I Will Become Queen

The Kingdom's resources were far smaller than the Empire's.

On top of that, major incidents like the Royal Capital meteor attack and the Secretary of Military Affairs faction's defection had occurred in succession, affecting even the coronation, the nation's greatest ceremony.

Because of this, the originally two-day schedule was condensed to one day, with several processes eliminated.

It was a difficult decision born of insufficient budget and manpower.

It would essentially end as Queen Tianis's debut.

It was unfortunate they couldn't match the Empire's coronation, but they could only do what they could.

From morning, the castle grounds were opened to anyone, and many people came rushing to catch a glimpse of the new ruler.

Mani directed security with a stern expression to prevent any incidents.

Fortunately, the atmosphere among the waiting people was quite good.

There were no jeers whatsoever.

This was thanks to the hard work of Princess Tianis and Lady Anatia.

In fact, food stalls had gathered targeting these people, inadvertently creating something of a festival-like atmosphere.

"People have filled the grounds. Are you ready, Queen Tianis?"

"It's too early to call me that. Don't get ahead of yourself."

"Oops, my apologies."

She seemed a bit nervous, affected by the atmosphere.

Princess Tianis was being dressed by maids, adorned to look befitting of a queen.

Though young in age, she undeniably had the dignity of a ruler.

"Let us go."

Lady Anatia took Princess Tianis's hand and led her to the castle balcony.

Azu and Orleans followed behind, holding up the hem of her dress to keep it from touching the floor.

Behind them were Yohane and Princess Yupe side by side, with Alexia and Elza standing guard in the back.

Finn was with the Royal Shadows, monitoring the surroundings.

When Princess Tianis appeared, a great cheer greeted her.

The very air seemed to vibrate.

He thought the fervor was no less than at Emperor Kelves's coronation.

"I was worried what I'd do if they hurled insults at me."

"Believe in what you've accomplished. This is proof that you've been working for the people."

"Yeah…"

"I'm glad it wasn't me. Being in the back and taking it easy really does seem easier than being out front."

"That sounds like you… I'm truly glad Princess Tianis was safe."

What would have happened if Princess Yupe had become queen?

She would undoubtedly have become a puppet of the Secretary of Military Affairs.

They might have had to abandon the country this time.

"It was just a little joke."

"That was not something that could be dismissed as a joke. I thought I was going to die."

"Sigh. That power was taken from me in the end anyway. Well, at least my burns healed, so that's fine. As long as I stay behind Tianis and take it easy, I won't want for money."

He envied Princess Yupe's carefree attitude.

If one could be this detached, life would be quite enjoyable.

Yohane, who was constantly worrying about something, couldn't possibly imitate her.

But it wasn't bad to have one person like this around. Assuming they wouldn't betray you.

Princess Tianis waved to the flag-waving citizens.

An even greater round of applause came back, and she seemed slightly taken aback by the response.

Originally, there was no way Princess Tianis would have stood in this position in terms of succession.

It was practically decided that the capable Crown Prince would inherit the throne, and Princess Tianis would eventually be married off somewhere.

But a twist of fate had chosen her to become ruler.

Princess Tianis cleared her throat and stepped forward.

Through magic, her voice was amplified so everyone in the vicinity could hear.

With envoys from countries including the Empire and the citizens watching, she slowly began to speak.

The cheers and applause stopped, and everyone listened to her voice.

"Thank you for gathering here. I am glad to have reached this day. Our King has, regrettably, lost his life. It was that day, when the Church of the Sun God suddenly attacked the capital. I have never seen such cowardly and cruel actions. Many lost their lives. Their homes were burned. But rest assured. Never again will I allow such a thing to happen. I will not allow it. That is why today, as a member of the royal family, I will fulfill my duty. I will become Queen, right here."

After a moment of silence, an explosive cheer erupted.

Long live Queen Tianis, the voices rang out far and wide.

This was largely because the obstruction from the Secretary of Military Affairs faction had disappeared, removing the impediments to spending for the people's benefit, allowing many policies to be implemented in a short time.

Rebuilding had progressed with the Empire's cooperation, and the disaster camps were almost empty.

The people of the capital understood Princess Tianis's actions firsthand.

That was why this support had materialized.

Duke Baroba appeared, holding a crown in his hands.

Not a fake crown, but the genuine, storied crown of King Izard.

A national treasure passed down through the House of Deiancle.

"So that's it. It looks beautiful, but…"

"You can't understand that crown's true value just by looking at it."

"What do you mean? You talk like you've seen it before."

He had seen it.

He still remembered King Izard's back as he transformed the crown into a golden sword and erased that red night.

That was what it meant to be a king.

Overwhelming power. Trust sufficient to lead everyone.

Princess Tianis bowed her head, and Duke Baroba placed the crown upon it.

Unlike the Empire, it seemed a priest did not perform this role.

With this, the succession of the throne was complete.

The citizens and envoys from each nation became living witnesses.

Amidst the cheering crowd, the sound of someone running from behind reached them.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

Mani's voice could be heard.