Chapter 189
Chapter 189
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: Appointment (2)
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A massive dome-shaped building gleaming iridescently like a reflection of the blue sky—many carriages were entering the royal castle, Scadium.
Soldiers bustled about, directing traffic amid the endless procession of carriages.
Had so many nobles gathered in the royal castle in recent years?
There had been a fair number summoned by royal decree, but never as many as today.
It was as if every noble in CelDam had converged here.
So many carriages!
Ash Valle's eyes sparkled as she gazed at the line of noble carriages.
The Valle Viscount stroked his daughter's head and said,
Indeed. Even for the emergence of a new Master Class, I've never seen such a crowd.
Jamie is amazing!
Ash clasped her small hands tightly and shook them excitedly.
Amused by his adorable daughter, the viscount chuckled softly. Then he glanced at his eldest daughter, seated opposite.
Rebecca was peering out the window with a tense expression.
Rebecca. What's wrong?
Huh? Oh, nothing.
Thinking about meeting Jamie has you a bit nervous, I see.
I-I'm not nervous.
Her trembling voice betrayed her obvious tension, and the viscount nearly burst out laughing at his daughter pretending otherwise.
Meanwhile, Ash tilted her head at her sister's reaction.
Sis, why are you nervous?
I'm not nervous, Sis.
Your face looks stiff?
I didn't sleep well.
Rebecca averted her gaze from Ash and murmured softly.
This is something. Looks like that one-night fling wasn't just child's play.
It seemed his eldest daughter had fallen head over heels for Jamie Welton.
Children were supposed to switch crushes quickly, but seeing his steadfast daughter made the father's heart ache.
She used to whine about marrying me...
Has she grown up so fast already?
Even the viscount, with his hawkish features, felt a wave of melancholy this time. Was this the sorrow of a father with daughters?
Unaware of her father's feelings, Rebecca stole a glance out the window and thought,
Young master. Are you alright?
So many people had come to see Jamie Welton.
If she were the center of attention in such a place, she might suffocate.
A sigh escaped her lips out of worry for her husband-to-be(?).
Separately from that,
...He must have gotten even more handsome, right?
The desire to see the even more dashing Jamie as soon as possible writhed in her chest.
A girl's love was like a hurricane?
Scadium was teeming with nobles.
It was an enormous number, yet still reduced as much as possible.
Outside the royal castle, nobles denied entry swarmed like ants.
Even if gathered to celebrate the grand mage appointment, it was excessive, so the Royal Knights had been deployed.
The crowd's clamor was quelled in an instant.
It was only natural.
This was the royal castle, residence of CelDam's ruler.
Defying the knights who guarded the royals there—especially for minor nobles without entry permits—would bring merciless punishment.
Even this was possible only by King Friedmoor's grace; ordinarily, such numbers couldn't enter the capital.
What an incredible turnout.
Indeed.
Welton Count and Valle Viscount, meeting after a long time, took seats on the second floor.
A venue prepared for spectators of the appointment ceremony; Welton Count, father of the protagonist, had the best seats assigned.
As his sworn brother, Valle Viscount got nearby seats.
By the way, the kids have grown so much since last I saw. Rebecca even has that lady-like air now.
Thank you.
Rebecca blushed at the count's praise and lightly lifted her skirt hem.
Where's your wife, by the way?
Sara felt stuffy, so she stepped out for some air.
You could have sent the nanny...
She wants to handle the children herself.
Despite noble birth, Sears was a woman with faint aristocratic airs.
That was why Welton Count loved her.
Speaking of which, I don't see the marquis.
You mean Bell Marquis?
He must be here. Perhaps with His Majesty.
Bell Marquis, the count's father-in-law and Jamie's maternal grandfather, was one of King Friedmoor's advisors.
He was likely conversing with the king now.
Then, someone approached their location swiftly.
Welton Count sensed the presence first.
A fighting spirit sent so blatantly it was impossible not to notice.
Albert.
Heeey~ Welton Count~
It was none other than Albert, the Spear Master known as the King's Spear.
The moment Valle Viscount spotted him, he hid Rebecca and Ash behind him.
Daddy?
What's wrong?
The two girls looked at their father in surprise at his sudden action.
But Valle Viscount couldn't respond. All his nerves were fixed on Albert.
Sensing that gaze, Albert grinned broadly and waved at the viscount.
Oh, the viscount's here too?
A faint killing intent gathered in the viscount's eyes.
No one should emit killing intent in Scadium, but the viscount's was instinctive.
Welton Count gripped his shoulder.
Calm down. He's not the type to start something crazy here.
Calling me a guy? That's harsh~
Albert, now close, looked at the two with a playful face.
Then he glanced at the girls behind the viscount.
The viscount hurriedly shielded the children from his view.
Daddy? What's going on!
It hurts...
Pulled a bit too hard, Rebecca and Ash grimaced.
Your daughters are hurting, viscount. Don't worry. You're out of my league by my standards, so I won't treat you like before. If something still bugs you, we can settle it later. Ah, unless you're scared...
Albert, shut your mouth.
Welton Count cut off Albert, who kept provoking the viscount.
The kids are here. If you keep flapping your gums, you'd better be prepared. For my sworn brother's sake.
Oho— the count will face me? Come to think of it, we haven't crossed swords yet.
Brat. Hasn't your wound from Gastol healed yet?
