The Kingmaker System
Chapter 326 - 325. Founding Day Ball (3)

Chapter 326: 325. Founding Day Ball (3)

"If you have a moment, would you like to accompany me, Lord Ocean? There are a few matters I wish to discuss with you." Grand Duke Alarice’s voice was calm yet laced with a certain weight, his sharp gaze assessing me.

I had just parted my lips to respond when the heavy doors swung open with a resounding echo.

"Make way for the Crown! Announcing Their Majesties, Rulers of Sestia, and Her Royal Highness, the Princess!"

The herald’s proclamation cut through the air like a blade, and the atmosphere in the grand hall shifted instantly. A wave of movement rippled through the assembled nobles as they turned in unison, parting like the Red Sea to make way for the three royal figures stepping into view. Even Alarice and I turned to face them, the weight of formality pressing upon us.

As protocol dictated, I bowed, along with the rest of the court. Yet beneath my composed exterior, my Dragon blood simmered, an ancient, primal instinct resisting the act of lowering my head before these weak and greedy humans.

Calm down.

I swallowed the irritation creeping up my throat. This wasn’t the time. I had to play my part, no matter how much it grated against my pride.

Still, I allowed myself a single glance upward.

The King, the Queen, and the Princess stood at the threshold, their expressions schooled into practiced neutrality. Yet, beneath the carefully controlled masks, I could see it—pride. Arrogance. The silent assertion of their power.

A part of me itched to shatter that illusion. To remind them that their thrones sat atop fragile foundations. But patience was a virtue. Their fall would be all the more satisfying when the entire empire bore witness to it.

"I suppose we can’t talk now," Alarice muttered beside me.

I hummed in agreement. "Don’t worry, we’ll catch up once this is over."

"It’s fine. I can visit your mansion later. My wife hasn’t stopped praising your territory since her return."

A smile curved my lips. "Then I’ll be sure to give you a tour if you decide to stop by."

With that, we parted ways as the nobles began approaching the royal family, each eager to offer their greetings. I rejoined my acquaintances, watching the scene unfold with quiet amusement.

"Do you think she looks irritated?" Zach mused, swirling the champagne in his glass.

"Hm?" I followed his gaze toward the Queen—Golden Serpent, as she was known. True to her name, her sharp green eyes gleamed with barely veiled displeasure.

"She does seem rather unhappy," Lord Hawke agreed, watching her closely.

"I’d wager it has to do with her ally’s title being handed over to Master," Lord Devil remarked, his voice barely above a murmur.

"That, and the fact that her son is still on the battlefield," Silas added, his tone contemplative.

I glanced at them, noting how casually they sipped their champagne, as if they weren’t discussing palace tensions within earshot of half the court.

"Would you all mind keeping your voices down?"

The quiet yet firm reprimand sent a chill down their spines. The men straightened as my grandfather appeared behind us, his mere presence enough to command silent obedience.

I, however, only smiled.

"Congratulations," he said, his gaze steady as it met mine.

"I haven’t received the title yet," I reminded him, though my lips quirked slightly.

He followed my gaze toward the Queen, his own expression unreadable. "It’s an achievement in itself to bring that expression to the Golden Serpent’s face."

A slow smirk tugged at my mouth. "Then I suppose more congratulations are in order, Your Excellency."

"Congratulations, Master," my vassals chimed in, their voices carrying just enough weight to make those around us take notice.

"Please, keep your voices down," my father interjected, glancing around warily.

I chuckled under my breath, but before the conversation could continue, the speeches began.

A hush settled over the hall as all attention turned to the King, who now stood before the assembly, his regal presence commanding silence. His words carried across the room, speaking of the Magic Gate that now connected Sestia and Mordino—a project of great significance, one meant to solidify the kingdom’s power.

It was notable that there were no children present. Only the family representatives had been summoned, a strategic move by the King to avoid public scrutiny. After all, hosting a grand ball in the midst of war would only serve to tarnish his image.

