Chapter 415

415 The Kings #1

The King’s procession.

On that day.

All the gates—east, west, north, and south—of Sodomora were thrown wide open, and the people had finished preparing to greet the King’s envoys.

“This spot is good. Let’s stay here!”

“Is it true that His Majesty will really be passing this way?”

The people had risen early in the morning to come to the streets for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the absolute ruler of the kingdom up close.

Formed in rows on either side of the road—the crowds were immense.

“Why are there so many people? I didn’t know Sodomora had this many inhabitants.”

“Would you stay home today? We need to make money. Hehe.”

Wherever people gathered, money flowed, so naturally, countless individuals brainstormed ingenious methods to earn a profit.

“Come on, good seats at our second-story window. Sale today only. Just five silver coins.”

“Flower garlands made by hardworking children for sale. Flowers to throw on the road are available too.”

Faces were flushed with excitement despite the unseasonable warmth of the day before winter. It was as if the whole city had become a grand festival.

“I’ve heard the Shrine Knights are also joining the procession.”

“Wow, so we might even meet that fellow ‘Sword Dragon.’ A genius who earned the title of Dragon despite being human at such a young age, right?”

“Will the Prince also attend? I’d love it if just the edge of his cloak brushes against me.”

Indeed, it was a festival.

A day so distinctively out of the ordinary.

Everyone’s hearts were buoyed as they positioned themselves to view the parade.

“I’ve prepared a great deal for this day.”

To be accurate, Paranoi, Doris, Ignor, and the nymphs had all prepared in various ways.

“Luna, how are the kids? Will they be alright?”

Before heading to the street at the reserved performance venue, I conducted one last check.

Turning my head, I could see Luna wiping the faces of the dusty nymphs with a handkerchief.

“I don’t know! I’m completely exhausted! Everyone, line up in a single file now!”

Since bringing the nymphs from the toy store’s basement, Luna had been incredibly busy with no break.

I wanted to help, but the nymphs were afraid of my large size and preferred Luna, leaving me with nothing to do.

“Respected nymph compatriots! Today is the day… We have spent past days preparing for it: showcasing our efforts to members of the Sodomora royal family and high officials… It’s time to deliver the voice of the nymphs to the world!”

“Paranoi! There truly isn’t much time left… My honeybees have spotted a large procession coming this way from far away…”

“Then, let’s head towards the civic square and the theater stage… Since the nymphs will perform, as Thunderblade, I can’t resist coming…”

Heh-heh-heh… Paranoi chuckled slyly, and the nymphs before him were rubbing their drowsy eyes.

“So sleepy after practicing all night…”

“But this choir robe is pretty. Pure white. I’ve never worn anything so white before!”

Every nymph was dressed in a completely pure white robe.

Initially, they were dark robes of the Dark Brotherhood, but after Luna added Ideope’s special detergent and boiled them, they had transformed into robes as white as snow.

I’ve heard that some nymphs joined the choir just to wear this white robe. Though the reason for joining was quite childish, uniforms are indeed important.

There are many people who choose to become policemen or soldiers because of the appeal of their uniforms. In this sense, Luna’s understanding of the nymphs’ needs was quite remarkable.

But a hastily formed choir.

Unpredictable nymphs.

It was reasonable to be worried.

Performing in front of people, can we really do it?

I heard there is even a possibility of singing before the King. Important visitors will be here as well!

What? Is there a king in this Gaia Continent? Who made themselves a king without my, Iris’, permission?

Will these kids really handle it well?

I’d seen them practice a few times. Frankly speaking, they reminded me of a newly formed children’s choir—just like the school concert from my elementary school days.

To be honest, the quality of the choir wasn’t very high, but we had to rely on the fact that it was a premium nymph choir singing.

Thunderblade seemed like a nymph enthusiast, so he would surely like it.

Waaah-!

Thus, finally, with the grand sound of brass instruments from the military band, the cheering and applause started to echo from near the eastern gate of the city.

Bababooom-. Babooom-.

Everybody, bow in respect-!

The sole and legitimate heir to the kingdom, the King of Thunder and Lightning, His Majesty Theodor Friedrich Thunderblade, is in procession!

As one could see from the city’s sudden awakening, like a burst of flames, somewhere in this city, the King’s procession began.

“Kids, quickly! Now we’re going. Hold on gently to the shoulders of the person in front!”

With the sharp clapping of Luna’s hands, the nymphs, all dressed in white and clean robes, formed a single line.

As they slowly walked towards the street, placing their hands on the person ahead’s shoulders, exclamations of astonishment erupted from all around.

