On the seventh day after the royal bells first tolled, Aveline promulgated her first royal decree—The New Laws of Snowrest.
It abolished divine titles, ecclesiastical taxes, and the hereditary exemption rights of nobles. In their place, titles were to be conferred based on military merit, administrative achievements, and efforts to protect the people, while royal court laws would govern both the church and vassal states.
The court was thrown into turmoil. Old nobles secretly rallied, and some city-states began refusing to implement the new laws. Lucian personally suppressed three rebellious generals in the capital's guard, while Aveline convened all officials, ordering that any dissenters be executed without mercy.
But the first move did not come from the royal court—it came from the church.
High Priest Seymour of the Southern Border Clerical Order publicly declared in Saint Lowe City that the Snowflame Queen "had tampered with the will of heaven and committed the sin of blasphemy against the gods," dispatching messengers to unite with five other major churches to launch a "faith-based sanction."
Aveline responded coldly:
"Since they attempt to interfere in politics in the name of the gods, I will burn their roots in the name of fire."
She ordered the freezing of southern church properties, the closure of churches, and the disbandment of clergy, transferring responsibility for public welfare to local administrations.
The entire kingdom was shaken.
"She's gone mad."
"She's declaring war on the gods."
"She'll destroy us all."
Seated on the throne, gazing at the flood of letters and warnings, she said: "They always think the gods are supreme, but they forget the people are the root of Snowrest."
Lucian proposed establishing a "Royal People's Council" where commoners and new noble families could deliberate laws together. Aveline approved, personally drafting the council's charter.
Meanwhile, the situation on the southern border shifted dramatically.
In Saint Lowe City, the old clerical order mustered holy knights for war, publicly declaring they would "eradicate the Demon-Flame Queen."
Just then, a forgotten ancient knight order—the "Silver Oath Shield"—quietly returned. Once sworn to the late king, they had been disbanded during the Regent's rebellion, but now led by a mysterious silver-haired woman, they volunteered to fight for Aveline.
"We no longer believe in gods," the woman knelt before the queen. "We believe in the royal fire."
Aveline extended her hand to raise her.
"Then march with me."