Book 4: Volume 9 Chapter 5, Mother and Son

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

A grand ceremony unfolds at Razequa Amamiya’s castle on the fifth Floor.

 

Influential figures from towns across the Central Continent have gathered, along with numerous foreign dignitaries. Representatives from allied nations are present, naturally, but even those from countries with more distant relationships have accepted invitations.

 

Some countries declined, of course, but the attendance was surprisingly complete. This was understandable. After all, the ceremony celebrates the birth of their new King.

 

The transfer of the throne from former Queen Floria to King Towa has already been completed. Towa has been handling official duties for some time, but only internal matters. A nation sometimes requires such public displays to formally announce changes to both domestic and international audiences.

 

While some might dismiss the ceremony as wasteful extravagance, most recognize its necessity.

 

Certainly, such ceremonies showcase a nation’s prestige. They may appear overly elaborate, designed to intimidate through displays of wealth and military power. But that’s merely one facet.

 

The primary purpose was to emphasize the event’s importance and to facilitate direct meetings with representatives from other countries. Receiving important guests in dreary surroundings with meager hospitality would be entirely inappropriate.

 

Of course, unlimited spending was not the answer either. Balance matters.

 

Towa contemplates these principles while gazing down at the assembled crowd from the highest throne in the castle’s grand hall. He keeps his thoughts carefully concealed, of course. Anyone who sits upon a throne must master this basic skill to navigate political maneuvering.

 

Towa, already experienced in official duties, rarely makes such fundamental errors.

 

Many representatives attend this ceremony. Some allied nations have sent their monarchs personally. These countries are arranged in a specific order, a seating arrangement that required days of heated discussion among those responsible for practical arrangements.

 

Towa has memorized this order completely.

 

The arrangement was crucial. It communicates how Razequa Amamiya views each nation while simultaneously revealing how domestic officials perceive foreign powers. Understanding this dynamic is necessary for Towa to eventually gain full control over his officials.

 

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A section of the audience observes the ceremony from a different perspective than other attendees. It was the area where members of the Razequa Amamiya Royal Family have gathered.

 

Floria, the former Queen, sits here alongside Riku and Alec.

 

“…Looking at it like this, time really has passed quickly.”

 

Floria’s murmured observation, spoken while watching Towa, reaches only Kousuke, who sits beside her. Kousuke has disguised himself with magic to avoid recognition.

 

Mia, who should be under house arrest, sits behind Kousuke, similarly disguised. Those who know the circumstances are cooperating, eliminating any chance of discovery.

 

This section houses members of the Royal Family, though not exclusively.

 

“I agree with that sentiment, but isn’t it a bit early for nostalgic reflections?”

 

Kousuke responds with a knowing smile, sensing that Floria’s words somehow convey a feeling of getting old.

 

“Don’t say that. I’m well aware my words and actions have become rather old-fashioned.”

 

Hearing Floria speak so earnestly, Kousuke finds himself studying her profile. More than ten years have passed since they first met, yet her beauty remains undiminished. If anything, she seems to have gained additional poise with time.

 

Few would guess that Floria has grown children simply by looking at her.

 

“If you said that in front of other women, you’d likely be resented.”

 

“I only say such things to you, Kousuke.”

 

Kousuke chuckles softly at her casual remark.

 

“Well, that’s refreshingly frank.”

 

“I’m aware I’m saying things that don’t suit me. Don’t make me elaborate. It’s embarrassing.”

 

Despite her words, Floria’s expression remains completely unchanged. She knows she’s being observed as the former Queen. Regardless of her internal thoughts, maintaining outward composure was essential for a ruler.

 

Kousuke does not notice, but as the man sitting beside Floria, he naturally attracted considerable attention from the attendees. It was impossible not to wonder about someone seated next to the former Queen.

 

Some attendees from the Miksen Temple regard Kousuke with barely concealed recognition. They know such attention was inevitable given his proximity to Floria.

 

His disguise wasn’t meant to conceal his identity as the living god, but rather to prevent people from seeing his true form.

 

The ceremony was a seated event, so no one approached Kousuke directly. Even in a more informal setting, approaching him would be difficult. Past incidents have created widespread understanding that one should not casually approach him. Anyone attempting to act recklessly would be immediately stopped by those nearby.

 

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With the newly crowned King Towa and Kousuke, the living god, commanding attention, the ceremony approaches its conclusion.

 

Only one ritual remains, which was the King offering prayers to the Gods. He was to report his ascension to his new position. The ritual itself holds no particular significance beyond tradition. In a world where Gods truly exist, such customs are observed by every kingdom. However, something unexpected occurs the moment Towa begins his prayers.

 

As Towa descends from the throne and kneels, beams of red, blue, and yellow light shine down upon him.

 

Witnessing this mystical sight, attendees begin murmuring amongst themselves. Floria instinctively looks at Kousuke, seated beside her. Several other attendees do the same.

 

Noticing these gazes, Kousuke offers a wry smile and slowly shakes his head. This was his way of indicating ‘I did not do anything’.

 

He immediately recognizes who bestowed those blessings. Sylvia, sitting behind him, likely knows as well. The three blessings come from the three Great Goddesses.

 

Temple officials in attendance have probably recognized this too.

 

Unfortunately, from Kousuke’s position, he cannot see the many officials who turn pale or flush the moment they witness the blessings.

 

In the end, news of the blessings from the three Great Goddesses would be reported to foreign nations alongside accounts that King Towa was beloved by the Gods themselves.