Chapter 262: Coronation Ceremony (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 262: Coronation Ceremony (4)
Ice crystals bloomed in the air.
The detonation of brilliant, potent ice mana shattered the solid ice barrier of the Second Legion Commander, Karius, and engulfed him instantly.
Isaac had held back, casting a [Frost Explosion] with just enough force to incapacitate Karius. The blow caught Karius square in the stomach, sending him hurtling through the air like a ball before he crashed violently into the wall.
The jagged chunks of ice formed by the explosion dissolved into mana dust, shimmering as they vanished into the atmosphere.
“Kugh!”
Karius let out a strangled cry.
I… I didn’t even drop my guard.
He had been hit despite being fully prepared.
Isaac’s movements had far exceeded his expectations. More than doubt, he felt a profound sense of awe.
Was it body-enhancing magic? No, if it were, he would have sensed the mana flow and reacted immediately. This was clearly the raw, innate ability of the Ice Sovereign.
Moreover, the defense Karius had trusted with his life had shattered like a glass window.
To be reduced to this state after a single exchange—with such a staggering gap in power, it was more awe-inspiring than it was damaging to his pride. It felt like staring up at an insurmountable, unbreakable wall.
The cold had penetrated his very marrow, sluggishly slowing his movements and radiating intense pain. His consciousness was flickering, but Karius gritted his teeth, trying to hold on.
Failing a duel, especially after only one exchange, was an unacceptable disgrace.
He forced his head up, and at that moment…
“You’re even slow at picking yourself up.”
“…!”
Isaac was already standing right in front of him.
He covered that distance already…?
Karius couldn’t comprehend it. It was as if Isaac were ignoring the very laws of physics.
“If this were a real battle, you’d already be dead.”
Crunch!!
With that cold, detached remark, Isaac delivered a sharp kick to Karius’s head. It was powerful and precise.
The sound of bone meeting bone echoed. With a sharp gust of wind, Karius’s body was sent tumbling. He rolled across the ground before finally sprawling out, unconscious.
“…Duel over. The Lord wins.”
The duel was finished.
It hadn't even been a contest.
The First Legion Commander, Dorhan, and the Third Legion Commander, Isabel, broke out in a cold sweat. Knowing Karius’s true strength, this absurdly brief skirmish felt terrifyingly dramatic.
The Fourth Legion Commander, Erich, narrowed her eyes and let a meaningful smile play on her lips.
“How is this even possible…?” Isabel lamented.
All she had seen of Isaac’s movement was a single step forward. It was almost like teleportation. It would have been impressive enough if it were teleportation magic, but the fact that it wasn't made it even more astonishing.
As the Ice Sovereign, Isaac didn't just excel in ice magic; he possessed immense physical prowess. The recent exchange had been nothing short of perfection.
How can he fight so elegantly? Where does such overwhelming strength come from?
He was truly a powerhouse worthy of the title “Ice Sovereign.” Reflecting on Isaac’s heroic tales and the duel she had just witnessed, Isabel felt a surge of emotion.
A wide smile crept onto her face.
*
“Heal him.”
I gestured toward Karius, instructing Dorhan, who was still staring at the fallen commander with a shocked expression.
“Understood. Heal him at once!”
“Yes, sir!”
Dorhan relayed my command to the attendants standing by. They rushed to Karius’s side and began casting healing magic.
“Anyone else?”
I looked around at the remaining Legion Commanders. It was better to settle everything in one go.
Suddenly, the Third Legion Commander, Isabel, eyes sparkling, ran toward me.
“Masteeeer!”
“Huh?”
Isabel dropped to one knee before me. Even in her subservience, she radiated an overwhelming sense of power. She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with excitement.
What’s with her?
“That was an absolutely perfect match! You are truly someone worthy of my service! I could not be more honored to serve you, my Lord!”
She was incredibly worked up.
“Calm down…”
“Third Legion Commander Isabel is captivated by your strength, my Lord! I swear here and now to devote my life to serving you!”
Isabel Silverwolf. Although she was the most reckless and muscle-brained among the four Legion Commanders, she was also the most reliable.
It seemed she was deeply moved by my display of power against Karius—specifically the Shadow Step that Gerald had taught me and the delicate application of [Frost Explosion].
