Prequel – Coronation [1]
[1]
The sky was painted with a sunset.
The pink-tinted heavens appeared quite beautiful at first glance.
Everyone who looked up was puzzled by the sight.
After all, it was just past noon.
*
The color of the sky began to change.
Many people were bewildered by this sudden abnormal phenomenon.
Those surrounding Phillip’s County suspected that the reddening sky might be a precursor to some special magic.
However, the flow of mana in the atmosphere remained eerily calm, making it unlikely to be caused by magic.
Unable to determine the cause of the anomaly, they found themselves powerless.
The nobles surrounding Phillip’s County tried to dismiss the red sky as a temporary celestial phenomenon.
But no matter how hard they feigned composure, an indescribable unease crept over them, unsettling their breaths under the crimson canopy.
As they struggled to suppress their anxiety and maintain the siege, finally, ill news reached them.
Reports indicated that the central hub located in the South had suffered catastrophic damage.
The news from the South was shockingly unbelievable and, worse still, inaccurate.
Without clear information on the extent of the damage or whether the situation had been resolved, the nobles besieging Phillip’s County fell into great confusion.
“…I shall retreat,” declared one noble.
A significant upheaval had occurred in the South.
With uncertainty looming about how the situation would evolve, there was no room to waste manpower and time pressuring Phillip’s County. Judging this way, one noble announced his intention to retreat.
To effectively respond to the rapidly changing political landscape, it was advantageous to consolidate available forces.
Consequently, more nobles among those surrounding Phillip’s County began to consider withdrawing part or all of their troops.
Though some resisted the retreat, they could not reverse the tide.
The army encircling Phillip’s County, lacking a strong focal point, quickly dispersed once cracks began to form, leaving only minimal surveillance forces behind.
Even at that moment,
Phillip’s County remained completely cut off from the outside world.
With no means of obtaining information, Count Philip had no idea what was happening externally.
While the residents of Phillip’s County watched the disbanding army with perplexity,
Miner, the elf residing in Phillip’s County, gazed at the deepening red sky with a chilling sense of dread.
“Mother’s… blessing…”
The blessings of the World Tree had originally spread across the entire continent, beyond the realm of elves.
Though diluted compared to the elven territories, making it less perceptible, these blessings had protected the continent from the demonic realm for countless ages.
Yet Miner increasingly realized that the faint blessings of the World Tree covering the land were gradually receding.
“Erosion…?”
The positive energy was being pushed back by malevolent forces.
This meant the boundary between the continent and the demonic realm was shifting inward toward the continent.
“Why…?”
The power of the World Tree was intact.
The influence of the Dark God had not grown stronger either.
However, sometime ago, one of the two pillars safeguarding the continent from the Dark God’s influence had collapsed entirely.
Unaware of this, Miner did not know that the disruption of the ‘balance’ had caused the sky to turn red.
“How can I…”
If things continued as they were, the continent would soon transform into hell.
Not only the lands where humans lived but also the elven territories were now endangered.
Somehow, the ‘balance’ needed to be restored, yet Miner felt powerless under the red sky.
“…”
Miner alone accurately perceived that the demonic realm had begun eroding the continent.
But even others in Phillip’s County instinctively felt fear under the sticky red glow of the heavens.
Cut off from external information, the people of Phillip’s County endured a growing sense of anxiety and frustration akin to being trapped behind bars.
Amidst the gloom enveloping Phillip’s County, there was only one truly optimistic person—Ropheiren.
“Has it come to pass as He warned?”
Ray had warned Ropheiren that the red sky might herald a great war.
And now, the strange red sky Ray had forewarned covered Ropheiren’s vision entirely.
Despite the ominous warning becoming reality, Ropheiren maintained her usual smile.
“This time, He chose not to remain passive.”
Ropheiren was one of the few individuals who could access the secret legacy left by Resina and the Resina Record.
Through this, she learned that Harshia, the hero renowned worldwide, was closer to a dreamer than commonly believed.
Although the precise goal Harshia aimed for remained unclear, Ropheiren was certain of one thing:
Harshia desired more than mere peace.
“A new beginning.”
Many things would be redefined.
And the first step of any revolution is always the collapse of the old order.
Gazing at the red-tinged sky, Ropheiren smiled brightly once again.
While many across the continent associated the red sky with a sunset,
Ropheiren alone likened it to a dawn.
*
A new emperor must be crowned.
During the noble council proceedings led by the western and northern regions of the Empire, Diorica made such a claim.
Diorica’s radical and seemingly disloyal suggestion immediately drew strong opposition.
Although her proposal warranted cautious consideration, it was certainly not something to be voiced lightly amidst the current uncertain circumstances.
