The Era of Humanity (3)
The army of the boy king Lucius triumphed in every battle, conquering numerous city-states and steadily expanding his domain. Having reclaimed all the territories of ancient Arcadia and seized the surrounding city-states, Lucius had become a figure truly worthy of the title King of Kings.
As his fame echoed across the entire world, the Sirius Temple sent him an invitation to determine if he was fit to inherit Arcadia's crown—the Immortal Crown. An invitation from the Sirius Temple was proof of one's worthiness to bear the name of Arcadia. In the past, a few kings had received such invitations, but half had refused them, and the other half, though accepting, were soon ousted. Receiving the invitation marked one as the most promising king, yet it was also a trial that could challenge one's legitimacy.
Lucius accepted the invitation despite its risks and headed to the Sirius Temple without hesitation. Some retainers opposed the boy king's decision, but he was confident. His bloodline, his deeds, and his achievements would prove everything. He believed without doubt that he was the king destined to inherit Arcadia's crown.
Arriving at the Sirius Temple with his entourage, Lucius approached the entrance, only to be blocked by the priests there.
"Great king, to enter this temple, you must proceed alone."
His retainers protested. How could they know if some treacherous blade awaited the king inside? Was the Immortal Crown worth such peril? The boy king dismissed their complaints with a single sentence.
"Would the Sirius Temple, which has never taken sides with anyone, allow assassins within?"
Sirius, the guardian god of the Pantheon. The upright beast god who tolerated no enemies. The retainers fell silent at the king's words invoking such a deity, knowing a wrong reply could border on blasphemy.
With his retainers' unrest quelled, the boy king strode into the temple alone, without a moment's pause.
Inside awaited priests led by Sirius's high priest, along with the valiant cavalry of Epona. Under the gaze of so many eyes, Lucius advanced unflinchingly.
At the temple's deepest sanctum waited Sirius's high priest, the captain of Epona's cavalry, and, for some reason, the high priest of the Life Goddess's cult. Behind them gleamed a silver crown—the Immortal Crown, symbol of Arcadia's sovereignty.
Lucius—the boy king Lucius—approached the crown.
"Brave boy king Lucius, halt."
Sirius's high priest spoke calmly.
"What drove you to become king?"
"To protect those dear to me."
The boy king answered without hesitation. The small city-state where he was born and raised had long suffered under larger neighbors. Its inept, indecisive king cared only for his own safety, ignoring his people. As discontent soared, the unworthy king ordered his soldiers to suppress them. But the soldiers, being common folk themselves, disobeyed his futile command.
Thus, young Lucius, already leading troops despite his age, rallied the people and soldiers alike and marched on the king. Amid the people's suffering, the king had feasted on wine and meat until his body could hold no more. So it was that boy Lucius became the boy king, seizing the banner and raising his army.
At the heart of the boy king's resolve burned an unwavering will to protect what was precious: his loyal followers who trusted him, soldiers ready to face death at his command, and the people of his realm. All were dear to him.
"I became king to safeguard those precious to me."
That will never wavered.
Hearing this, Sirius's priest stepped aside silently. Next spoke the sturdy captain of Epona's cavalry.
"King, how long do you intend to fight?"
"Until all who threaten my realm are gone."
"And when they are, will you end the wars?"
"Of course. Without enemies menacing my land, war loses all meaning."
In a world where countless cities and nations clashed endlessly, how many held such views? More land, more people, more power—the excuses for war varied, but the goal was always the same: insatiable desire. Yet the boy king denied it. He vowed to cease fighting once his realm was secure.
This proved his will lay not in conquest, but in safety and peace.
Epona's captain stepped aside. Finally, the high priest of the Life Goddess cult addressed the boy king.
"Boy king Lucius, will you revere the gods and safeguard their temples?"
"Of course."
"Will you and your followers serve your lord with valor and loyalty?"
"Naturally."
"Will your nation respect and protect the weak?"
"Yes."
"Will you show kindness to widows who lost husbands or orphans bereft of parents?"
"If they are my people."
"Will you refrain from insulting others?"
"Unless they insult me first."
"Will you value your will, honor, and glory above silver coin rewards?"
"Unless that silver is needed to aid others."
"Will you fight for all people's safety and order, submitting to rightful authority?"
"Unless there's cause to challenge it."
"Will you defend your comrades' honor, despising injustice, cowardice, and deceit?"
"If it's true honor."
"Will you always speak the truth?"
"If there's no reason to conceal it."
After this exchange of questions and answers, the high priest nodded faintly.
"We understand your will well, boy king Lucius. You shall surely be chosen by this crown."
The high priest took the Immortal Crown and approached.
"Now, lower your head so we may place it upon you."
The boy king knelt on one knee. The high priest set the crown on his head.
Then, divine light overflowed from the Immortal Crown.
"Boy king Lucius, you are approved. Your kingdom shall forever brim with life and beauty; your path shall shine with dazzling light."
Due to the crown's enchantment, inexhaustible vitality surged through the boy king—enough to best anyone.
"Chosen boy king, your name shall endure as long as writing exists. The gods bestow upon you a new title and name."
"From the Life Goddess? I accept with honor."
"Your oath shall echo even after ten thousand years. You shall be hailed as an honorable warrior, a noble king, and the first Knight."
"Knight?"
"You shall be called the Knight King, and henceforth bear the name Lucius Altrius Caesar."
Thus was born the Knight King, whose name would live eternally.
"The Knight King who founded the empire! Lucius Altrius Caesar! The first Knight! No one can tarnish that name!"
"I know the Knight King's greatness, but still, I prefer Lyclean! The hero who sacrificed his life to end the gods' era! Without him, humans would still be puppets!"
"Hehe. I won't deny what you two say, but here, the first Hero—the Nameless Hero—is best! Especially with the alluring Dragon Maiden as the heroine! Irresistible!"
"Alluring? Then isn't the theory that the Knight King was a girl king pretty alluring too?"
"Seditious traitor!!!! String him up!!!!"
"Gaaah!!! Even if I die, second and third girl-king supporters will rise!!!"
The boys and girls chattered boisterously. Watching them, the girl with glasses tilted her head and asked the sleepy-eyed girl beside her.
"Why are they fighting like that?"
"We're making a club magazine with heroes as the theme, and they're arguing over who to feature as the main one."
"Hmm... I see."
The glasses girl rolled up the thin book in her hand and thwacked the girl-king supporter dangling from the rope.
"How dare you change our Knight King's gender!!!"
"Gaaah!!"
In the history club, it was business as usual. The sleepy-eyed girl could only let out a small sigh.
