Chapter 564: Coronation as King

After the fall of Dragonspire, Roland paid little mind to the subsequent conquest of the remaining territories of the Kingdom of Trisia.

Now that the threat of Flamewing and his ilk had vanished, few could stand against allies like McKen and Petro.

Moreover, Roland’s reputation soared to unprecedented heights—some foreign nobles, upon hearing his army approached, surrendered without a fight, throwing open their gates at once.

The surrendered nobles were dealt with according to the plan Roland and Ridal had established earlier: those deemed suitable were recruited into various knightly orders, while others showing administrative talent were appointed as regional officials.

With lands expanding rapidly, Roland was in dire need of capable people across all fields.

These nobles, born into privilege, already possessed knowledge and insight beyond common folk, making them valuable even in non-central roles.

Time slipped by quietly, and soon the land entered the sweltering heat of high summer.

The wars across Orlandt Continent had ended—whether it was Duke Valgris’s western front, or the central-eastern theater led by Iben and Kusan.

Even the direct campaign against Trisia itself was nearing its conclusion.

For the nobility of Auduin, though there had been losses, the spoils of war—gold, supplies, and countless riches—not only compensated for their sacrifices but made them extravagantly wealthy.

Nothing built power faster than plunder.

And now, with war concluded, came the time to divide the spoils.

In their eyes, no matter who became the next king, they—the nobles who had shed blood and sweat for the kingdom—would surely be rewarded: titles elevated, lands granted.

Soon, the ninth day of September arrived.

At Roland’s invitation, many nobles gathered at Mistfort to attend the founding ceremony of the Starlight Kingdom.

Though brief, with ample investment of wealth and labor, Mistfort had transformed.

Especially striking was the colossal porcelain dragon statue standing at the center of the square—an emblem of elegance, elevating the ceramic artistry of North U Territory to new heights.

The grand hall was now filled with nobles dressed in resplendent attire.

Before the ceremonial stage where Roland stood, they appeared unusually restrained.

It wasn’t merely because he was becoming king—it was because this young man had achieved an unfathomable level of power.

The image of the ruined palace in Dragonspire remained etched in their minds, indelible and haunting.

Under the guidance of Minister Randel of the Rites Department, the coronation proceeded steadily, step by step.

Randel proclaimed Roland’s feats in battle, vividly recounting the ferocity of the final clash.

Then, with a thunderous cry—“Let us welcome Duke Conqueror, the First King of the Starlight Kingdom, His Majesty Lord Roland!”—the hall erupted in applause unlike any before.

Roland, waiting in the side chamber, rose to his feet.

Beside him, Blanche held her son’s hand, silently encouraging him.

He smiled faintly—his heart stirred. At last, the dream of kingship was within reach.

Yet his composure remained ironclad; though moved, he felt no trace of fear.

Under the gaze of all present, Roland walked slowly into the hall, ascending the stage.

“Thank you all for traveling so far to witness my founding.”

He bowed slightly, offering no long speech. As he spoke, Randel stepped beside him, holding a gilded wooden casket.

Inside lay the crown—crafted by Sophia and Simon from gold, mithril, and enchanted materials—its surface shimmering with a soft, ever-flowing radiance.

There had been debate over who should place the crown upon his head.

Many believed it should be done by one of Auduin’s bloodline—Princess Shiren or Princess Blanche.

But in the end, Roland himself made the decision: he would crown himself.

He reached out, lifted the crown, and looked across the assembly.

Then, slowly, raised his hand and placed it upon his own head.

“The Starlight Kingdom is born!”

“And I, here and now, take the crown as king!”

Instantly, every noble in the hall rose, clapping with fervent emotion.

Rulans, who had witnessed Roland’s journey from the beginning, watched with eyes brimming with pride.

His vassals gazed upon him with pure reverence.

The applause thundered on, only fading gradually into silence.

Next came the oaths of fealty.

Led by Ridal, Elron, McKen, Sophia, Karada, and even Carlos, now a tiny dragon, all stood present.

Alongside them were Wilson, Chakhar, and early loyalists like Rogner, Reese, and Yusuf.

Randel called each name aloud, deliberately announcing their titles:

Legendary Knight, Legendary Dragon, Radiant Knight, Grand Archmage…

Each deliberately exuded their aura, sending waves of awe—and dread—through the assembled nobles.

They knew Roland was strong, but never imagined his subordinates were this powerful.

Precisely as Roland intended.

Then came the investitures.

Roland turned, seated himself upon the throne, and began announcing his appointments.

Ridal was named Duke of Flame, granted one hundred thousand mu of farmland, appointed Governor of Dragonspire, and Supreme Commander of the Three Armies.

Elron became Baron of Light, awarded ten thousand mu, Governor of North U City, and President of the Starlight Kingdom’s Arcane Research Society.

McKen was titled Baron Guardian, granted ten thousand mu, Governor of Oslo, former capital of the Vela Duchy.

Sophia was ennobled as Baroness Crescent, Governor of Moonlight City, and Vice President of the Arcane Research Society.

Karada received the title of Viscount, over ten thousand mu, Governor of Screech Island, and Admiral of the Starlight Navy.

The rest were mostly barons, appointed as ministers of state affairs, transport, and other departments.

As the decrees were read, Iben sensed something profound—a shift from tradition.

Previously, nobles held actual fiefs. Roland himself had once been Baron of the Woodlands, ruling the town directly.

But today, not a single one of these newly ennobled lords held true feudal authority.

Even Ridal, with his vast farmlands, controlled only crops—not forests, rivers, or mines.

Iben gripped the petition in his pocket.

If they too pledged loyalty, urging Roland to become sovereign of the entire continent, would their noble rights be redrawn?

Was this not a quiet erosion of their power?

Yet if they refused submission, what fate awaited them?

Watching Ridal and the others accept their titles and swear allegiance, Iben’s heart twisted with doubt.

Should he still deliver the letter?

Roland’s thinking was simple: his kingdom would embrace the new.

Redrawing noble power was just the beginning.

This new system might stir whispers behind closed doors, but with Ridal, McKen, and others accepting it willingly, dissent would not rise.

Then, before the watching nobles, he unveiled plans to establish new institutions beyond the Six Ministries: a Supervisory Bureau, a Transport Department, an Education Ministry, and a Court system.

He also declared the abolition of slavery within the Starlight Kingdom, guaranteeing basic sustenance and rights for the lower classes—laying the foundation for a nation shaped by his vision.

There would be obstacles, resistance—but so long as the upper echelons remained stable, and the lower strata secured, the path forward would hold.

Everything had changed.

Not the kingdom they once knew.

“Your Majesty Roland!”

Near the ceremony’s end, Iben finally rose.

As the leader of the petition, he could remain silent no longer.

It was time to speak of Auduin’s fate.

“According to the plan set at the noble assembly in Golden Feather Palace over two years ago, the moment we extinguished the Kingdom of Trisia would be when we discuss who shall inherit the throne of Alduin.”

Ibn paused, then asked, “May I inquire what your next move will be?” (End of Chapter)