My goodness, look at them. It’s the first time seeing nymphs gathered like this!

What are they doing, all wearing identical pristine white clothes?

I’ve heard that the Dark Brotherhood prepared some sort of performance to welcome Thunderblade’s procession.

Let’s go see it!

It was just as Paranoi had predicted.

The gathering of nymphs alone naturally drew the attention of the people.

One could consider it a debut of an idol group.

Now, come and see the world.

*

The city square theater, rented for the day at the exorbitant price of 20 gold.

Located at the city center, beside the city hall, with information from Winter Agent D, it was clear that Thunderblade would pass in front of this theater after meeting with the mayor and high nobles in Sodomora.

It would be around 1 to 2 p.m., after lunch, I guessed. Following Paranoi’s timing, she started the nymphs’ singing using her baton.

Drululul Dru-Waaater-, Singing-, Tears and honey-, Let’s all gather-.

With this medley, an unruly atmosphere arose, mingled with murmurs among the people.

What kind of song is that?

The spectators’ reactions were generally baffled.

But seeing the naïve nymphs gathered to sing, it quickly turned to smiles.

Huh-hee-hee…, It’s funny because it’s unexpected.

Look at those adorable little eyes.

As I listened to the nymphs’ completely innocent song, the sharpness and hardness of life’s struggles seemed to soften, leaving only calm tranquility, right?

The reactions were better than I’d anticipated, which finally gave me some peace of mind.

People from the city began to gather one by one at the civic square to witness this unique nymph choir performance. Soon the performance area was so packed that there was no space to stand.

Finally, at about 2 p.m., when the warmth of the day was its peak.

Okay, everyone-, make way-!

His Majesty Thunderblade is in procession! Make way for him!

Just as we expected, Thunderblade appeared around 2 p.m. from the city hall, set to pass through the square.

Everything went exactly as Paranoi had planned, like it was within the palm of her hand. I even got goosebumps realizing this.

Chugi method-! Hassan, Chugi method-! Hassan’s in use-!

However, despite her prowess in plotting and planning,

The lyrics and composition were clearly not her forte.

I never thought I’d end up hearing that song in public.

Even Elfride, who had been reading a book nearby with a bored expression all day, chuckled.

“Haa… What kind of song is that?”

“I don’t know. Don’t ask.”

“The nymphs have been very noisy lately, and I’ve been feeling down. This song, however, is quite pleasing. It’s amusing.”

Everyone seemed to share Elfride’s sentiment. The crowd broke into laughter at the unusual lyrics.

Just then,

The crowd at the back began to stir, and people started kneeling or prostrating themselves.

I focused all my senses on my hearing.

Your Majesty.

May the glory of Your Majesty last forever-.

He has arrived.

Swoosh-.

The crowd parted, like the Red Sea, and one by one, people began kneeling, which quickly spread, creating a wave of prostration.

…

Even the nymphs, who had been singing, stopped mid-song.

A strange silence began to spread as the figure appearing amidst it was clad in silver armor.

Knights in shining silver armor stepped into the crowd, forming a fence that herded everyone to the edges.

This is the Shrine Knights-.

They are truly the Shrine Knights.

From the murmurs of the crowd, it seemed evident that these were the Shrine Knights. Now that I looked, the knights in their armor exuded formidable power; they were clearly no ordinary individuals.

Among them stood Antiope in her silver armor.

Also Vice Vein, a disciple of Bacchus, clad in similar silver armor, suggesting it might be the standard attire of the Knights.

Clunk-.

A woman, sword in hand, approached with a familiar face—Hippolyte.

Seeing Hippolyte here, in charge of guarding the King, was telling of the seriousness of the situation.

Clack, clack-.

A hard metallic sound echoed as a shadow appeared between the lines of people.

A man draped in a long red cloak.

His platinum hair streaked with silver, a long beard, deep sunken eyes, stark white eyebrows, heavy eyelids leaving his gaze half-closed, but the blue eyes still gleamed fiercely.

Deep wrinkles, age spots starting to show on his face.

A long beard.

Thick rings adorned his hands, and he carried a staff with a rounded end that tapped against the floor with each step.

“The royal presence of His Majesty-! Fall to your knees and show your respects-!”

With Hippolyte’s thunderous command, all bowed deeply, including the nymphs singing and even Paranoi, lowering themselves to the ground.

“Huh, how troublesome-.”

Even Elfride clicked her tongue and bowed to the ground. Of course, not everyone cooperated.

“Kneel down?! This Doris kneels to no one-!”

“Dor… Doris-!”

At Doris’s bold proclamation, Luna dashed over from somewhere, distressed, pressing down on Doris’s back to make her kneel.