Given that even ordinary people would be amazed by such skills, it must have been even more breathtaking to Isabel, who lived for combat.
This feels good.
I wanted to take care of her first. It might seem petty, but I was only human. Naturally, I was more inclined toward those who showed me favor from the start.
As I patted Isabel’s shoulder, she looked overjoyed, as if the simple physical contact were a supreme honor.
The other Legion Commanders watched me with stunned expressions. Having proven I could easily subdue a Legion Commander, they felt more than just respect—they felt a sense of total helplessness.
“Erich.”
“Yes.”
At my call, the Fourth Legion Commander, Erich, responded with an innocent smile.
“You sided with Karius earlier, didn't you? If you have any complaints, let’s settle them right here.”
“You exceeded my expectations. It was so perfect that I don’t have any complaints anymo-ore.”
Despite her speech being slurred by alcohol, Erich was sincere.
“Is that so?”
These people were my subordinates, and this was our first meeting. It wasn't wrong for them to be cautious until they saw my abilities firsthand. Now, there was no need to expend unnecessary energy.
“Good to hear.”
I slid my glasses back on.
“We’re done here. You’re dismissed.”
I turned and left the dueling ground. Behind me, I heard the clatter of clothes and armor—the sound of the Legion Commanders saluting my departure.
*
“Your Majesty!”
“You must be the Grand Regent.”
“Yes! I am Richard Matthews, the 23rd Grand Regent!”
“Oh, I see…”
In the reception room, I met the boisterous Grand Regent. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and a beard, with deep dark circles hanging under his eyes.
I took a seat while Grand Regent Richard Matthews knelt on one knee before me. From a distance, Alice Carroll and the humanoid Frost Dragon watched us.
“Hilde, what exactly is a Grand Regent?”
[In my memory, it is a position that acts on behalf of the Ice Sovereign. They carry out the Sovereign's duties to a limited extent. My previous master established the role.]
“I see.”
I overheard Alice and Hilde’s conversation. Hilde’s memory of things from a thousand years ago was remarkably sharp. The Grand Regent’s role was essentially that of a Prime Minister.
“Hic, it is an incredible honor to serve the Ice Sovereign while I am still among the living…! I never imagined I would experience such glory in my lifetime!”
Richard Matthews looked like he was on the verge of shedding tears of joy.
Isn’t he laying it on a bit thick?
Wait, he’s just happy he can finally slack off.
It seemed his joy stemmed from finally being relieved of his heavy duties. Well, it wasn’t exactly wrong, considering the tasks he performed were ones I was supposed to take over. Perhaps the original Ice Sovereign had created the position of Grand Regent specifically to offload responsibilities.
Still, it’s very human.
I found it endearing. It showed that he had worked diligently and responsibly, even if he enjoyed the taste of power. Given his reputation for ethical conduct, he was even more likable. According to my [Psychological Insight], he harbored no ill intentions.
“You’re aware that I plan to return to the Empire and come back later, correct?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Not at all. My role is to support this country and wait until Your Majesty fulfills his purpose.”
Grand Regent Richard showed no sign of displeasure, only a hint of regret. He seemed genuinely pleased knowing he only had to endure for another year. His positive attitude was a relief.
“The coronation is tomorrow, so please rest well until then. I will serve you with my life, Your Majesty.”
That wasn't necessary. It felt a bit burdensome, actually.
“Uh… Thanks, Richard.”
“No need to thank me, Your Majesty! By the way… if it’s not too bold to ask, may I inquire about something?”
“You may. What is it?”
Richard glanced at Alice and Hilde, then cautiously lowered his voice.
“Which of the esteemed ladies you’ve brought with you will be the primary consort…?”
He was asking about Dorothy, Alice, and Hilde.
Dorothy wasn’t here at the moment; she was off meditating and refining her fairy magic somewhere with a good view. Regardless, all three were my guests, and the palace would treat them with the utmost respect.
However, knowing who the primary consort would be would allow for national-level protocols to be established. It was a reasonable question for a regent.
Alice’s hair practically stood on end. I noticed her shoulders give a brief, sharp shudder. She was obviously listening intently, her nerves on edge.
On the other hand, Hilde, being a familiar and thus not a contender, remained entirely expressionless.