of everyone in the hall. "Since they called you people here, I figured you must be pretty awesome. Guess I was wrong," he declared, his words bold and defiant. "Who cares whether we belong here or not? Just you watch, I'm gonna—"
Before he could finish, he was suddenly encased in a magical prison of sand, courtesy of Alecdora's magic. Alecdora's voice rang out with contempt, his grimoire glowing ominously. "That's enough, scoundrel. A gnat like you shouldn't even be permitted to talk. Silence."
But Asta, undeterred, summoned his anti-magic sword, effortlessly slicing through the sand prison. As the sand dispersed, he stepped forward, his gaze fierce. "I will become the Wizard King and silence every one of you!" he declared, his voice echoing through the hall.
Alecdora's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Asta to break through his spell so easily. The nobles around him gasped, some whispering to one another in disbelief, while others looked on with contempt.
"Keheh… kehkeh… heh… keh." Solid and Nebra began to laugh mockingly, their voices laced with scorn. "Don't be ridiculous," they sneered, their grimoires glowing as they prepared to launch an attack at Asta.
But before they could act, light footsteps echoed through the hall. A figure approached slowly, each step filled with a heavy, cold presence that sent chills down everyone's spine. Zoro's gaze was icy as he stepped past Noelle, his expression unreadable but filled with a quiet, deadly intensity.
Stopping beside Noelle, he placed a gentle hand on her head. "Don't bow your head. Not as long as I'm alive," he said quietly, his voice carrying a protective, reassuring strength. "You, and everyone from the Black Bulls, will never have to bow to anyone, even if the other party is a king, much less a noble." His hand lingered a moment longer, patting her head gently before he stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Alecdora with a look that made the noble's skin crawl.
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