Personally, I wouldn’t have cared for a ball either way. I had no intention of stepping fully into the public eye just yet. Timing was everything, and when I finally made my presence known as Prince Eric’s vassal, it would not be through mere whispers.

"Baron Ocean Ryujin has..."

The King’s next words snapped my attention back to him.

As expected, he began listing my achievements, his tone laced with carefully measured praise.

He spoke of my efforts during the monster wave that ravaged Lozar and the surrounding villages—how I had taken responsibility for the displaced citizens, providing them with shelter and aid. He highlighted my Foundation’s contributions and commended my role in preventing Baron Oberon’s unjust punishment, revealing the truth about a corrupt noble in the process.

I remained impassive, my expression unreadable as my vassals stole glances at me.

From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of my father’s subdued yet proud smile. Silas and my grandfather seemed equally satisfied, while Grand Duke Alarice wore an expression of quiet approval.

But it was the Queen’s reaction that intrigued me most.

Though she maintained a composed facade, I saw the briefest flicker of tension—the slight twitch at the corner of her lips, the subtle tightening of her jaw.

She was displeased.

Good.

The speech continued, but I knew what was coming next.

The moment when the King would bestow my new title.

I let my lips curve into the faintest of smiles.

It was only just beginning.

The King’s speech wound down, his words still echoing in the vast chamber. A solemn hush settled over the hall, the weight of expectation thick in the air.

"Step forward, Baron Ocean Ryujin."

The command rang through the silence.

I moved forward with measured steps, my boots striking against the marble floor in a steady rhythm. The nobles watched intently, their expressions ranging from curiosity to quiet resentment. Some had already guessed what was coming, while others still clung to the hope that I would remain in my current station.

As I stopped before the King, I knelt on one knee, lowering my head just enough to follow the formalities—nothing more, nothing less.

"Baron Ocean Ryujin," the King began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "for your unwavering service to the kingdom, for your wisdom and courage in times of peril, and for your invaluable contributions to our people, I, King Roger Vous Ferin Marismus of Sestia, hereby elevate you to the rank of Marquis."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Even those who had suspected this outcome couldn’t suppress their reactions. The title of Marquis was no mere honor—it was a declaration of power, a station only a step below a Duke. It meant more land, more influence, more control.

"Rise, Marquis Ocean Ryujin."

I stood fluidly, my gaze steady as the King lifted an ornate blade. It gleamed under the golden chandeliers, a symbol of royal authority.

He placed the flat of the blade upon my right shoulder, then my left.

"May you serve Sestia with wisdom and strength," he intoned.

As the ceremonial gesture concluded, a royal attendant stepped forward, bearing a scroll sealed with the crest of the kingdom. The King took it and extended it toward me.

I accepted it with both hands, my fingers brushing over the wax seal as I met the King’s gaze. His face remained impassive, but his eyes held a knowing glint—one that told me he understood the weight of what he had just done.

Behind him, the Queen’s expression was carefully controlled, but I noticed the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers curled against her gown.

From the nobles, a slow applause began, a scattered, hesitant thing before it gained strength. Some clapped with genuine appreciation, others out of mere obligation. I could feel the gazes of my allies—my father, my grandfather, my vassals—watching me with pride.

And from the far side of the room, Grand Duke Alarice inclined his head slightly, a silent acknowledgment.

I turned to face the hall, my new title now officially recognized.

Marquis Ocean Ryujin.

A fitting step toward the inevitable.

The Esmertia family who lost the significant amount of power and land along with reputation still stood with pride but I could see them grinding their teeth. Just like the Queen they were pissed that their power had reduced because of a man who came out of nowhere.

It was fun to see them give me concealed glares.

It was only the beginning though, once the war ended, Eric would step over here and claim his position with the unparalleled power that I would support him with. Esmertia family would have enjoyed the time of glory and luxury in the past but it would remain there. I would bring an end to this era and start my own. An era where a Dragon would regain their due respect and Glory.