anwhile, all across Armand’s towns and villages.
Everyone had gathered to watch the holo TV for the very first ti, feasting together to the spread provided with Javier’s own money.
The crowd watched in awe as their lord appeared on the screen, delivering his speech.
"Ah! Our Lord is becoming king?"
"Hey, our Lord’s always been our real ruler. Did you forget? Armand has its own laws!"
"Yeah, but now it’s official, we’re no longer under the Human Kingdom! That’s good news!"
"No wonder we’re getting new identity cards... They’re even stamped with the Armand crest now. Makes sense, with a new nation."
"Yeah! Everyone in Armand’s happy tonight."
"We’re an independent nation now?"
A wave of cheers rippled through the crowd.
"That ans more benefits for us!"
"Right? Life’s going to be even better."
"Hey, our lives are already great. Ahahaha!"
Mugs were raised, laughter and joy echoing everywhere as the people of Armand celebrated together.
"And not to ntion, our lord talked about the new future!"
"Oi, oi! Just look at this holo... err... TV thing?"
"Yeah! I heard they’ll be searching for talent in music and singing!"
"Really?!"
"And they’re also going to start a... err..."
Another chid in, "It’s news! News broadcasts!"
"Oh, more jobs for everyone, then!"
"Yeah, and life will be even happier for all of us."
Everyone was celebrating.
"I still can’t believe we can see our ruler, Lord Garius, right there. What’s it called again?"
"Live broadcast, I think. And it’s Your Majesty Garius now."
"And young master Javier is the next successor? Wow, just wow."
"Oi, that ans he’ll be prince now!"
A cluster of young ladies, already excited, whispered among themselves.
"Will we see our prince charming on this live broadcast?"
The n narrowed their eyes, glancing over at the group of girls gathering near the huge holo screen.
Kya!! That’s Marcellus!!
"Ahhhh! How handso~"
The single guys just shook their heads.
Then, as the mana cam focused on Athine, the whole crowd went silent, stunned as her image appeared on the huge holo screen. Athine smiled gently and gave a graceful wave.
anwhile, at the Armand estate, after the speech.
Javier moved the mana cam, showing Marcellus, then Cedric, Aelius, Heres, and finally focused on Athine.
"Athine, say sothing," Javier prompted.
Athine smiled, serene and graceful, her beauty almost shining through the holo feed.
"Hello... I am Athine de Armand." She let out a soft breath, her smile never fading. "Little brother, perhaps you should stop pointing the cara at . There are others here too, you know."
Javier rubbed his chin, watching the screen.
Hmmm... If only the holo screen could show comnts. I wonder what everyone would say if they could send their reactions live...
Well... maybe I can add a voice-to-text feature next ti. Hehe.
Liana stepped closer and bowed politely toward Athine. "Lady Athine."
"At ease, Liana. You’ll be my sister-in-law in the future, so there’s no need to be so formal," Athine replied gently.
"Pardon , Lady Athine, but rules are rules," Liana said with a small smile.
Athine lifted her palm and let out a soft laugh as Javier’s mana cam caught everything on the live broadcast.
Javier, focused on the mana cam, felt a tap on his shoulder. Liana leaned in and whispered, "Young master... you forgot about the mana rocket."
"Ah! Crap, I nearly forgot." Javier quickly handed the mana cam to Liana and rushed to the table, opening his mana portable computer and starting to type.
"Alright. Launch sequence is set in one minute," Javier announced, tapping his mana glasses to check the scout drones patrolling the area, making sure there would be no casualties, even though the mana rocket was designed to be safe and smokeless.
Garius stood nearby, accompanied by his wives. Both hands clasped behind his back, he watched Javier’s mana rocket in silence.
He rubbed his chin, inspecting the rocket from a distance. His right eye glowed faintly, the Eyes of Truth, quietly scanning every detail.
"So, Javier," Garius called out.
Javier, seated at the table with his mana portable PC in front of him, glanced over. "Yes, esteed father?"
"So your real intention isn’t just to boost the signal for our mana relay and communications. You also want to know what’s up there, don’t you?"
Javier’s eyes widened for a split second, but he kept his smile steady. "Yes, esteed father."
But inside, he was uneasy.
Damn! Father can still see right through . He always guesses my true intentions and plans, even without scanning my thoughts. This could be dangerous for what I’m planning later...
"Good. By the way, Javier, since you’re able to start... drawing? I want your full report about what’s up there. If possible, with images and complete information on my desk when it reaches its destination."
"Yes, esteed father."
Everyone held their breath as the countdown began.
Ten seconds.
9...8...
Javier focused on his screen, Liana pointed toward the mana rocket, and everyone stood at attention.
Alf and Erinnette stood beside Garius alongside Garius wives
Marcellus was with Lithia and Harny.
Cedric stood with ira and Zania.
Heres was next to Kliatana.
Aelius had Athine on his arm; she leaned against his shoulder, smiling softly.
The estate staff watched in anticipation.
7...6...5...4...
In Arjam and all over Armand, people glued to the live broadcast stared at the screens.
As the countdown reached 3, every heart in the region pounded.
Two.
One.
All eyes widened.
The massive mana rocket began to lift, slowly rising from the Armand estate.
The barrier rods activated, forming a shimring field that blocked any debris or stray mana as the rocket began its ascent.
At the end of the rocket, a brilliant stream of blue and violet light burst forth, no smoke, no heat, just pure mana energy flaring as it propelled the rocket upward. The light twisted and pulsed, leaving behind a glowing trail that lingered in the air, almost like the aurora but brighter and sharper.
Javier stood, eyes locked on the sky as his invention soared higher and higher. His hands clenched the mana portable computer, scanning the data feeds.
Please be successful... please be successful.
( End Of Chapter )
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