?The crown ceremony of the count starts at noon when the sun is at its highest position. Honestly, Riz can't fathom the reason Naharog chose this time when they can do it during the morning instead.
He looks around him and clearly sees the nobles are very uncomfortable.
They were sweating profusely despite the moderately cold weather today. Those thick extra clothes these people used to show off their wealth backfired on them.
This historical moment of the birth of a new kingdom took place at the circular building he was in. What a surprise! He didn't know a worship place existed in the middle region of Jozia. And it was called a lair.
Inside, Riz, Theodora and Charlotte were given a seat at the front row of this curve wooden bench along with President Matthew and President Metternich due to their position as head of state. Together at the front are members of the House of Naharog.
They had a clear view to enjoy the ceremony. At least, his mood improves after seeing the count isn't foolish enough to discard the women he came with to the back seat.
Following the row behind him is a group of nobles with significant influence from the count's perspective. Riz never needed to converse with him personally, he knew they had a deep background by simply hearing their eloquent way of speaking and the way these people conduct themselves.
Meanwhile, other nobles who don't have enough prestige were arranged at the back. He bet they were invited to fill the empty gap. There is no way they can't see anything from their position unless they ignore the noble etiquette and stand up during the ceremony is in progress.
As for the commoners, they're gathering outside the lair in masses. Somehow, he was worried about security in case those people decided to rush in. Charlotte dismisses his concern.
While unfamiliar music which he assumed to be a religious hymn is playing, Riz openly scans the interior of the so-called lair. From the interior design, it was nothing grandiose but a modest one. Nevertheless, this building is a newly built one. The lair was filled with a statue of dragons and anything associated with fire.
One particular colour stands out among the rest, red.
Frankly, Riz was very uncomfortable seeing dragon statues. Those eyes invoke the fear he had experienced once. The fear of his heart being seen nakedly without any pretence or fake thought to cover it up.
People ended their conversation when they saw a very old man in a red robe walk in. He was so old that he staggered when he walked. Judging by his clothes, nobles tacitly associate him with the belief this lair was built.
The ceremony formally begins with the opening speech from the very same old man who introduces himself as Fire Priest Gliibious. Riz doesn't pay too much attention to this old man's words since he is able to guess the direction of the speech is going on.
He was immune to the salesman's pitch back on the Earth. There is no way he'll fall for his craps, especially when he has scientific knowledge with him.
Looking around him, his guess was accurate. Nobles were fascinated with the promotion conducted by the priest. Their eyes were sparkling. Like kids seeing a new toy displayed at the store through the transparent glass window.
Riz leans to his right and whispers to her ear, "He truly lives up to his name."
"Why do you say so?" Theodora was interested in her fiance's words. She pays no heed to the speech which is not aligned with her interest.
"He is skillfully persuasive when he is talking. The scary part is he makes everyone think they weren't being forced to listen. I am not putting the entire blame on him though. Anyone would be interested in dragons, the apex of the mythical creature."
A solid thirty minutes passed when the priest ended his lengthy speech. The audience gives the old man a round of applause.
Riz can see the followers of this belief which was called Syldris will surge in the near future.
He just wondered how this belief could reach here without going through his kingdom when Ryntum lies between Turtevekesia and Naharog.
His assumption was this belief passes through his kingdom discreetly without making a whisper.
This is something he needs his agents to look into.
After which the applause subsided, the orchestral music intensified. The audience straightens their backs and gives a full focus on the main entrance of the lair.
Count Nelson Naharog walks in the middle steadily step by step to the front where his throne is waiting for him. He chooses to wear red from head to toe, the same theme colour as the lair.
Apparently, he had long planned to sit on the throne for the first time as a king in this red lair.
Riz was flabbergasted when he was informed. Since when has this idiot been so religious?
In front of Gliibious, Nelson kneels down on one knee with his head bowed.
There are three things that become the centre of attraction for the attendees, the crown, the sceptre and the ring.
Gliibious took the first item, the crown decorated with jewels and slowly lowered it on top of Nelson's head.
Riz watches attentively. His eyes specifically fell on the red gemstone at the centre that emitted a red hue. He can't say for sure it was a ruby, carnelian, garnet or any other red gemstone but he was weirdly attracted to it. He then realized that he wasn't the only one, everybody else acted the same for a moment.
Because it happens in a short period of time, nobody says anything about this phenomenon. However, Riz is not going to let it slide. He will find a chance to talk with Nelson later.
Gliibious's voice reverberated inside the church and broke his thought process.
"O Nelson of Naharog, may you rule your kingdom with wisdom and tranquillity of mind. In the name of Syldris, Lady of Fire you shall swear!"
"I swear" Nelson replied. He sounds so resolute.
After that, Gliibious reached out for the sceptre with a large red gemstone five centimetres in diameter on it. He places it in Nelson's right hand. Nelson held on to it tightly, afraid it slipped from his hand.
"O Nelson of Naharog, may you rule your kingdom firmly and justly. In the name of Syldris, Empress of Dragons you shall swear!"
"I swear" The newly crowned king replied for a second time.
Finally, the last piece. The red ring was worn on Nelson's left ring finger.
"O Nelson of Naharog, may you point your kingdom in a prosperous direction. In the name of Syldris, Leader of the Mythical Beast you shall swear!"
"I swear" For the last time, he swore.
By cue from the priest, Nelson takes his first seat on the throne.
The priest from Turtevekesia returned his attention to the audience, then he looked up at the large statue in the middle of the lair.
"O Syldris The Red, I present to you the rise of the new king under your name, King Nelson Naharog The Pious. For your sake, may he and his descendants wield an everlasting authority for years to come!!!"
The people inside and outside the lair stand up to give thunderous claps.
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