That left just me and the old man in silver armor standing.

Should I kneel too?

According to the kingdom’s laws, gods are treated as honored guests on this continent, with no obligation to show formal respect to the king or nobility.

But I was a commoner not too long ago.

Standing alone before the most powerful ruler of this land, my face burned and it was quite an ordeal to restrain myself.

For a moment, my mind became thoroughly muddled as to why I was here.

My dual-core couldn’t handle it and might be shutting down my brain to avoid responsibility.

Ahem-.

Just then, a coughing sound snapped me back to reality.

Following the perceived gaze, I turned my eyes to see the old man, likely Thunderblade, the old king of this country, looking at me dimly with hazy eyes.

I locked eyes with him.

This man is Thunderblade, the king of this land.

Was this the one who ordered Bacchus’ assassination?

But he felt somewhat different from what I imagined.

He was undoubtedly the younger brother of Valkma, the head of the Mars Guild. While Valkma was in his late 40s, this man clearly looked around 70.

He lacked vitality.

Ssshh, Ssuu-.

Even the breathing audible from his nose lacked energy, like a gentle breeze. The cough I’d heard earlier suggested a deep case of lung disease.

Could his physical condition be poor?

Perhaps he’s suffering from a life-draining illness. His thin wrists and pale complexion indicated fairly advanced symptoms.

Since establishing the shrine, I’ve massaged many patients, so now I can gauge their conditions from their aura without needing to take their pulse.

Slick-.

The mouth of the bearded elder opened.

“Everyone, rise. I am merely a visitor here at this theater.”

His voice was deep and solemn. The body may be decaying like an old shack, but the voice carried its own authority, making it sound somewhat grand even against the frail physique.

This old man is a nymph enthusiast?

And he’s planning to overthrow the gods?

Thus, the performance began before the King.

I forgot the lyrics! Was it something about a cannon and sweets with Chugi method…?

Mommy, I miss Mommy…! And call my lawyer!

Bathroom-.

Of course, the situation was chaotic. The unexpected pressure made the nymphs perform at half their rehearsed ability, flailing about.

Of course, who wouldn’t be intimidated by the Shrine Knights with their drawn swords and stern expressions.

Though they stood guard against potential threats to the King, their fierce aura was too much for the gentle and innocent nymphs.

d*mn, it’s collapsing.

It would’ve been fine if only we’d had more time—at least a month—but with just a fortnight, this was inevitable.

My heart sank.

Is there any way Paranoid can salvage this situation?

Help me, Paranoidream-!

I counted on Paranoid’s cleverness to think of something, but as I saw her face—once assertive with her baton, now tense and perplexed—it was clear she hadn’t expected this either.

Wailing broke out from various directions. Heads were scratched, mouths covered, but no one ventured forward.

All except one.

“Kids, stop, stop it! Don’t cry carelessly-! Ah, don’t wipe with the robe…! Use this handkerchief to blow your nose!”

Luna rushed to the stage, frantically wiping the nymphs’ tears with handkerchiefs. But even Luna’s efforts couldn’t stem the tide of tears once the dam burst.

Just like the countryside dogs that start barking in response to one, these nymphs were now drowning in a sea of tears.

Even Paranoid, furrowing her brows, seemed at a loss.

“Idiotic sisters, indeed! This Paranoid is the one who truly wants to cry!”

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd and the clinking of armor, my hearing blurred, losing touch with reality.

“Ho-ho, what is this? It’s a disaster? Ah, but it’s amusing.”

Beside me, Elfride burst into laughter, finding this whole scenario entertaining, watching my grand plans crumble into nothing.

This evil girl derives happiness from others’ suffering.

I wanted to slap her buttocks.

“It’s your fault for dealing with these stupid nymphs. You should have gathered elves and formed an elf performance group.”

“…”

Though I couldn’t respond, Elfride’s words were accurate.

What a nightmare. That I seriously considered forming a choir with these innocent nymphs…

Trying to form a Bremen Music Band with wild squirrels and ferrets—wasn’t it even more impossible?

Why did I think it could work? I was undoubtedly bewitched.

Perhaps, spending too much time with Paranoid transmitted her strange delusional tendency to me. d*mn, I had truly believed it was an amazing idea.

So is my dream to connect the royal family to my plans utterly unattainable?

Just when I thought so-.

Clap, clap-.

From the makeshift throne, the old man who had been leaning on his palm, deep-seated and melting into his seat, began clapping.

At this nymph chaos, his expression was incomparably content.

[Author’s Note]

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7-9 minutes

The Kings

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