Free Web NovelChapter 226: Royal Selection Initiation Ceremony
The sun shone brightly over the Imperial Arena of Aurifort, casting golden reflections on the flags fluttering in the breeze as the sound of trumpets filled the air. The stands were packed, and the audience was a euphoric mix of commoners, nobles, merchants, and hunters. All were there to witness the beginning of the Royal Selection, an event that would determine the future ruler of the Kingdom of Athína. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Victor Shieldman sat in the main stand, surrounded by his son Trawerr and his wife Aluella. Unlike the crowd around them, which exuded anxiety and anticipation, the trio was more reserved. Victor, with his piercing eyes and calm expression, analyzed the arena below with interest, observing every detail. Trawerr, for his part, was attentive to his surroundings, while Aluella, always calm, seemed more interested in the grandeur of the architecture than the event itself.
"This main stage will be the center of attention," Trawerr murmured, leaning slightly toward Victor. "It’s where the contestants will perform, and it’s also where the most challenging tests will take place."
"Yes, it’s a crucial moment for the kingdom," Victor replied, his eyes still fixed on the stage. "This selection will determine the next ruler, and from what I can see, the stakes are high."
On the other side of the arena, next to the stage, Wanda stood next to the captain of the Golden Sun Guild. With an expression of absolute concentration, she watched the crowd and the stage in front of her. Despite the tension in the air, Wanda remained calm and focused. Her presence there, as one of the guardians of the stage, was an honor and a responsibility that few guild members could achieve.
The Guild Captain, a stocky middle-aged man with visible scars from past battles, looked at Wanda with an approving smile. "Stay alert, Wanda. Today is an important day for the kingdom and we can’t allow anything to go wrong."
She nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.
Wanda was used to dangerous missions, but there was something different about the atmosphere that day. The solemnity of the event, the presence of so many important people, and the significance of what was about to happen made this mission unique.
The trumpets sounded again, this time in a more complex melody, signaling the arrival of the first candidates. The crowd fell silent almost immediately, their eyes turned to the main gate of the arena, through which the carriages of the candidates began to emerge.
The first chariot to appear at the main gate was an impressive sight. Decorated with the crest of the House of Valorius, one of the oldest and most respected noble families in the kingdom, the carriage shone with gold and silver details. As the door opened, a young nobleman with golden hair stepped out elegantly, wearing shining armor that caught the sunlight in an almost celestial way.
The arena’s herald, a man with a powerful, resonant voice, announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lord Adrian Valorius, scion of the House of Valorius, master of the sword and the magic of light!"
Lord Adrian walked onto the stage with firm, confident strides. He was a favorite, known for his bravery in battle and his unwavering leadership. As he reached the center of the stage, he raised his hand to greet the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause.
The second carriage to appear was drastically different from the first. Decorated with arcane symbols and glowing runes, it exuded an aura of mystery and power. When the door opened, a figure wrapped in a black cloak stepped out, wielding a staff decorated with crystals that emitted a sinister light.
"Lady Isolde Ravenwood of House Ravenwood, a powerful mage and defender of the magical balance in the kingdom!"
Lady Isolde took the stage in silence, her presence radiating a sense of hidden power. Though known for her wisdom and magical abilities, Isolde was also feared for her coldness and aloofness. The audience watched her with a mixture of admiration and fear, recognizing her as a formidable candidate.
The third chariot, richly decorated with symbols of dragons and forges, brought a figure that radiated strength. A burly man with fiery hair and a thick beard stepped out of the carriage, an imposing warhammer resting on his shoulder.
"The next candidate is Baron Thoran Firehammer, master blacksmith and warrior of House Firehammer, protector of the southern mountains!"
Baron Thoran walked onto the stage with firm strides, his every move echoing through the arena. He was a figure known for his brute strength and explosive temper, qualities that had made him a feared and respected warrior. As he reached the center of the stage, Thoran looked out at the crowd with a defiant expression, as if preparing for the battles to come.
Finally, a carriage approached, shrouded in a cold mist, the flakes of ice that surrounded it standing out from the rest. When the door opened, a young nobleman with pale skin and icy blue eyes stepped out, his white cloak adorned with silver details that reflected the light in an ethereal way.
"And now, Duke Olyno of Kozáni, master of ice magic and protector of the merchant city of Kozáni!"
Duke Olyno took the stage with a calculated calm, his every step seemingly measured with precision. He was known as much for his powerful ice magic as for his skills in negotiation and politics. Olyno was not only a formidable magician, but also a shrewd strategist whose alliances and intrigues were feared and admired in equal measure.
Olyno’s eyes swept over the audience for a moment before settling on Wanda. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she caught the Duke’s gaze, but she held her ground. Olyno looked away and turned his attention to the Acting Regent, who now rose to speak.
When all the candidates were properly positioned on the stage, the Interim Regent, an older man with an imposing presence, rose from his temporary throne. His figure was shrouded in a dark blue velvet cloak decorated with gold embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight. His eyes were piercing, despite his advanced age, and he looked at the crowd with an authority that few dared to challenge.
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Athína," his voice, magically amplified, echoed throughout the arena, drawing everyone’s attention. "Today we begin an event that will determine the future of our kingdom. The Royal Selection is not just a tournament, but a series of trials that will test not only the strength, but the wisdom, the leadership, and the heart of those who aspire to the throne."
The audience fell silent, all attentive to the Regent’s words.
"These candidates who present themselves today," he continued, gesturing to the nobles on the stage, "are heirs to the most respected and powerful houses of Athina. Each of them brings with them a legacy of strength, courage, and determination. But this year, the Royal Council, in consultation with the leaders of the kingdom’s greatest guilds, has made an unprecedented decision."
The Regent paused, allowing the tension in the arena to build.
"For the first time in the history of our kingdom," the Regent announced, "a representative of the guilds has been chosen to participate in the Royal Selection. One who, though not born into a noble house, has proven his worth through his actions, his courage, and his dedication to this kingdom. This is a recognition of the power and importance of the guilds in our kingdom."
A murmur of surprise went through the crowd, and Victor exchanged a puzzled look with Trawerr and Aluella.
"Wanda, of the Golden Sun Guild, you have been chosen to join these nobles in the Royal Selection!"
The shock was palpable in the arena. There was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed the regent’s words. Wanda stood paralyzed, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked at the captain, who nodded in encouragement, a rare smile of pride on his face.
"Go, Wanda," he said softly, his voice full of emotion. "This is your moment."
With trembling legs, Wanda began to walk toward the stage. Her every step seemed to echo throughout the arena, and she felt the weight of thousands of eyes upon her. When she finally stepped onto the stage, Olyno’s eyes met hers again, but this time, instead of a shiver, Wanda felt a flame of defiance ignite within her.
The Regent watched her with an appraising look before extending his hand. "Welcome to the royal team, Wanda. May you prove yourself worthy of the title."
Bowed respectfully, Wanda’s head lowered as she felt an overwhelming wave of determination flowing through her veins.
She had grown up in a small village on the outskirts of the kingdom, where hunting was a way of life. As a skilled hunter, she had always been praised for her accuracy and agility. However, deep down, she had felt a calling to make a bigger impact on the world around her. When the opportunity arose for her to run for a political position, she hesitated at first. She knew that her skills as a hunter had sharpened her instincts and honed her ability to navigate through challenges. With her unwavering determination and a burning desire to serve her kingdom, she accepted the challenge, eager to bring about positive change in a different arena.
