153: Coronation Ceremony (Part 2)

Amidst the sounds of musical instruments and singing from the Bards, Lion stepped onto the high platform.

The young man walked 200 steps; to his left were representatives from the refugee district of New South City, and to his right were representatives of the common people from the old city, with other Gorebest citizens standing behind them.

As Lion walked past them, the people shouted his name and bowed to him.

Words praying for the morning light lord to bless Lord Lion continuously echoed around.

The young man walked 400 steps; to his left were representatives of merchant caravans from the south, from places like Amn, and to his right were representatives of merchant caravans from the north, such as Baldur's Gate, with their attendants, subordinates, and guards standing behind them.

Everyone's gaze followed Lion's figure, and as the young man walked past them, they all removed their hats and bowed.

The young man walked 500 steps; to his left were the village chiefs and representatives from various villages near Gorebest, including Eileen Village, and to his right were representatives from numerous trade guilds in Gorebest, with many local citizens still standing behind them.

As Lion walked past them, people likewise excitedly shouted his name and bowed to him.

Still, the most frequent sound was prayers for the morning light lord to bless Lord Lion.

The young man walked 700 steps; to his left were the newly promoted grassroots leadership representatives of New South City, and to his right were many mid-to-high-ranking military officers from the Flame Fist mercenary garrison in Gorebest, with many citizens still standing behind them.

As Lion walked past them, people either performed a subordinate's bow or a military salute.

The young man walked 800 steps; to his left were Druids, Forest Nymphs, Water Sprites, and Treants, and to his right were the lower and middle-tier nobles of Gorebest.

As Lion walked past them, everyone saluted.

The young man walked 900 steps; to his left were adventurers like the Halfling, his temporary subordinates, and temporary liegemen, and to his right were several old noble families of Gorebest and their family members.

As Lion walked past them, they also bowed in salute.

The young man walked 960 steps; to his left were close subordinates like Old Hather, and priests and clerics from the Morning Glow Temple, and to his right were the City Lord of Gorebest, several council members, and high-ranking officials from the old city, as well as guests from Baldur's Gate.

As Lion walked past them, they also bowed in salute.

At 990 steps, with five more steps ahead, Lion took a deep breath, extended his legs, and began to ascend the high platform.

The originally rough wooden platform had been adorned by the young man beforehand with elven-style patterns using the Dragon King's scale energy.

Several flags depicting his achievements were planted around the high platform.

Angel Moon Eclipse stood in one corner of the high platform, already kneeling on one knee, saluting him.

The priest City Lord Kedas, the local Flame Fist commander Kovenreid, and the Baldur's Gate representative Baron Alexander had followed behind and stood at the edge of the high platform.

The young lord stood in the center of the high platform, turning to the south, west, north, and east.

City Lord Cedas Ohmri loudly declared to the multitude below: "I present to you High Lord Ryan Black Black, the undisputed lord of the Cloud Mist Mountain Northern Foothills and New South City of Gorebest!" Countless people below cheered—"May the Gods bless the Grand Duke!" "May the morning light lord bless High Lord Ryan Black Black!" "Long live High Lord Ryan Black!"

After a long while, Lion faced east, pressing his hands down, and the voices of the people gradually subsided.

A Holy Knight behind him stepped forward, holding a thick book beside the young lord.

Lion, with his hand on the tome titled "Lion's Territory Law" on its cover, said loudly: "I, Lai'en Black, shall rule according to law and protect the people of the territory under my rule."

Immediately after, he kissed the tome and signed his name on the flyleaf.

Subsequently, Randall, John, and George walked in front of the Grand Duke, lined up, knelt on one knee, and held up exquisite wooden boxes above their heads.

Lion took out the crown and ring from these three wooden boxes respectively and put them on himself, then took the scepter in his hand.

After the weightless crown he conjured was placed on his head, it began to gradually glow, making his face somewhat blurry.

The multitude below cheered: "May the Gods bless the Grand Duke!"

Many citizens had already begun to kneel, tears streaming down their faces.

Once the high emotions of the people below slightly subsided, Lion delivered a brief speech.

"Your Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen:

I swear before all of you, for this life, whether short or long, as long as I am in this world, I will dedicate my entire life to all the people under my territory, regardless of race or origin, for our common great family."

Thunderous applause erupted below, and those who were waiting to be enfeoffed today also formed a long line below the platform.

City Lord Kedas was the first to turn around and say: "Effective immediately, I, Cedas Ohmri, representing Gorebest, declare recognition of the legitimacy of High Lord Ryan Black Black's title, and your legitimate rule over the New South City of Gorebest."

Subsequently, he took out a wooden box, extracted the documents inside, and showed them around to the audience below: "This is the backup of High Lord Ryan Black Black's inauguration as City Lord of New South City of Gorebest today, which has been filed in the Gorebest archives, and the announcement has been sent to seventeen cities in the North."

Amidst thunderous applause, Lion accepted the documents and the wooden box, then stored them in his system space.

Finally, the priest City Lord, representing the Morning Glow Temple, expressed blessings to Lion and presented a magical item with a sacred aura.

Next was Baron Alexander from Baldur's Gate, who, on behalf of Baldur's Gate, recognized Lion's noble status as a Grand Duke and his legitimate status as City Lord of New South City of Gorebest.

Subsequently, he also, on behalf of the four Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate, collectively expressed gratitude for Lion's outstanding contributions in the fight against the Robbers and the slaying of the Leader of Robbers, and presented the related quest rewards: 20,000 gold coins, dozens of gems, several magical items, and a medal of honor—Friend of Baldur's Gate.

Ran Yan Kovenreid, representing one of the four Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate, Commander Iltan of the Flame Fist, expressed his gratitude to Lion and additionally presented him with 5,000 gold coins and two magical pieces of equipment.

Lion had a maid beside him reciprocate with a gift box of fine salt to each of the three.

Next was the moment for the subordinates and people to pledge allegiance and for Lion to bestow titles upon them.