The Romantic Trials Of A Transmigrated Empress
Chapter 398: The unexpected crowning.

Chapter 398: The unexpected crowning.

The sun rose over Eldoria with a gentle warmth that nurtured the earth. Its golden rays cast a bright light over the decorated courtyard where banners fluttered in the wind.

Soft melodies floated in the wind, mixed with voices of guests that had arrived at the royal castle as early as when the cocks started to crow. It was Crown Prince Roland Maximus’s birthday, and invited guests had gathered at the royal castle to celebrate.

The rest of the empire was celebrating too, in every city, town or village, everyone knew what a great day it was. Most of Roland’s birthdays had been mundane, rarely celebrated with such pomp but this one was different.

For one, his wife, the Crown Princess had invested a lot in it. This was because it was the first birthday Roland was celebrating in the royal castle, with his friends and family.

Two, King Raff had requested that the celebrations start early. He wanted to be alert and energetic to show his presence. Noon usually found him slumbering.

That is why before any event started, King Raff asked to give a speech--a very important speech which he insisted be televised. He now stood behind the red velvet-draped podium. He was dressed in his official uniform, and a black and gold cloak that was heavy with embroidered history.

Those that knew him well could see that signs of weight loss. The once snug uniform was now loose. His face was thinner, his eyes were tired. His hands had a tremor that ticked every once in a while.

His legs were shaking, but he was trying to appear strong so he was determined to stand. But, before his speech could begin, he started to buckle. Elarin encouraged him to sit down and he did. Royal knights adjusted the podium, bringing it to his height.

The crowd was jubilant, happy to see their King on his feet once again. They were unaware of his health issues or the urgency in the eyes of hi advisors. Nobles cheered, children waved miniature flags, trumpets were sounded. Only a few people were aware that this was not just any other birthday party, not just a simple celebration of the king’s return to the land of the living.

It was a farewell.

King Raff cleared his throat and the crowd was urged to fall into silence by royal knights and mages around.

"My dear people," King Raff began, his voice soft and worn, "How wonderful it is to see you all again. So many familiar faces that I once thought I would never see. Today, we come together to celebrate the birthday of my eldest son, Roland Maximus. But more than that --we celebrate the rise of a new king. No, we mark the rise of an Emperor."

Confusion graced many eyes, gasps rippled through the crowd. Roland’s fingers gripped Sigrid’s. His father’s words meant change, but what kind?

King Raff continued, "For thirty one years, I have watched my son grow--not just in stature but wisdom, strength and compassion, the true marks of a great ruler. He has outdone me in many ways and accomplished things that I only dreamed of.

I have ruled Eldoria for forty two years and in that time I have witnessed a lot. I have seen war, peace, famine, birth and death. It was always my hope that I would rule until my bones melted into the throne but sadly, I cannot continue with you on this journey.

I am blessed to have a worthy successor and I am blessed that I will be alive to watch him do great things and lead us to greater heights. It is time for me to step back and let another continue the journey."

A hush fell. Even the birds on the tress seemed to be too shocked to sing or make a sound.

King Raff continued. "I know that this comes as a great shock to all of you. You were waiting for my glorious return to the throne. I assure you that I do not do this lightly." His eyes moistened. "The injuries I sustained have left me weaker than I used to be. My illness is not healed and I cannot be the strong man you all knew once. But Eldoria cannot be without a ruler anymore. The people need a proper Emperor. The crown is heavy, someone stronger and younger needs to bear it."

"Your highness." Someone shouted from the crowd.

King Raff raised his hand. "I know your sadness and I understand it. Some of you have been with me from the day I took this throne until now. You may feel the need to advise me to keep going but I cannot and my doctors advise me not to.

You can all be sure that I am leaving you in capable hands. Hasn’t my son proven to you all while I was down that he has what it takes to rule? I believe that he has."

Roland stood up and stepped forward. "Father...."

King Raff ignored him. He did not want to engage in a battle of words. This was his final moment as King, these were his parting words. He wanted the people to remember him as a wise ruler who put the good of the empire over everything else.

"I hope that you will support my son as you have supported me. That you will love him as you have loved me and you will follow him as you followed me." King Raff said to the crowd. "Let it be known: as of this day, Crown Prince Roland Maximus is Emperor Roland of Eldoria. May his reign be longer than mine, wiser, just and more prosperous."

The trumpets sounded, royal knights knelt. The crowd followed, inside the castle and outside. In taverns, house, hospitals, schools, wherever the people were, they knelt in acknowledgment of their new ruler.

"Bow down and receive your crown son." King Raff told Roland.

Roland was trembling but he obeyed.

King Raff removed the crown on his head and gently placed it on Roland’s. It fit like a glove, like it had always belonged there.

"The crown is not a toy, it is a duty and sacrifice. It is a light that must never be extinguished. Do our ancestors proud son." King Raff whispered.

Roland nodded, tears threatening to fall. "I will." he answered in a heavy voice.

More trumpets sounded as Roland extended his hand to Sigrid and together, they faced the crowd. As they waved, King Raff was helped away by Elarin and his most trusted knights.

King Raff felt lighter and heavier at the same time. He had managed to acquire all pieces of the Eclipsion sword but in the end, he would never wield it.

Now that he thought about, it was Sigrid that brought up that sword. She had also shared the whereabouts of the maps and led him to it.

In the end, his reign had ended not because of Emmah or Benjamin or the assassins but because of Sigrid Thorin.