Chapter 1031 - The King of Graycastle (I) (1/2)
Chapter 1031: The King of Graycastle (I)
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
Meanwhile…
In the City of Glow
Hearing the noon bell ring, Horford Quinn put down his quill and looked toward the southwestern.
The news of the coronation of Prince Roland had not only spread throughout the whole of Graycastle, but also to the Kingdom of Dawn. According to the flyers distributed on the streets, this should be the very moment the young man was crowned.
Everything was happening so fast.
Horford found it hard to believe that the new king was several years younger than his daughter Andrea. Roland had now secured his throne and even extended his influence to the neighboring country.
After the war against the Moya Family, the name of Roland Wimbledon was known by every noble in the king’s city of the Kingdom of Dawn. In the beginning, the rumors about this extraordinary prince were just circulated among some underground Chambers of Commerce, but news of him soon spread throughout his country like wildfire.
Three years ago, Prince Roland had just been the insignificant lord of a remote town. Nobody in the Wimbledon Family had thought he would become the sovereign of the state in the end.
His sudden rise was shrouded in mystery. A lot of his behavior was as unpredictable and bizarre as his unpresidented ascendancy. The coronation ceremony, for example, perfectly illustrated the eccentricity in King Roland’s character. He was probably the only king in history who chose to hold the ceremony in the Months of Demons.
Kings with such unique characters typically emerged when the country was in a state of chaos or experiencing a civil strife. With the looming Battle of Divine Will, Horford felt that the world would soon undergo drastic changes.
“Your Majesty,” The guard said, breaking his train of thought. “A letter from Sir Hill Fawkes.”
“Really?” His eyes were back on his desk again. “Open it and read it to me.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
The word “Your Majesty” was indeed hypnotic. For the past 20 years, he had been the Hand of the King and had spoken those words countless times. Horford had thought he would be immune to the pleasant intoxication brought on by the sudden surge of power and prestige, but the truth was his heart swelled with pride every time somebody addressed him in this way.
Regardless, he should congratulate the new King of Graycastle.
Horford knew very well that his ascendancy to the throne was due to Roland’s support. It was not Sir Quinn’s swords those big nobles feared, but the deafening thunder that could raze the whole city that Roland commanded. That was why his authority had yet to be challenged. Horford knew the best way to secure his grip on power was to form an alliance with Graycastle, particularly at this moment when everything was about to change.
“The letter says that Graycastle has sent a mining expedition to the border of our country. They’re expecting your assistance and support.”
“Inform Earl Luoxi of this matter and tell him to greet the expedition with the knightage,” Horford instructed immediately. “Also, inform all the local lords in that region and make sure the expedition gets what they need.”
“As you command, Your Majesty!”
…
Archduke Island, off the coast of the Kingdom of Wolfheart.
Although the town was far outside the range of influence of the Months of Demons, the wet, cold sea breeze made the whole town look desolate and grim. Few people could be found on the muddy streets, except in the dock area.
Despite the weather, an open air bar next to a warehouse drew a lot of attention. The bar offered cheap wines to sailors and travelers who want to warm up a little. Most of the customers simply came and left, but now there were around 100 people gathered about the bar.
A woman wearing clothes made of coarse fabrics also approached the crowd.
“Farrina?”Someone whispered. “What are you dwelling on? We should go.”
“Demons,” she replied.
“What?” The latter’s expression changed.
“I heard somebody talking about the demons.” The woman called Farrina said. “Just a moment, Joe.”
The man hesitated. At length, he lowered his head and said in a hushed voice,” Yes… Your Holiness.”
“This isn’t an order.” Farrina waved her hand and inched closer, hoping to hear more of the conversation.
“I’ve never seen such gruesome monsters. They had wings wider than a man and tusks bigger than our arms. City walls are nothing to them!” A merchant boasted. Now the center of attention for the surrounding people, he spoke even louder, “But that isn’t the worst of it. There’s another type of demon who looks like a man, but much stronger. Their spears are faster and deadlier than a balista. Armor is useless against them! I don’t mind if you laugh at me, but I almost peed my pants when I saw them.”