Javier shifted his weight, watching the ceremony drag on.
Looks like it’s Queen Mylezra’s turn... ehehe. I wonder how she’ll react to Father, especially since they’re finally getting married this week.
He eyed her from across the hall, catching the dreamy spark in her eyes.
Can’t wait, huh? Well, I guess that’s normal. Father did make her wait years with all his excuses.
Not that I have any right to talk, with five fiancées of my own.
He stifled a sigh, glancing around the throne hall.
Doesn’t look like Gumarak’s coming. That’s strange. Today’s huge, his oldest friend is about to beco king.
It is because of Ferine found another love and no longer wants to be my fiancée? Still, Gumarak shouldn’t bla himself for that. Just because Ferine is no longer one of my fiancées doesn’t an he shouldn’t co. That’s not a valid reason for Gumarak to avoid Father’s big day. Just because Ferine moved on doesn’t an anyone’s blaming him.
Maybe that left him feeling a bit awkward about showing up. Or maybe he feels guilty?
But it’s not like Father would ever bla him for that. He’d want all his friends here, to celebrate together. And it’s not like I’ll bla him for Ferine’s decision.
Javier caught his father’s eyes scanning the hall, searching, maybe hoping.
Father must have noticed too. No doubt.
Gumarak...
Even if your pride stings, you’re welco here. This dried plum expects you to co, you stubborn hard headed dwarven. Today’s about more than just titles and crowns, it’s about the friendships that built Armand.
Javier felt a wry smile tug at his lips. With my luck, Father will probably order to fetch him, send a transport drone to the Dwarven Kingdom and drag that old hard-head here myself.
Mylezra moved with grace, her erald gown trailing behind as she approached Garius. Her gaze was soft, lips curled in a gentle smile. She stopped in front of him, glanced up at Garius, and lifted both hands, presenting a heart-shaped Elven crystal that shimred with a living inner light.
"This crystal carries the light and mory of Elvenkind. May it guide your heart in tis of uncertainty, and remind all who see it that Armand and the Elves shall share in peace and wisdom for generations to co."
Their hands touched as she placed the crystal in his palm.
Garius’s eyes widened, feeling her fingers tighten around his hand.
Mylezra leaned closer and whispered softly, "I suppose you still haven’t made the announcent to everyone, have you?"
Garius’s eyes widened.
No... no, don’t...
Mylezra turned with perfect poise to the mana cam, facing the nation. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke for all to hear.
"This is also a symbol of my love for Garius. Let it be the proof of a promise I’ve carried in my heart longer than I can say. Garius, this is the symbol of my love. And soon I will be standing by your side."
A collective gasp rippled through the hall.
Francesca covered her lips, eyes shining with amusent. Eridith puffed her cheeks in mock annoyance. Garcinia and Phenelope both exhaled with weary resignation.
Javier, standing at the back, could barely contain his grin.
Ehehehe... I win again, old man!
Lioness exhaled and leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. Veldrac pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to let his frustration show.
"Really, Mylezra? You couldn’t wait until after the coronation?" Veldrac muttered, half amused, half resigned.
Garius only smiled, taking the heart-shaped Elven crystal in his hand. He raised it for all in the hall and every watching across Armand to see.
"Mylezra, your gift honors both our nations and beyond words. May this crystal’s light forever remind Armand of the wisdom and grace of the Elves, and of the bonds we share, now and for all the generations ahead."
Mylezra stood beside him, turning her eyes toward the mana cam as the hall’s attention fixed on them and whispered, "Now it’s official~ We’re getting married this week. Francesca already said yes long ago. The only problem left was you, always finding excuses to postpone. But now you can’t~"
Garius gave her a quiet, knowing smile, still facing the audience. "Fine. You win. We’re getting married this week."
Mylezra’s eyes lit up, her smile radiant as she waved gracefully to the crowd and the nation beyond. "Thank you, dear," she whispered, her tone full of satisfaction.
Across Armand and Arjam, everyone gathered around the holo screens fell silent at first, barely able to process what they’d just witnessed.
"Our King... is going to marry the Queen of the Elven Kingdom?" soone finally whispered.
A heartbeat of stunned quiet hung in the air, followed by a thunderous cheer that erupted through every town square and marketplace. Even in the heart of Gaze Town, elven rchants and locals alike threw up their arms in celebration, clapping each other on the back.
"Uoooooh! Our king is amazing! Not only does he have Lady Francesca, Lady Garcinia, Lady Phenelopie, and Lady Eridith the White Fla, now he’s marrying the Queen of the Elves!"
"This is real history in the making!"
"Where’s the librarian? We need to put this in the records!"
"Sobody get the town scribe! This has to go into the annals right away!"
Excitent swept through the crowds, everyone eager to share the news and bask in the pride of Armand’s rising fortune.
After the symbolic gifts had been exchanged, all the rulers returned to their thrones near the dais, eyes fixed on Garius as the ceremony reached its peak.
Garius turned toward the throne, paused, then knelt on one knee before it, an ancient gesture of respect for the people. Rising gracefully, he stepped forward and stood just before his new seat of power.
Francesca approached, her movents fluid and graceful, and gently removed the current golden mantle from his shoulders. Alf stepped forward with a lacquered box, placing it on the ceremonial table. He opened it, revealing the new royal mantle, its gold threads woven with feathers from Giddie, the king of all Pekko.
Francesca smiled as she lifted the regal cloak, the golden fabric glittering with light. With a practiced hand, she draped it over Garius’s shoulders, fastening it with the ceremonial clasp. Leaning in close, she whispered with a soft smile, "Dear~ I know you’ve been waiting for this."
Garius’s eyes softened as he nodded, his voice low and genuine. "Mm... I am, my love."
( End Of Chapter )
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