Until they left the Oaken Grand Canyon, the trio did not encounter mbers of the “Eternal Throne.” It’s unclear whether they realized sothing was amiss and fled or if they had ventured deeper into the canyon.
In any case, Violet didn’t keep pursuing them. Instead, they arrived at Norton Castle smoothly before nightfall.
As expected, the priestess with the “Vicious Wolf” was stopped by the city guards, even forming a circle with hundreds of spears pointing at the three of them. They were ready to attack at the slightest provocation.
At tis like this, the identity token bestowed by the princess ca in handy.
As Violet had anticipated, Nicholas’s so-called “heinous cri” ant nothing in front of a princess. Once the authenticity of the token was confird, the general’s expression changed imdiately. He hurriedly dismissed his subordinates, not ntioning Mr. Vicious Wolf’s matter at all. Instead, he brought the castle lord and the chief city guard.
These two, even though their titles were higher than the lord of the city, showed utmost respect to Violet as the “trusted envoy of the Fifth Princess.” They were accommodating and fulfilled every request. Clearly, this castle was aligned with Princess Lilya’s faction. Otherwise, even as the princess’s emissary, there would be no need to go to such lengths unless she were the queen.
It saved a lot of trouble.
Without lingering in Norton Castle for long, after a night’s rest, following Violet’s request, the lord prepared a sturdy and comfortable carriage for them. Driven by Nicholas, the three set out along the official road, heading straight to the capital, the Courage City.
Human United Kingdom, Capital City, Courage City.
Dong...
Dong...
Dong...
The tolling of the bell, three tis, emanated from deep within the royal palace, bringing forth an announcent that sent shivers down countless spines.
“The twenty-first generation king of the Human United Kingdom, Anchorro lchior, has returned to the ancestral spirits this evening, at the age of sixty-seven.”
The news spread like a tidal wave, covering the Courage City in just a few short hours and rapidly expanding outward at a terrifying speed.
So wept bitterly, so rejoiced madly, so were anxious and uneasy, and so couldn’t believe it.
But more importantly, people began to act.
Human United Kingdom:
– Second Prince Ben lchior;
– Third Prince Patrick lchior;
– Fourth Prince Devitt lchior;
– Fifth Princess Lilya lchior;
– Sixth Princess nna lchior.
Except for the already deceased first prince, all of Anchorro’s children gathered at the palace gates within fifteen minutes.
“Sister! I heard that Father... sniff, how, how could this happen so suddenly...”
When the last little princess, nna, arrived, she found that all her brothers and sisters had already gathered. No one spoke, not even Lilya, the fifth princess who usually doted on her. They all had solemn and silent expressions.
nna wiped away a tear and faintly sensed sothing unusual.
It was so quiet, and everyone... seed to have completely lost their usual harmonious and peaceful deanor. There was a trembling atmosphere that made the little princess’s pores contract.
Compared to her imdiate sorrow, the other brothers and sisters did not seem surprised at this. Instead, their emotions seed more focused on mutual wariness and distrust.
“Brothers and sisters... Father has just passed away. Whatever you’re thinking, at least wait until the one-month mourning ceremony is over, okay?”
Lilya lchior made a solemn suggestion. Standing beside her was a young woman with crimson short hair, carrying a short bow on her back. Everyone knew her as the Scarlet Fla Flora, one of the three legendary adventurers of the Courage City and the guardian of the kingdom.
“Well said, Fifth Sister. The imdiate priority is to handle Father’s affairs after his passing.”
Ben lchior nodded in agreent. Standing beside him was a man in a black robe, his face not clearly visible. However, the powerful aura emanating from him was no less than that of the Scarlet Fla Flora.
“Let’s go with that. When the ritual official cos out, we’ll all pay our respects to Father’s body together. Just to make it clear, I currently have no plans, but if anyone dares to make any moves, hmph...”
The third prince, Patrick lchior, had the most people with him—eight warriors clad in armor. Although individually they might not give the sa impression as the Scarlet Fla Flora or the old man, the combined presence of the eight made them the most formidable force on the scene.
“Sigh, never thought Father would leave so quietly. Clearly, when I t him last night, his condition seed relatively stable. Fate is truly unpredictable, and life is full of difficulties...”
The fourth prince, Devitt lchior, seed to be the most heartbroken among them. He appeared even more dramatic than the youngest princess, nna, with a mournful expression. Tears flowed freely from his eyes.
Moreover, he was the only prince present who had not brought any subordinates to pay his respects. At the mont, he was being supported by the palace guards, appearing vulnerable and harmless.
During the conversation, more and more high-ranking officials and nobles hurriedly arrived at the palace.
In the face of this sudden change, unlike the usual separation into two factions, this ti everyone instinctively and tacitly stood behind a certain prince or princess.
As the youngest princess, nna, was already close to the fifth princess, Lilya, groups began to form in front of the palace gates, gradually becoming more defined.
Princess Lilya’s group was the largest, occupying nearly half of the supporters. Next were the second prince, Ben, and the third prince, Patrick, with similar numbers. The fourth prince, Devitt, had the fewest supporters, just a couple of minor nobles or courtiers, and even those were only a handful.
With the passing of the old king, the situation began to clarify.
However, everyone tacitly avoided ntioning this matter or revealing their stance openly.
According to tradition, within the first month of the old king’s passing, the new king could not ascend the throne. Violators would be shunned by the spirits, becoming lonely souls unable to enter the realm of the departed.
Therefore, no matter how intense the storm was brewing, everyone had to follow the established procedures, endure their impatience, silently wait, and prepare until the mourning ceremony concluded, and the clouds holding back the hurricane broke open.
Click, click, click, click....
The massive palace gates slowly opened. Several princes and princesses exchanged glances—so with indifference, so with seriousness, so with sorrow, and so with confusion. Then, under the escort of courtiers, they stepped inside.
Within the Courage City.
Countless royal guards in silver armor and the city defense forces in black armor erged from various places, wielding weapons. They solemnly patrolled the streets and alleys.
Decrees jointly signed by the interim council were delivered to every city resident through the mouths of the soldiers.
“His Majesty the King has returned to the ancestral spirits. Starting today, the entire nation will mourn for three days. There will be a curfew in the Courage City for one month! During this period, from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, no one is allowed to go outside. Anyone found attempting treason will be dealt with accordingly!”
“The security checks at the four gates of the royal city will be intensified. Every effort must be made to prevent any suspicious individuals from entering the city. If necessary, force may be used for direct arrests. Residents are advised to minimize leaving the city unless absolutely necessary! That is all!”
Dark clouds lood over the city.
Everyone began to realize.
The storm was approaching.
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