154: Coronation Ceremony (Part 2)

After Kedas City Lord, Burning Flame Kewenruide, and Baron Alexander completed their tasks, they retreated to the viewing area.

Master Tyrantier ascended the steps slowly, gripping his staff, the astrological patterns on his deep blue robe shimmering with each step.

He bestowed a powerful magic item upon Lai'en, then returned below the stage.

Holy Knight, holding a gilded law codex, declared in a booming voice: "In the name of the law, we gather here to witness glory and responsibility. High Lord Ryan Black, as the protector of this land, you have the right to confer titles upon your loyal and brave individuals, granting them honorable ranks and important duties."

Lai'en struck the platform with his scepter, his great cloak flapping in the fierce wind: "I, Lion Black, the lord of this land, by the will of the gods and the laws of this land, hereby confer titles upon several loyal and brave individuals today. Angel Moon Eclipse, step forward to receive your title."

The red-haired woman gracefully walked to the stage: "May my poems become sharp blades, may the tremors of my strings be war drums! Angel Moon Eclipse, hereby pledges eternal loyalty to Grand Duke Lion Black!"

Lai'en, supported by Holy Knight's arm, slowly descended the steps, and with a flick of his Hand, produced a knight's emblem adorned with a rose motif, pinning it to the recipient's chest, while saying—

"You, Angel Moon Eclipse, since joining my command, have fought valiantly and performed your writing duties exceptionally well. Now, I confer upon you the title of Commander of the Rose Poet Knights, granting you the treatment of a Rose Knight, and appointing you as Grand Duke's Secretary. May you, with your sword and poetry, serve me and my people, defending and proclaiming our glory and laws."

"I, Angel Moon Eclipse, accept your conferment. High Lord Ryan Black, my sword will cleave darkness for you, and my poetry will engrave light for you. I will dedicate all my passion and effort to the safety and prosperity of the territory, living up to your expectations, and guarding this land to the death, living up to your trust and great responsibility." Angel knelt on one knee in salute, and Lai'en lightly touched her shoulders with the tip of his scepter, completing the ceremony.

The Commander of the Rose Poet Knights bowed and stepped aside, and at Lai'en's signal, loudly proclaimed the name of the next recipient, "Hand Smith, Village Chief of Eileen Village, step forward to receive your title!"

Hand stepped forward, "High Lord Ryan Black, Hand Smith pledges his allegiance to you!"

Lai'en took out an emblem engraved with the topography of Eileen Village, pinned it to the Village Chief's chest, and said—

"You, Hand Smith, since joining my command, have been diligent and conscientious, cooperating with the guards to protect the vast majority of villagers, allowing them to survive. Now, I confer upon you the title of Baronet of Eileen Village, and grant you the Eileen Village Chief's emblem." Lai'en took out an emblem ring and placed it in Village Chief Hand's Hand, "May you, with your wisdom and courage, serve me and the people of Eileen Village, making our territory more prosperous and strong."

"I, Hand Smith, accept your conferment, High Lord Ryan Black. I will dedicate all my passion and effort to the prosperity of the territory, living up to your expectations and cultivation." Hand knelt on one knee in salute, and Lai'en lightly touched his shoulders with the tip of his scepter, completing the ceremony! Baronet Hand bowed and stepped back.

Next, Lai'en successively conferred titles upon dozens of people.

John and four other Holy Knight attendants were conferred as Temple Knights;

Dragonblood Sorceress Adeline Silver Ember was conferred as a Guardian Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's First Guard Team;

Rune Knight Kou Duo Ironanvil was conferred as a Guardian Knight, serving as Minister of Craftsmen and Captain of the Grand Duke's Second Guard Team;

Barbarian Grom Frost Howl was conferred as a Guardian Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's Third Guard Team;

Sword Saint Grim Shadowblade was conferred as a Guardian Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's Fourth Guard Team;

Shaman Prima Primal Beast Essence Whisper was conferred as a Guardian Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's Fifth Guard Team;

Warrior Damon Iron Oath was conferred as a Conqueror Knight, serving as Commander of the First Expeditionary Warband;

