The Royal Podium stood at the center of the capital, towering above the plaza where thousands had gathered. Made of pale stone laced with frozen veins of crystal, it was elevated just enough to be visible from all directions—whether from the ground, balconies, or distant rooftops.
At the back of the platform rose a tall arch of frost-covered metal, framing the exact spot where Seraphyx would appear. When he stood there, his very presence silenced the city. A soft, unnatural chill always lingered in the air around the podium—as though the land itself braced for his gaze.
As Seraphyx was escorted by the Royal Knights and the Royal Family, he suddenly came to a halt.
"Continue without me. My children won't want to see me walking up to them like this, after all," he said, before vanishing in the blink of an eye.
"As you wish, Lord Seraphyx," said King Orion. The Royal Knights then led the King, Prince Orion, and Queen Minerva to the podium.
"Mom, where is Lord Seraphyx?" asked a young girl in the crowd.
"Patience, my girl. Our Mother will arrive soon—I'm sure of it," her mother replied with a warm smile.
Sirus, now in charge of security, made his way through the crowd after spotting his wife.
"Lina, you're here. Come with me to the platform reserved for nobles. I'm overseeing security there—we'll get a much better view."
Lina, the kind of girl who looked like she was head-over-heels for Diluc, blinked at him.
"Darling? What are you doing here? I thought you were escorting the Royal Family," she asked.
"I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Lord Seraphyx in his private quarters," Sirus said, gently caressing her cheek. "So I thought another knight should have the honor this time. Plus, this gives me a chance to be beside my lovely wife."
"Oh dear, not in public! People will think we have no sense of privacy," Lina blushed, turning away.
Sirus chuckled and gently guided her toward the noble platform.
The crowd had grown restless—but not rebellious. A gentle concern had replaced the early anticipation. The royal platform remained quiet… too quiet.
Children sat on shoulders, waving miniature banners with a snowflake sigil.
An elderly man muttered, "He's late. Lord Seraphyx is never late."
"Maybe he's testing us," said another. "Like the old days. Patience is virtue, or whatever the priests say."
A young woman whispered, "I heard he walks through time itself. Maybe a step took longer today."
"No, you dolt. I heard he speaks to the stars before every appearance."
A drunk merchant yelled, "Bet you 20 gold he froze himself again and forgot where he put the key!"
Laughter broke the tension nearby.
A noblewoman on a balcony leaned toward her husband. "That boy—the prince. I've never heard him speak in public. He's still unproven."
"We'll find out if he's worthy soon enough," her husband replied.
Behind the podium, the Royal Family stood waiting for Lord Seraphyx's arrival.
"Mother, this is making me really nervous. Lord Seraphyx will come, right?" Prince Orion asked, voice wavering. He immediately received a smack on the head.
"You idiot son, how dare you even think that Lord Seraphyx would abandon us," Orion the First scolded.
"Indeed," said Queen Minerva. "Didn't I tell you how big his heart is? Though I must admit, he is taking his time. If this goes on much longer, the crowd might grow restless."
"My son, Prince Orion," King Orion said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "why don't you go up to the stage and calm the people? Your coronation may be postponed, but moments like these are still part of your duty."
"What? No way! I'm not ready for a speech. I don't even know what to say—I've never spoken in front of such a huge crowd!"
Orion slipped away from his father and tried to hide behind his mother.
"Nonsense! Our family has always excelled at public speaking. You'll be fine. Now stop running and get up there!" King Orion said, persistently trying to push him toward the podium while Orion dodged like his life depended on it.
"No way, no way, NO WAY. I'm not doing it!" he cried.
Then—twist—Minerva grabbed both father and son by the ears.
"AAAH! What gives? Ow, ow!" Prince Orion yelped.
"Minerva, why me too?!" King Orion gritted his teeth.
"You two keep making a ruckus while I stand here doing nothing? Not happening. And don't even think about calling the guards, honey—this is a private chamber," Minerva smirked.
"You're taking his side? It's his duty to calm the crowd!" the King exclaimed.
"Thanks, Mom... but please, let go of my ear—it really hurts," Orion winced.
"Dear, you're still the King. Technically, it's your duty too," Minerva replied. "But I'll admit, you're not wrong about giving Orion Jr. a little experience."
She sighed, releasing her husband's ear, but not her son's. Dragging Orion toward the podium, she gave him one final push.
"WHAT?! MOM, YOU CAN'T—"
But before he could finish, Prince Orion stumbled onto the podium, instantly making a fool of himself.
"Is that really Prince Orion? I've never seen him like this," some guards whispered nearby, watching as Orion coughed and straightened up.
"People of Arian," he began.
"I thank you for gathering here today with such grace and patience.
Our beloved Lord Seraphyx is momentarily delayed. Matters of divine nature are rarely bound by mortal measures of time, but I assure you—his arrival is certain."
"Wasn't he scared witless just a moment ago? Would you look at that—he can actually give a proper speech," Minerva whispered.
"Yeah... On one hand, I want to be proud he's handling it so well. On the other, I want to twist his ear again for all that arguing earlier," she sighed.
Prince Orion continued, unaware of their commentary.
"Preparations are nearly complete, and His descent shall grace this occasion very soon.
In the meantime, I ask that you remain at ease. Let the music lift your spirit, let your hearts be light, and take this moment to share joy with one another.
On behalf of the throne, I extend our deepest gratitude for your continued reverence.
The Sovereign watches, always. And today, he comes to us not in absence—but in approach.
Please, remain as you are. All is well."
In the crowd, murmurs swirled:
"That's Prince Orion?"
"He looks… strong."
"Sounds like he means every word."
"He's got his mother's posture, that's for sure."
"Still too young. But… maybe there's hope."
As he stepped down from the podium, heart pounding like a war drum, a voice rang in his head:
"That was a fabulous speech my son."
Prince Orion looked up as Lord Seraphyx descended gracefully from the sky, his Divine Dragon body gliding downwards swiftly.