One Week Later,
The bells started ringing across the capital city before the sun had fully risen. It carried with it a slow, humming echo through the narrow streets and over the closed market stalls. Usually, the tolling of bells brought along jubilant and festive feelings in the city. However, this time, it sounded more like a funeral procession. That day's event would determine the state of their country and their livelihoods in the future.
When the sun has fully risen, people across the capital city have gathered in front of the Grand Cathedral to witness a historic event that would shape their future. Inside the Grand Cathedral, torchlight flickered against the vaulted ceilings and mosaic windows depicting the gods. The air was filled with the smoke of incense and the chants of priests in white robes.
Seated at the raised dais with the Grand Priest of Thessalonis on his left side was the King of Douglas the Third. He sat quietly and tired, the crowns still adorned on his head. At the center of the cathedral stood Nelson, who would take the current king's place to be the new ruler of Thessalonis. His appearance did not indicate a person who would be a king. He did not wear any ceremonial armor nor an ancestral cloak, which signifies a noble identity. His tunic was simple, and his hands were bare. He stood in front of the dais without paying any attention to the murmurs and chattering behind him.
"That's a total stranger. He doesn't deserve to rule over us." Someone from the audience muttered.
"The king just abdicated his throne freely to a commoner. He might as well turn us against the Neons." Said another.
Anyone who conspires against me, they will receive no mercy from me. Nelson thought.
He kept his gaze forward, his eyes fiery as he couldn't wait to start cleaning the nation from the dirt it had dug for itself. The nobles watched him closely with thinly veiled scrutiny, and the generals measured his posture and were determined that he had no physical experience in warfare. The commoners outside the building craned their necks, trying to see their new king.
Among the nobles, Selene studied Nelson closely, trying to understand why the king would give his throne to the young man before her. She clicked her tongue when she sensed nothing remarkable about him. Her father, Lord Merovia, shot a glance at her.
"Silence Selene, this man… will heal our land." He said with a deep voice.
"Yeah right, father. I doubt he will, just ask the other noble families. They said that the throne deserves someone better."
"You will see one day Selene." Lord Merovia answered, his face focused on the future king.
Then, the trumpet sounded.
The melodies snapped through the cathedral, commanding all the murmurs and chattering cease immediately. The whole area went silent. When all had gotten quiet, the High Priest stood up and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty," he said, his voice echoing as he turned towards the old king. "Do you relinquish the crown that you have held since King Douglas II passed away, of your own free will, free of coercion, deceit or force?"
The king did not answer immediately. He looked out over the assembly; over the very people he ruled for decades. It was time to pass the torch to a new king—someone he and the Council of Priests had summoned exactly a week ago.
Slowly, the king rose and said, "I do, for the good of the realm."
He descended upon the throne and stopped before the reluctant successor kneeling in front of him. He lifted the crown from his head. The king held his crown with his two hands.
"You may still refuse," he said quietly. "Once you wear this crown, there is no turning back."
Nelson swallowed his saliva, and his jaw tightened.
"I know. I will prove myself that I am worthy of that crown."
Then, the coronation ceremony began. A silver ceremonial blade was brought forth to the High Priest. He took Nelson's hand and drew the blade across his palm. The blood flowing from his palm dripped into a waiting bowl of sacred oil. The oil was brushed across his forehead and his chest. While brushing the oil, the High Priest told Nelson to follow his recitation and vow.
To defend the kingdom from famines and enemies,
To uphold its laws faithfully and truthfully.
To judge the nobles and the peasants fairly.
To bear the weight of war and peace alike.
When the High Priest completed the anointing process, he stepped aside. Allowing the king to raise his crown and put it on Nelson's head. The crown settled nicely onto his head. Then, the bells erupted again in a more jubilant and hopeful tone.
Music thundered through the cathedral, spilling into every city street, followed by trumpets and drums. Every knee bent across the hall as the High Priest proclaimed: Long live the king! Followed by all the people in the cathedral.
Nelson Green finally became a king after being summoned into a different ancient world from the one he used to know. He walked towards the lectern, stood there looking at the faces of his people. The faces that doubt his ability to rule, some disgusted by the fact that an unknown commoner took the reins of the throne from the king and the faces of people who hoped for a better day during his rule.
"I know what you think of me. A common foreigner is summoned into this world and immediately coronated as the new ruler. While I understand your sentiments, I will make it clear that changes are coming. It will come hard and fast. I assure you that under my rule, you will be treated justly. If you are an outstanding citizen, whoever you may be, you shall be rewarded. But… if you are crooked and done many bad things, justice will come and serve its purpose.
Thank you."
Silence followed once Nelson finished his grand speech. Everyone was listening, some visibly horrified by his statement, others were already scheming against the new king. Soon, the ceremony ended, and the people made their way back after King Nelson and the former king left the cathedral.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Oros Kingdom, King Boros's laughter echoed across the Warrior's Hall when he heard the news of the new king's coronation.
"Foolish bastard that old king, Douglas thought that by surrendering his crown to a little stranger, his kingdom will survive the next 50 years? We shall make Oros Kingdom great again." King Boros said while sipping his glass of wine.
His attendant, Grand Advisor Greaze added, "Your Highness, that is a prime moment for us to plan an invasion against the Thessalonis."
King Boros smiled, "Yes indeed, we shall make haste to our planning and resources to mount a grand invasion."