The grand banquet hall was a masterpiece of opulence, its towering vaulted ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm, golden glow. Majestic banners bearing the royal crest hung from marble pillars, swaying gently in the evening breeze drifting through the open balcony doors. Long banquet tables stretched across the hall, adorned with silk table runners and flickering gemstone, displaying an extravagant feast—succulent roasted meats, honey-glazed fruits, delicate pastries dusted with fine sugar, and goblets brimming with the kingdom’s finest wines. The mingling scents of spice, citrus, and warm bread filled the air, adding to the intoxicating atmosphere of celebration.
Noblemen and women, clad in their most luxurious finery, engaged in lively conversation, their laughter and whispers merging with the soft melodies of a string ensemble playing from an ornate dais in the corner. The hall pulsed with anticipation, for tonight was no ordinary gathering—it was an Accession day where King Arthur Jr will change his surname.
Then, at the top of the grand staircase, the heavy doors swung open.
A hush fell over the hall as Arthur entered with deliberate, measured steps, his very presence commanding the attention of all in attendance. His regal attire—an impeccably tailored black and gold ensemble embroidered with intricate silver filigree—caught the warm glow of the chandeliers, emphasizing every precise movement he made. A deep crimson cape, lined with fur, cascaded from his broad shoulders, signifying both his authority and the weight of the crown he now bore.
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Behind Arthur, Owen, the head of Keldoria’s Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (KDISR), followed with measured steps, his presence both commanding and reserved. Though his role in the kingdom was one of intellect rather than nobility, his position at Arthur’s side spoke volumes about the direction the new king intended to take.
As Arthur descended the grand staircase, his sharp gaze swept over the gathered nobility. He noted the presence of Duke Richard, Duke David, Lady Olivia, and many other influential figures. However, one stark difference from past banquets immediately stood out—there were far more female guests than before.
It wasn’t subtle.
Many noble families had clearly seized this occasion as an opportunity to present their daughters, most of them around Arthur’s age or younger. Though there was a strict limit on the number of guests each family could bring, they had prioritized their daughters, undoubtedly hoping to catch the king’s attention.
Arthur, of course, was not oblivious to their intentions.
When he reached the center of the grand chamber, a steward approached, presenting him with a goblet. There was no need to ask for silence; the entire hall was already watching him, anticipation thick in the air. Lifting the goblet slightly, Arthur spoke, his voice carrying through the vast banquet hall.
"Welcome, everyone. I thank you for attending my Accession Day banquet. Though this marks my second accession banquet, tonight holds special significance since I will no longer bear the name Arthur Jr."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. Though it was tradition for a ruling king to take the next number in the royal lineage, Arthur’s words suggested a break from that very tradition.
Arthur continued, his eyes gleaming with certainty.
"Rather than following the tradition and using the name Arthur IV, I have chosen a new name—Arthur Tesla."
A hush fell over the room, confusion and intrigue flickering across the faces of the gathered nobles.
To them, the name ’Tesla’ was meaningless, an enigma that held no weight in their history or traditions.
Whispers spread through the hall, a tide of murmurs rising as they grappled with Arthur’s choice. Names like Lionheart or Pendragon—rich with history and valor—would have suited a king. But Tesla? It was strange, foreign, lacking the weight of legend they had anticipated.
And yet, Arthur had chosen it with unwavering certainty.
However to Arthur—or rather, to the soul that now resided within him—this name held immeasurable weight.
Before Moe was transmigrated into this world, he had deeply admired Nikola Tesla, a true pioneer of innovation and the greatest minds of his era. Unlike Thomas Edison—often hailed as history’s greatest inventor—who built his success on acquiring and refining patents, including the famous light bulb which he popularized but did not invent. Tesla was a visionary ahead of his time. His groundbreaking work in alternating current (AC) electricity became the foundation of modern power grids, illuminating homes and cities across the globe. Yet, despite his brilliance, his contributions were often overshadowed, his legacy buried beneath the achievements of those who capitalized on his ideas.
By taking the name Tesla, Moe wasn’t simply honoring a man from his world—he was setting a vision for his own reign.
Arthur raised his goblet slightly, his eyes sweeping over the gathered nobility. A murmur of intrigue still lingered in the air.
"I know that some of you may be wondering why I have chosen the name ’Tesla.’" His voice was steady, commanding attention without effort. "The reason is simple, it is because I want to lead this kingdom into an era of advancement, an era where we are not bound by tradition alone but empowered by knowledge, discovery, and ingenuity."
Although many still didn’t understand why Arthur had chosen the name Tesla, they couldn’t help but question it in their minds. Even if Arthur goal was to lead the kingdom into a new era of progress, why not choose a name that carried the weight of history and grandeur?
Yet, despite their curiosity, they held their tongues. Challenging a king’s decision—especially on such a momentous day—would be neither wise nor appropriate.
Arthur, sensing the quiet uncertainty but undeterred by it, pressed forward.
"Before we indulge in tonight’s feast, there are still a few important matters I wish to address," Arthur announced, his voice steady and commanding. "But first, as a token of my gratitude to all of you who have come bearing gifts and well wishes, I would like to offer something in return."
He extended a hand toward the attendants lined along the hall’s edges. "Each of you will receive a book—one that I believe holds immense value."
At his signal, the attendants stepped forward, each carrying finely bound books embossed with an unfamiliar crest. Murmurs of curiosity rippled through the banquet hall as the noble guests exchanged glances.