Wizard: I Have a Cultivation System

Chapter 419: Chapter 88: Bell

The authoritative endorsement from the Church Court acted as a solid cornerstone, completely consolidating William IV’s once-shaky royal power within the Kingdom.

Those once-restless nobles and dissent-harboring vassals had no choice but to sheathe their claws and renew their oaths of fealty under the twin halos of the Saintly Father and the Church Court’s support.

Now, with his throne secure and authority firmly in hand, William IV had naturally swept away the gloom of the past.

Even more conspicuous was the man following half a step behind William IV—an elderly man as burly and imposing as an iron tower.

His hair and beard were grizzled, but his complexion was ruddy and his gaze as sharp as a falcon’s. He wore a set of simple, ancient-style half-plate armor in dark gold, impeccably maintained, and over it, a deep red hooded robe embroidered with the crest of a roaring lion.

His mere presence exuded a formidable aura, heavy as a mountain and forged in a hundred battles.

He was none other than the Vilt Kingdom’s other Legendary Knight, the "Steel Lion," Otto Hohenheim.

Ten years ago, when William IV was beset by troubles both at home and abroad, this veteran Legendary Knight—who was garrisoned in the kingdom’s central region and had always remained aloof from the political maelstrom of the Royal Capital—had responded to the King’s pleas for aid with cold indifference.

Yet now, he attended this diplomatic function by the King’s side like the most loyal of guards, never straying a single step away.

William IV’s gaze swept across the garden, quickly locking onto Murphy by a pillar.

A perfectly measured smile appeared on his face as he, along with Otto and a few attendants, walked straight toward them.

"Lord Thunder Sword," William IV said, stopping before Murphy, his voice resonant. "I did not expect to meet you here. It is a rare pleasure to gather in the Holy City."

He inclined his head in a shallow bow, his eyes flicking briefly over Murphy’s wheelchair, his expression noncommittal.

"Your Majesty," Murphy responded calmly. "It has been a long time. You are looking more splendid than ever."

William IV let out a hearty laugh, clearly pleased by the compliment.

He gestured to the man at his side. "This is Lord Otto. I presume you are acquainted."

Legendary Knight Otto took half a step forward. His gaze fell upon Murphy as he inclined his head, his voice as deep as rolling thunder. "Lord Melfield."

"Lord Otto," Murphy replied, nodding in kind.

After the exchange of pleasantries, William IV seemed to recall something and asked casually, "By the way, has Duke Temeris not come? It is somewhat surprising for the Southern Border Guardian to be absent from such a grand occasion."

The words sounded like a genuine inquiry, but upon closer consideration, they held a probing undertone—a test to see whether the Temeris Duke Domain fully supported the Church Court’s grand event.

Murphy’s expression remained unchanged, his tone even. "Affairs within the Duke’s Domain are demanding. The Lord Duke appointed me as his representative to attend the ceremony and convey the Temeris Territory’s respects and congratulations to the Holy Throne and the College of Cardinals."

"Ah, I see," William IV said with a nod, his smile never faltering. He changed the subject, his voice tinged with sentiment. "How quickly time passes. I recall Elizabeth ten years ago... who could have imagined she would achieve what she has today? It is all due to Oriane’s grace, and it is an honor for the Kingdom."

As he spoke, his gaze drifted upward, as if he could see through the garden’s vaulted ceiling to the towering Chenxi Hall beyond. The pride in his voice was unmistakable.

"Elizabeth is exceptionally talented and devout in her faith. It is only natural that she has come this far," Murphy said, his tone even as he followed the King’s conversational lead.

William IV seemed to want to say more, perhaps about Elizabeth or the situation in the Northern and Southern Territories. But after a look at Murphy’s impassive expression—as still as the water in an ancient well—and a glance at the mountainously silent Otto, he simply smiled. "You have come a long way, Lord Melfield. It must have been an arduous journey. I hope your time in the Holy City is pleasant. I’m sure we will see each other again at the grand ceremony."

"I am grateful for the good wishes, Your Majesty," Murphy replied with a slight nod.

William IV did not linger. He turned and, with Otto and his attendants, walked toward the more boisterous crowd at the garden’s center.

Sycophantic nobles immediately swarmed around them once more.

Murphy remained in place, his calm eyes watching the king’s back disappear into the throng. His expression betrayed no emotion.

Just then, there was another slight stir at the garden’s entrance.

The figure of Ironspine Duke, Hakon Perik, appeared.

His arrival naturally drew the attention of William IV, who was conversing with several of the Kingdom’s nobles.

The King’s smile tightened slightly. His gaze followed the Ironspine Duke’s figure, and a flicker of some unreadable emotion glinted deep within his eyes.

Ten years ago, when his throne was unstable, this Duke, who governed the Northern Border and commanded a powerful army, had been one of his staunchest opponents, openly challenging him on numerous occasions.

Times had changed. William IV now held firm control of his royal power, but when faced with this Great Noble, whose strength and prestige could not be underestimated, he could still only maintain a facade of courtesy.

The Ironspine Duke walked with a steady gait, his gray hair meticulously groomed. His calm gaze swept across the garden, brushing past the distant figure of William IV laughing with his companions, and finally came to rest on Murphy by the pillar.

A faint smile touched his lips, and he strode directly toward Murphy.

"Lord Melfield." The Ironspine Duke stopped before Murphy’s wheelchair. His voice was calm, betraying little emotion. "The grand gathering in the Holy City is truly extraordinary. Meeting you here feels even more of a rare occasion than it would in the Northern Territory."

"Your Grace," Murphy replied with a slight nod. "With such a celebration underway, it is only natural for you to attend in person."

The Ironspine Duke’s gaze seemed to casually drift to the blanket on Murphy’s lap. "Before I left for the Holy City, Annie was complaining to me that Governor Kaiden of the Monte Territory has become so burdened with his duties that she hasn’t heard from him in a long time. It’s good for a young man to be ambitious, but he shouldn’t let old friendships grow distant. Blackstone Fortress may be on the frontier, and its lands rugged, but it has a unique, expansive character all its own. If he finds himself with some free time, he should pay another visit. It would stop that girl Annie from constantly talking about him."