Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
At half-past eleven in the morning, the Inner City of Winter City was completely under martial law. The broad stone road from the gates of Winter Fort to the outer city of Winter City was lined with neat rows of soldiers.
Players and the townsfolk of Winter City stayed behind these stern Crusaders, looking around eagerly, awaiting the start of the coronation ceremony.
In the plaza of the Inner City outside Winter Fort, a tall ceremonial platform had been temporarily erected. The platform was constructed entirely of white sandstone, with each stone slab precisely sized. There were nine steps, about six meters high, and at the very top was a circular, five-meter radius flat surface. The King’s obsidian throne was already placed there by the craftsmen.
Although it was only a temporary structure, the craftsmen had made each stone slab solemn and exquisite. They had carved rough reliefs onto them, each one different, giving them an ancient and dignified aura. Rows of black flags with golden eagles were planted on the ramparts of Winter Fort. The grand and solemn Winter Fort served as the backdrop for the throne, and the flags fluttered in the wind. The King’s coronation ceremony was ready.
“Woo—” A deep horn sound rang out.
“Dong dong dong,” battle drums thundered, and a knight holding a ceremonial long sword marched to the base of the ceremonial platform. He was clad in magnificent silver-grey armor, exquisitely etched with patterns of eagles preying on their quarry. A few strands of flaxen hair could be faintly seen through the helmet.
Alence infused his battle qi into his voice, his expression solemn, and he declared sonorously:
“From the Solendo Mountain Range in the south to the cold Northern Territory in the north, bordering the Andor Empire and the Duchy of Medon to the east and west, this constitutes the country beneath our feet, this fertile land.”
“Now, this country will welcome a new master.”
“The sole ruler, His Highness Xiwei Jinshi!”
His high and stern voice drowned out the majestic drumbeats, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present, and also conveying to the waiting royal carriage.
“Boom, boom, boom!”
Neat, deafening footsteps sounded from the outer city. Some people tiptoed to look in the direction of the sound. A war chariot forged of steel, pulled by five Venom Dragons, was making its way forward. Guarding the chariot were ten tall and mighty Holy Knights of Light, and thousands of Crusaders formed a phalanx behind the chariot. Those heavy footsteps were theirs.
Xi Wei, fully armored, stood on the symbolic iron chariot, holding his long sword, his expression solemn, without any trace of arrogance at becoming King, his gaze simply cold and level ahead.
Clemon rode his horse at the forefront of the procession, leading the entire entourage forward. He drew his long sword, raised it high, and roared like thunder, commanding the neat Crusader formations on both sides of the road:
“Crusader Legion, attention!”
He brought his sword-holding hand back to his chest and continued to roar:
“Pay respects to the King!”
“Roar!”
The Crusaders on both sides of the road roared in unison, raising their long swords and slamming them onto their shields with a “clang.” They lowered their swords only after the chariot had passed.
The chariot continued forward and came before the Priest Legion.
“Greet His Highness the King. All Priest Legions, pay your highest respects to His Highness!”
Clemon lowered his sword and looked straight ahead. The surrounding Priest Legions raised their metal scepters and, following Clemon’s movements, struck them heavily on the ground.
“Boom—”
The players and townsfolk felt a buzzing in their ears, and the ground itself trembled slightly at the moment the priests lowered their scepters.
“City Guard, pay respects!”
“Cavalry, pay respects!”
As the chariot passed, accompanied by Clemon’s roar, with a sound of “clanging,” the Sword Shield Soldiers on both sides drew their long swords and placed them against their chests, sword tips pointing towards the sky, their expressions solemn. The cavalry, led by the Great Knights, led their horses and bowed slightly, placing a clenched fist over their chests and performing the Knight’s salute to the King.
The chariot gradually moved to the front, and the ceremonial platform was now in sight.
“General Bane Bloodhoof, lead your Bloodhoof Clan to pay respects to the King!”
Clemon said, then pointed his sword downwards diagonally, sheathed it, and knelt on one knee. Bane Bloodhoof, who was waiting near the ceremonial platform, also knelt on one knee, holding his great axe with both hands, and roared dully:
“Bloodhoof Clan, all salute!”
The minotaurs standing on both sides of the ceremonial platform did the same. Only Carl Bloodhoof held up a Hill Giant Siege Cannon, which was almost as large as his body.
The steel chariot stopped with a “rumble.” The five Venom Dragons lay down, lowering the chariot’s height. Only then did Xi Wei descend from the chariot with a majestic and composed demeanor.
After Xi Wei passed the Bloodhoof Clan, Clemon stood up, signaled the Bloodhoof Clan to return to their original positions, and then followed behind Xi Wei, one step behind.
Xi Wei ascended the ceremonial platform and approached the throne but did not sit immediately. He surveyed all the soldiers, players, and his own townsfolk in the entire Inner City, as if committing each one to memory.
“I, Xiwei Jinshi, swear to all my citizens.”
“I will rule an unprecedentedly powerful nation. You will also see a brand new country rise in this place, and be proud to be its citizens.”
“Protect it, develop it, expand it, and plant its flag in every corner of Cain.”
“It is called the Wintery Empire.”
“And I am called the King of Winter!”
“Long live the King of Winter!”
Alence’s loud shout came from below the ceremonial platform. This single shout was like a stone thrown into water, creating ripples. The mountain-like, sea-like shouts almost seemed to break through the clouds above Winter City.
“Long live! Long live!”
Battle drums and melodious horns reached their climax at this moment.
“Long live the King of Winter!” Alence shouted again, raising his fist.
“Long live! Long live!”
“Dong—!” The twelve o’clock bells chimed, their continuous ringing covering the excited shouts of the people and ushering the coronation ceremony into its final stage.
Ruo Yi and Loli, along with a group of maids, emerged from Winter Fort. Loli held a tray with the crown symbolizing royal authority, while Ruo Yi held a red, gold-fringed cape symbolizing iron and courage.
“Long live His Majesty the King!”
A dozen little radishes exclaimed in sweet voices, their faces taut with solemnity. Holding flowers and dew, led by Nina, they performed a standard maid’s bow.
“Please accept the blessings, Your Highness ~”
Xi Wei smiled and bent down, lowering his head. The little radishes then sprinkled petals and a little dew onto Xi Wei’s head and body, symbolizing blessings and the cleansing of bad luck.
After this was done, Loli and Ruo Yi stepped forward, standing shyly before Xi Wei, one on each side. The three exchanged glances and couldn’t help but smile. Ruo Yi looked at Xi Wei with gentle, loving eyes, unfolded the cape in her hands, and gently draped it over his shoulders. After fastening the tie at the collar, she stepped aside.
Next, Loli gave Xi Wei a sweet smile. She knelt on one knee and respectfully held up the crown on the tray high before Xi Wei.
Looking at the heavy crown made of mithril on the bright red tray, Xi Wei took a deep breath. With both hands, he gently lifted the crown and, facing the midday sun, slowly but firmly placed it on his head.
From this moment on, the first king in the history of the Cain Continent whose royal authority was self-bestowed was born.