Most importantly, many nobles attending the meeting viewed the situation relatively optimistically.
Though Alexander, both a border baron and cardinal, had perished, many optimistically assumed the Apostle had been dealt with as well.
Moreover, without explicitly stating it, many saw this crisis as an opportunity.
If they could rescue the missing Crown Prince and secure cooperation from the remaining southern factions, then they could take control of the situation.
Thus, many were waiting for a clearer understanding of the southern situation before decisively moving their forces.
However, amidst the great turmoil, accurately assessing the southern situation proved difficult.
Furthermore, the unconfirmed status of Anthonyus, the owner of the Sacred Sword, complicated matters further.
Rumors circulated that Anthonyus had defected to become an Apostle of the Dark God, but very few believed them.
As the days passed in a game of strategy,
Diorica was dragged back home to face reproach from Duke Alstein.
“Are you out of your mind? Speaking such nonsense carelessly…!”
“…”
“To openly advocate for traitors and murderers in a public forum!! How dare you!!”
How many lives were lost in the battle at the Imperial Capital?
The number of civilians swept away by the aftermath of the meteor strike was incalculable, and numerous nobles also perished.
Most noble families of the Empire had lost members due to the conflict in the Imperial Capital.
As a result, many harbored intense hatred towards the rebels occupying the Imperial Capital.
This was no longer a matter of reason but one of emotion, an insolvable problem.
In a situation where countless individuals, eyes bloodshot with rage, sharpened their knives to tear apart the rebels occupying the Imperial Capital…
Diorica’s sudden proposition placed the Alstein family in an awkward position.
“What exactly is your intention?!”
A conversation that could have been held privately within the family was unnecessarily aired publicly, providing ammunition for criticism.
Duke Alstein’s anger was justified, and Diorica offered no defense.
Sighing, Duke Alstein sentenced Diorica to house arrest.
“We cannot side with those traitors.”
“…”
Beyond the issue of legitimacy, too many lives had been lost.
In this era filled with hatred and thirst for revenge, any faction suggesting alliance with the rebels occupying the Imperial Capital risked assassination, regardless of their power.
At this point, punishing the rebels was not a decision to be weighed pragmatically.
Even if impossible, many factions were prepared to resist until death rather than collaborate with the rebels.
“…”
Duke Alstein was equally confused.
He had anticipated a realignment of power centered around the South, but unexpected news shattered all predictions.
Amidst this chaotic situation resembling a foggy maze, it was still difficult to reach any clear conclusions.
One certainty was that collaboration with the rebels would only gain mainstream acceptance if the entire continent faced imminent annihilation.
Only then might factions driven by hatred and vengeance prioritize practicality over principle.
“Be careful with your words and actions. No one in the Empire will recognize them as legitimate usurpers.”
Duke Alstein gave Diorica a final warning.
Diorica apologized for her inappropriate remarks and retreated.
Subsequently, Duke Alstein instructed his retainers to actively deploy available forces to better understand the southern situation.
*
The Royal Magic Tower.
Given its specialized purpose, the structure of the Royal Magic Tower was less hierarchical compared to other magic towers.
Since mutual checks were necessary, there was no position of tower master in the Royal Magic Tower. Instead, a council of nine supreme members acted as the leadership body.
Although the number occasionally fluctuated, the council generally consisted of nine members who wielded decisive influence over the Royal Magic Tower.
Hayden was one of these nine supreme members.
Originally a gentleman from the central noble family of ‘Chepelin,’ Hayden became a noble after being recognized for his talents and adopted into the main family.
Based on his outstanding abilities, Hayden rose to become a key figure in the Royal Magic Tower.
At this moment, he stood before the barrier surrounding the Imperial Capital.
“Hmm…”
Due to the incomplete restoration of its defensive functions, the barrier around the Imperial Capital was extremely weak.
However, the detection function remained flawlessly active, and Hayden calmly assessed the barrier before him.
Many members of Hayden’s Chepelin family had lost their lives in the battle at the Imperial Capital.
Nevertheless, Hayden felt neither profound sorrow nor hatred regarding this.
His relationship with the Chepelin family was one of mutual exploitation based on necessity, and their connection was distant.
Considering the lack of emotional interaction with his own family, Hayden thought it pointless to harbor resentment.
Tzutzuk!
Part of the barrier dissolved, seemingly welcoming the visitor.
Calmly stepping inside the barrier, Hayden continued forward until the Imperial Palace came fully into view.
Expecting to be guided inside the palace, Hayden raised an eyebrow slightly upon noticing a girl with blue hair standing at the palace gates, watching him.
Seeing her, Hayden’s lips curved into a cryptic smile.
