A grand ceremony was held at Razek Amamiya’s castle on the fifth floor.
Participants included not only influential figures from towns on the Central Continent but also many honored guests from foreign countries.
Naturally, nations with whom they’d always maintained good relations were present, but even those who had kept some distance were invited.
Of course, Razek Amamiya had refused entry to some countries, yet surprisingly, officials from many nations participated in the ceremony.
This was understandable, as the ceremony was to celebrate the birth of a new king in Razek Amamiya.
The transfer of the throne from the former Queen Floria to the current King Towa had already been completed.
Therefore, the current King Towa was handling administrative affairs, but this was solely an internal matter.
A nation sometimes needs to make such a public display for both internal and external audiences.
While some might consider the ceremony itself a “waste of money,” most people didn’t think that way.
This was probably for good reason.
Certainly, such ceremonies have an aspect of national prestige.
They can be excessively flashy or intimidating to display national wealth or military strength.
However, this is only one side of the coin.
The primary purpose of holding such ceremonies is to inform both domestic and foreign parties of the nation’s importance and to meet with foreign representatives directly.
To welcome important national figures, it would be a mistake to confine them to a desolate room or offer them meager meals.
Of course, simply spending money is not the answer.
Ultimately, both extremes should be avoided.
Towa was thinking these thoughts as he watched the assembled guests from his highest throne in the castle’s grand hall.
Naturally, he showed none of his thoughts on his face.
If one were to ascend the throne, it would be impossible to engage in various stratagems without such composure.
However, Towa, already handling administrative matters, rarely made major mistakes in that regard.
Many countries had sent representatives to this ceremony.
From nations with whom they had always maintained good relations, some kings had come in person.
Naturally, these countries were seated in order.
Each time a participant was decided, it was the result of heated, day-long debates among those in charge of administrative affairs before finally settling on the seating arrangement.
Towa, of course, had memorized the order for this occasion.
Such an order not only informs other countries how Razek Amamiya views them but also serves as a crucial element for domestic officials to understand how other nations are perceived.
This was necessary for Towa to gain control over these officials in the future.
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There was a section of attendees who observed Towa, seated on his throne, overseeing the ceremony with a different perspective.
This was the area where members of Razek Amamiya’s royal family had gathered.
Led by the former Queen Floria, Riku and Alec were also seated.
“Watching it like this, it really was over in the blink of an eye,” Floria muttered, her words only reaching Kousuke, who was beside her.
Kousuke had altered his appearance with magic and disguise to avoid being recognized.
By the way, behind Kousuke sat Mia, who was supposed to be under house arrest, also in disguise.
Those who knew the truth of the incident were cooperating, so he wouldn’t be exposed.
The people seated in this vicinity were related to the royal family, but not exclusively members of the royal family were gathered.
“I agree with that, but isn’t it too soon to look back on the past?” Kousuke said with a wry smile.
He felt that Floria’s words carried a sense of aging.
“Don’t say that. I’m aware that my words and actions have started to sound like an old person,” Floria said with a sigh.
Hearing this, Kousuke found himself staring intently at Floria, who was seated next to him.
Over ten years had passed since they first met, yet her beauty remained unchanged.
If anything, she seemed to have gained an aura of dignity with age.
Looking at Floria, few would guess she had adult children.
“If you said that in front of other women, they might resent you?”
“I only say things like this to Kousuke.”
Kousuke chuckled softly at her casual remark.
“Well, you certainly opened up there.”
“I’m aware I’m saying things that don’t suit me. Don’t make me say them. It’s embarrassing.”
Even as she said this, Floria’s expression remained completely unchanged.
She knew she was attracting attention as the former Queen.
Not revealing one’s inner thoughts, no matter what they might be, was an essential skill for a ruler.
Incidentally, though Kousuke didn’t realize it, the man seated next to Floria was drawing attention from the attendees.
It was not difficult to imagine what kind of position a man who could sit next to the former Queen held.
Among the attendees were temple officials from Mikusen, and they were looking at Kousuke with disbelief.
Given he was seated next to Floria, they had already expected as much.
His disguised form was not to hide that he was an avatar, but to conceal his true appearance.
Since the ceremony was a seated event, no one approached.
However, even if it had been a more informal affair, it would have been difficult to get close to Kousuke.
Due to past incidents, there was a widespread understanding that one should not approach carelessly.
Therefore, even if someone were to attempt to go berserk, they would be quickly stopped by those around them.
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As Towa, who had newly ascended the throne, and Kousuke, the avatar, garnered attention, the ceremony approached its conclusion.
Next, the ceremony would end with the King offering prayers to the gods to report his enthronement.
This ritual itself held no particular meaning.
It was a customary practice in kingdoms where gods were real, a ritual that should have been adopted by every country.
Unexpected events occurred during this ritual, starting when Towa began praying to the gods.
As Towa descended from his throne and bowed to the gods, radiant light of red, blue, and yellow poured down upon him.
The attendees, witnessing this mystical spectacle, began to stir.
Floria, seeing the same, could not help but look at Kousuke beside her.
Some attendees, like Floria, looked towards Kousuke.
Kousuke, noticing these gazes, slowly shook his head with a bitter smile.
It was a plea to show that he was not involved.
Furthermore, Kousuke immediately understood who had performed the blessing of the light.
Sylvia, seated behind him, would also understand.
After all, those three blessings were bestowed upon Towa by the Three Great Gods.
Kousuke speculated that some of the temple officials attending the ceremony must also have realized this.
And unfortunately, from Kousuke’s seat, he could not see that many officials, upon witnessing the blessing, had turned pale or red.
Ultimately, the blessings invoked by the Three Great Gods would be reported back to their respective countries along with the story that King Towa was beloved by the Three Great Gods.
Towa has officially announced his coronation to the nation and the world through this ceremony.
Floria likely feels a mix of relief and a sense of incompleteness.
The final bonus is a gift from the gods to Kousuke’s son.
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