Chapter 309
Ba-ri-el!

The dawn of glory cradled by the gods—
The heart of Gaia, turning golden when the rain falls—
Lift your head high, ever higher, and you shall see—
The light above, the beacon of Bariel—

As the soldiers began the chant and pulled the ropes, hundreds of Bariel Empire flags rose simultaneously, blanketing the fortress walls.

The crowd gathered before the imperial palace caught wind of the ceremony’s start and erupted into excited cheers.

Ba-ri-el!

Countless voices united in a chorus, proclaiming Bariel’s glory with such strength it seemed to reach the very throne.

Philia caught the commotion drifting to her ears and turned her head. Outside the window, nothing was visible, but the heat of the moment pressed in like the blazing midday sun.

“Are you alright, ma’am?”

“I’m just a bit nervous. I never imagined I’d attend a royal ceremony in my life. Especially the official appointment of His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Viviana smiled kindly and took Philia’s hand in hers. Though Philia was already a woman of noble standing, she seemed unaware of it herself, using words like “never imagined.”

“You are the birth mother of the Minister of Magic and cherished by His Highness Jin himself. Please don’t say such things. The nobles gathered here would be embarrassed.”

“Oh, no, that’s not—”

“Who else could receive a gift directly from His Highness?”

Viviana playfully nudged Philia’s arm with a grin.

When Ian presented a small box containing jewels personally selected by His Highness, Philia felt as if she might faint. Overcome with emotion, her eyes glistened with tears.

“Ma’am, you mustn’t cry. Everyone is watching us.”

Viviana covered her mouth with a fan and whispered.

Their seats were directly beneath the royal family and foreign kings—prime spots that drew all eyes. And Philia’s beauty was striking, bearing a strong resemblance to Ian himself.

Even before the ceremony began, the attention was so intense it was almost confusing whom the focus was truly on. The three foreign kings’ gazes were no different.

“Eldert, is that woman staying near the center?”

“According to reports, she will leave after the ceremony.”

“Then she must have come up for this occasion.”

Eriphoni mused that the bond between Ian and Jin might be closer than expected, but Eldert’s reply was vague.

“Apologies. Everyone remains silent about Lady Philia. There are only uncertain rumors that she has ties to the Cheonryeo tribe.”

“Cheonryeo? The predators of the Great Desert I know?”

“It’s possible Lady Philia was behind the alliance between Hielo and Cheonryeo.”

Since Luswena bordered the Hawan Kingdom, they often heard news about the Great Desert. Could Philia have played a central role in those affairs?

Eriphoni glanced at Philia with curiosity, then suddenly noticed a fervent gaze from the lower tier.

Alenara.

She gave a slight nod, as if greeting Eriphoni. Their first meeting since the banquet night, after a very entertaining evening.

Eriphoni raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment, and a smile spread across Alenara’s face.

“Everyone, please rise!”

At that moment, the announcement signaling the start of the ceremony rang out.

The orchestra’s low melodies deepened, drawing everyone’s focus. Through the grand windows, mounted soldiers and the military band could be seen arriving and taking their positions.

Philia and Viviana clutched their dresses and stood as the massive doors at the entrance swung open.

Creak!

The first to enter was the Prime Minister of the Bariel Empire.

Dressed in full regalia, the Prime Minister was followed by a host of officials. On a golden tray lay the crown reserved solely for the official heir.

The title of Crown Prince—granted only to the one destined to succeed the Emperor. Some nobles involuntarily recalled princes lost to history but quickly dismissed the thought amid the applause.

The officials parted to either side, forming lines, followed by the entrance of other high-ranking dignitaries.

“From this moment…”

The Prime Minister drew closer the magical artifact supported by a mage and declared,

“We hereby commence the appointment ceremony of the 14th Crown Prince of the Bariel Empire. This is done under the name of His Majesty the Emperor.”

Everyone knew the Emperor’s remaining life was but a breath. Most believed that once Jin became Crown Prince, the Emperor would soon pass.

But even with unquestioned legitimacy, what could a young Crown Prince do? Whether ascending the throne or sitting upon it, he would likely just hold Ian’s hand.

Swish.

Next came the Ministry of Magic. Ian led the procession, his expression stern to the point of rigidity. His gaze pierced through the minds of any who dared disrespect.

As he entered the hall and scanned the nobles’ seats, their gazes naturally scattered. Some mistook it for eye contact and reacted.

“Ian!”

Only Philia smiled brightly and clapped enthusiastically. Viviana did the same, gesturing proudly toward Romandro standing behind Ian.

“Line up!”

“Line up!”

Finally, the Imperial Guard entered, raising their swords. At the end of the line stood Beric. Philia and Viviana gasped, covering their mouths in surprise.

Remarkably, aside from his red hair, his behavior was surprisingly proper. The power of a month’s worth of meat meals was evident.

Boom! Boom!

The music struck deep into their hearts. The guards planted their swords on the floor, and at last, the day’s protagonist appeared.

Draped in a heavy Crown Prince’s cloak that trailed behind him.

Slowly—

“My goodness.”

Eriphoni muttered through clenched teeth, knowing how heavy that mantle was, even for an adult. The boy was trying so hard to look dignified!

‘…Adorable.’

As attendants adjusted the cloak’s hem and entered alongside him, the boy’s steps lightened slightly. With each step Jin took, the badges and jewels on his chest sparkled brilliantly.