Assassin Kliir Shade was conferred as a Shadow Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's First Shadowblade Team;

Warrior Ruth Mo Ying was conferred as a City Defense Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's First City Defense Team;

Mage Wesley Sharuiven was conferred as a City Defense Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's Second City Defense Team;

Mage Lucy Sharuiven was conferred as a City Defense Knight, serving as Captain of the Grand Duke's Third City Defense Team;

That Gorebest former tax official Val Holraven was conferred as a Baronet, serving as Minister of Taxation;

Forest Nymph Sally was conferred as a Green Knight, serving as Captain of the City Greening Team;

Druid Vivofenson was conferred as a Balance Knight, serving as Vice Captain of the City Planning Team;

Forest Nymph Resi was conferred as a Gardener Knight, serving as Professor of Natural Sciences at the primary school;

Water Sprite Vera was conferred as a Medical Knight, serving as Captain of the First Medical Team;

...

There were also more than a dozen other departments, officially appointing their leaders, most of whom were knowledgeable individuals promoted from the refugee camp, or those who performed well in the seven-day literacy program.

There were also a few sons of village chiefs from nearby villages, and several second sons from minor noble families who had followed Baron Alexander from Baldur's Gate.

They had no opportunities to distinguish themselves in Baldur's Gate, and after hearing of Lai'en's call for talent and his reputation for fighting and slaying the Leader of Robbers, they followed to see if there were any development opportunities.

Upon arrival, they realized that the Young Duke's abilities were far more powerful than what they had heard.

Even their previous mindset of easily deceiving people from small places completely disappeared, and they readily agreed to the "harsh" conditions of not being granted titles immediately, but rather working first and receiving rewards later based on their performance.

Finally, it was the conferment for Old Hather and Randall.

Lai'en took out a baron's emblem and pinned it to Old Hather's chest.

"You, Hasser Stephen, with your rich experience, talent, and diligence, have brought wealth and prosperity to my territory. Now, I confer upon you the title of Baron, and grant you the positions of Minister of Commerce and Deputy General Manager of Affairs. May you, with your experience and wisdom, promote our trade and exchange, making our territory more prosperous and strong."

Old Hather also knelt on one knee, and the Young Duke placed a coronet on his head.

The Minister of Commerce sincerely said—

"I, Hasser Stephen, accept your conferment, High Lord Ryan Black. I will dedicate all the passion and effort of my remaining life to the prosperity of the territory, living up to your expectations and trust."

As Old Hather retreated, Lai'en smiled and looked at the Holy Knight beside him, "Randall Barkman, step forward to receive your title."

Holy Knight, holding the law codex, solemnly walked before Lai'en: "High Lord Ryan Black, Randall Barkman pledges his allegiance to you!"

Lai'en took out a viscount's emblem, gesturing for Holy Knight to lower his height slightly.

Randall knelt on one knee, and the youth pinned the emblem to the sash on his chest.

"You, Holy Knight Randall Barkman, since joining my command, with your bravery and wisdom, have brought peace and safety to this land. Now, I confer upon you the title of Viscount, and grant you the positions of Minister of Defense and General Manager of Affairs. May you, with your sword and shield, guard every inch of this land, defending our glory and laws."

The Grand Duke raised a jewel-encrusted viscount's coronet high and gently placed it on Holy Knight's head.

Randall, with his Hands clasped into fists on his chest, indicated his acceptance of the conferment.

"I, Randall Barkman, accept your conferment, High Lord Ryan Black. I will dedicate my life and honor to guarding this land to the death, living up to your trust and great responsibility."

Lai'en nodded, signaling him to rise.

The Priest City Lord, standing aside, spoke again, his voice filled with blessings:

"May the gods bless you and all your newly conferred nobles. May you achieve greater glory and accomplishments in your new duties. May this land, under your protection, always be peaceful and prosperous."

Lai'en, with dozens of newly appointed nobles, nodded to Kedas City Lord to express his gratitude.

Then, he supported Holy Knight's arm and re-ascended the high platform.

"The parade begins!"