At Welton Count's mocking words, the smile finally vanished from Albert's face for the first time.
Hit a nerve, huh. But you know, even you couldn't defeat Gastol. You think you can take me? Hahaha!
As the count laughed derisively, all eyes turned to him.
Yet amid the focused gazes, the count nonchalantly warned Albert.
Come back when you've leveled up more. Or you might never hold that spear you love again. Then I wouldn't have face left before His Majesty.
...Pretty bold words, count? You think you're above me?
Gastol couldn't last ten exchanges with me. How about you?
At those words, both Albert and Valle Viscount behind him stared at the count in shock.
Who was Gastol?
Not present today, but one of CelDam's five Sword Masters.
Subduing such an opponent in just ten exchanges meant Welton Count was top-tier among Master Classes.
Bluffing. Rumors of you equaling the Gale Sword were old news...
I wonder when that rumor even circulated.
The count raised his aura and approached Albert.
Then he whispered softly in his ear,
Go suck more on mommy's tit, brat.
A massive pressure crushed only Albert.
Albert rolled his widened eyes to view Welton Count's profile.
The count slowly pulled back, lightly patting Albert's shoulder.
Now go. My son's appointment is soon; the King's Spear belongs at His Majesty's side.
...We'll see.
If you're not scared, come anytime.
Albert ground his teeth and vanished.
The count sighed lowly.
I can't fathom why His Majesty made that lunatic the King's Spear.
...
Viscount. I understand your feelings, but ease your expression. The girls are watching.
Ah.
Snapping to at the count's words, Valle Viscount looked at his daughters.
Rebecca and Ash gazed at him worriedly.
Daddy... are you okay?
Are you hurt somewhere?
The viscount sighed softly, then smiled faintly as he slowly stroked their heads.
Daddy's fine. Don't worry.
He'd worried the kids after all.
Recalling Albert's face, the viscount ground his teeth inwardly.
Five years ago, during a visit to the capital by royal order.
Appointed captain of the special task force then, he was busy with preparations.
That's when Albert appeared.
Not long after becoming Sword Master, without the title King's Spear yet.
Out of nowhere, he provoked Valle Viscount.
—You're the head of the famed spirit-wielding Valle family? Advanced Spiritist, right?
—Who are you?
—Doesn't matter. Let's have a go. Ah, scared? A man being chicken. Married with kids—embarrassing for them, poor things.
Baseless provocation, but dragging the kids in snapped the viscount's reason.
He aimed to thrash him and make him eat his words.
But the match ended in a flash.
—What a letdown. Disappointing.
Someone who appeared suddenly, provoked vilely to rile the opponent into a fight.
That was Albert.
The problem was his overwhelming strength made revenge impossible.
Days of seething frustration followed.
Time heals, and things had somewhat settled—until he reappeared.
If not for big brother, I'd have lost it again.
Losing reason would repeat the result from five years ago.
Welton Count nodded, comforting his sworn brother.
You held back well.
The most twisted among the kingdom's five masters.
That was Albert.
Why King Friedmoor chose him as his spear was a mystery, but if he appeared again...
His Majesty the King arrives!
At that moment, preparations complete, a loud voice echoed from below.
All noble spectators rose as one, bowing toward the approaching king.
Soon, trumpet blasts resounding through the castle accompanied someone ascending the five steps to the throne.
A young king with hair shimmering softly like moonlight in daylight, equally pale skin, and golden eyes.
Pontina K Friedmoor.
Following were a mid-teen boy resembling him and a frail-looking girl.
Then courtiers, led by a uniformed Sword Duke and Bell Marquis.
With their aid, King Friedmoor sat carefully on the throne; the boy and girl took seats at his sides.
Crown Prince Kane P Friedmoor and Princess Isabel P Friedmoor.
Immediately, the Royal Knights lined up along the red carpet from the main gate to the throne.
King Friedmoor greeted all gathered.
You've all come a long way. Well done.
Your grace is boundless, Your Majesty!
The crowd of subjects bowed deeply, showing respect to the king.
King Friedmoor continued.
Today is a joyous day. A new grand mage is born to our land. This place blesses him, so may all here bless the new grand mage—and the kingdom's future.
Wise words, Your Majesty!
The king nodded contentedly and signaled the announcer below the steps.
The announcer bowed deeply, then faced the main gate and shouted,
The appointment ceremony shall commence!
The prepared orchestra beat drums, heightening tension.
From Hays territory, rightful heir of the Welton family, hero who saved Uptown, bearer of the Pyro Goddess's holy mark, savior of the mage world by reaching grand mage realm at age eight!!
The drumbeats quickened.
Tension filled the hall as all eyes turned to the still-closed doors.
The announcer glared fiercely, shouting till his throat burst.
Jamie Welton, enter through these doors at once!
The great doors opened, brilliant sunlight pouring in.
There stood one lone figure, backlit and shrouded in black shadow.
He stepped forward slowly.
A boy in a blue robe, sword at his waist, clutching a staff taller than himself in his left hand.
Jamie Welton strode boldly toward King Friedmoor with confident poise.
Royal Knights crossed swords overhead in salute as he passed.
Not a soul breathed; all watched the boy on the carpet in hushed awe.
Before the king, Jamie knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
Jamie Welton, greets His Majesty the King.
At that sight, King Friedmoor instinctively knew.
A true hero had been born.