Swish.

Jin faced the Prime Minister.

By tradition, he should kneel, but the boy’s small stature made that impractical, so it was skipped. Eriphoni even hid her face behind her fan.

“Jin Verosion.”

Jin lightly pressed his hands together and brought them to his forehead in a prayer-like gesture—a royal custom and a sign of gratitude to the gods.

The Prime Minister, standing in for the Emperor, carefully removed the badges from Jin’s chest. Moving from prince to Crown Prince, the old symbols were relics of the past.

“From this moment, I ask you to swear before His Majesty the Emperor. Declare your calling and vow your resolve to all.”

“Whatever it may be, I will give my all truthfully.”

“Jin Verosion, Fifth Prince of the Bariel Empire, do you understand and respect your duties to the Empire and resolve to accept your fate?”

His duty to the Empire.

Jin raised his right hand and took the oath.

“I, Jin Verosion, understand my duty to the Empire. It is to fulfill my mission under the name Verosion for Bariel’s eternal glory and pride, to walk the path for the prosperity and stability of the royal family, and for the meaningful and wholesome lives of the Empire’s people. Every living being within Bariel’s borders is my reflection, and I shall love them with all my soul.”

Jin’s voice was clear and unwavering. Every word was perfect, without a single slip.

Suddenly, the boy recalled the path he had walked and his eyes welled with tears. His father, the Emperor; his mother, Dilaina; and his siblings—all had hoped for this moment, yet now, none remained. Only he stood here.

“For Bariel, I dedicate my entire fate. For Bariel, I offer my tears and my blood. Those who oppose this, I will boldly cut down. Those who hinder it, I will mercilessly sever.”

Watching from the Ministry of Magic, Ian felt a strange ache in his chest. It was like witnessing his own coronation.

He realized how strange it was that he, Jin, and now Naum were connected along a single timeline.

“Naum. When you saw me in this place, how did you feel? Did your heart ache so? Or were you proud?”

Ian’s memory was sharp, but oddly, he had no recollection of meeting Naum’s gaze that day.

What remained etched was the weight of the crown upon his head.

The embrace of Crony.

The heavy applause of the nobles.

And the mantle pressing down on his shoulders…

“I swear before the gods, I shall do so.”

As Jin finished his declaration, applause erupted once more. Everyone welcomed the birth of the new Crown Prince.

The Prime Minister carefully lifted the golden crown, and the boy bowed his head.

“Jin Verosion, in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, I appoint you the 14th Crown Prince of the Bariel Empire. This means the next chapter of history will begin with your name.”

Swish.

Jin donned the Crown Prince’s crown. It fit perfectly, as if made for him. A new badge adorned his chest, and in his left hand, he held the Crown Prince’s scepter.

All the nobles knelt, showing reverence to the new Crown Prince. The three foreign kings did the same.

“Congratulations, His Highness Jin Verosion, Crown Prince!”

“Congratulations, Your Highness!”

“May the gods bless the Empire’s future!”

Amid the outpouring of congratulations, Jin smiled lightly. The Imperial Guard raised their swords again, escorting him out, followed by the officials.

Now, it was time to face not the nobles, but the people of the Empire.

Waaah! Waaah!

“Everyone, prepare to march!”

“Open all the palace gates!”

“His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Jin, is leaving the palace!”

Surrounding the massive golden carriage, cavalry and the military band sprang into motion. The majestic blast of trumpets pierced the sky, stirring the horses into a spirited response.

Jin climbed into the open carriage, sitting up straight and tall.

“Your Highness, we’re about to depart. The journey should take about two hours. We’ve set up a defensive formation in case of any unforeseen incidents. Please do not extend your hand outside the carriage…”

Ian began to speak with concern but then hesitated. The boy wearing the golden crown listened intently, his gaze steadier and more resolute than before. It was as if he no longer needed Ian’s warnings—he would handle everything perfectly on his own.

Did the Crown Prince’s resolve really hold such power?

Had he changed this much since ascending the throne?

“Sir Ian?”

Jin’s eyes widened, surprised that Ian had stopped mid-sentence. Though the weight of the crown made it hard to tilt his head, he looked at Ian expectantly.

“No, Your Highness. I trust you remember everything well.”

“Hm. I’ve been hearing it from Romandro and the Prime Minister, after all.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Then we shall depart shortly.”

“Sir Ian.”

Just as Ian turned at the call of the mages, Jin placed his hand gently on the back of Ian’s.

“I know well the effort you’ve put in—from the shadows of the royal family to becoming the master of the golden crown.”

“Your Highness…”

“You’ve worked hard. And… thank you.”

“It’s nothing, Your Highness. You are the one who…”

Ian was about to say that Jin was always worthy of this, always destined for greatness. But then he noticed tears welling in Jin’s eyes, and the words caught in his throat.

“So, Sir Ian… please, continue to help me like this.”

The boy’s tightly clenched palm grew damp—sweat born of tension and anxiety. Ian looked up at Jin with a pained expression.

“Your Highness, please don’t look down.”

“…Sir Ian.”

“We’re about to depart! Sir Ian!”

“All preparations are complete! Band, lead the way!”

Instead of answering, Ian handed over a handkerchief and whispered gently,

“Please, don’t look down. If you do…”

“Tears will fall.”