Under a hot sun, a man was running around shouting loudly.
"Her Majesty's speech will begin shortly! Gather at the central plaza to hear it!"
His body was drenched, but he didn't stop to inform the citizens of the Capital City about the late news.
"Her Majesty's speech will begin shortly! Gather to the central plaza to hear it! Sir Paladin will also present! There will be important announcements!"
The word 'important' rang loudly on the street as people began to gather in the central plaza. They were curious and wondered what kind of important announcement the Queen and the Paladin, who had never officially appeared in public before, would deliver.
"What do you think the announcement is?"
"I don't know."
Such conversation could be heard from the people who gathered and became a large crowd. And it didn't just happen in the central plaza, but also in the largest market in the Capital City as well as the beautiful park on the other side of the district.
What lay in the middle of the crowd was a large gem, the magic item that could project the voice and image used in the Six Academies Annual Tournament a few days ago.
Many Nobles, especially young ones, gathered around the Royal Castle to hear the announcement directly. Not only that, but they could directly visit Royal Castle's outer wall, where the balcony connected to the castle's main building was located.
Unlike the crowd formed by the commoners, the nobles were mostly accompanied by their servants, who held umbrellas for them while waiting for the Queen and the Paladin to show up. Their conversation with each other was more intelligent due to their upbringing and politeness.
"I can hardly believe we're actually waiting to hear the Paladin speak in the Royal Castle." One of the young noble girls with brown hair exclaimed, her eyes flashing with eagerness.
The other noble girl with a red dress nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "We probably will witness a historic moment. I've heard rumors that the Paladin's words can sway even the most skeptical of hearts. So in truth, I've been looking forward to it."
"Indeed! I can only imagine the weight of the words he carries! Also, isn't this the first time Her Majesty made a speech herself? Is there any connection of this with what had transpired a few days ago?"
A quiet hush fell from another noble girl with a modest green dress, "Please be quiet. That was a taboo!"
The two noble girls immediately went quiet.
As the minutes passed and the anticipation reached its peak, two people appeared on the balcony, and all umbrellas were lowered. All nobles, without any exception, bowed their heads to greet the Queen and the Paladin.
Standing atop a grand balcony in the Royal Castle at Capital City, Queen Eve gazed out at the sea of faces before her. In front of her was a floating orb connected to all three magic items installed in three different locations in the Capital City.
The square was filled to the brim with commoners and children, all united by the desire to hear her words. The market was filled with merchants and vendors.
The air was charged with anticipation, the city's heartbeat seemingly synchronized with the rhythm of her breath.
With a dignified presence, Queen Eve raised her hand, and a hushed silence fell over the crowd. They raised their heads to see the elegant Queen.
"Noble citizens of the Virtue Kingdom." she began, her eyes locking onto those of her subjects, "Today, we stand united in the face of challenges that have tested our strength and resolve."
Her gaze shifted toward the Capital City as if peering into the crowd of commoners, merchants, and others in the distance.
"A few days ago, an unfortunate accident befall our country. And today, I have another sad news for our country. Our King, Cassius Humilitas, arrived on the Goddess' side yesterday. Let's take a few seconds to pray together."
Unrest and murmur immediately spread among the nobles hearing the announcement. How could it not? Their King, who was rumored to be attacked and turned into a Vampire by the missing Princess, was sent to the Goddess' side.
It was an official confirmation of the rumor that only a few Nobles managed to confirm before.
And some smart Nobles immediately realized why the Queen made a public speech about it. There would be a political war to get the throne, and the Queen was planning to take part in it.
The heads who allied with each other exchanged glances and nodded. Those in neutral factions lowered their heads so they wouldn't get dragged into this mess.
No one wanted more trouble, especially since the unrest from the vampire attack in the Annual Tournament awarding party wasn't settled yet.
"I believe His Majesty rests peacefully beside the Goddess. Her Eminence has made sure that he would arrive safely, even as a Vampire. We can only believe and move on for a better future! We have faced hardships, but hardships do not define us.
"Our history is one of resilience, of rising from adversity stronger and wiser. Today, as I stand before you, I am filled with hope for the future we can build together."
Queen Eve's eyes swept across the crowd, her gaze meeting the eyes of the young and old nobles.
"To the nobles who have contributed their wisdom and leadership, I extend my gratitude. To the merchants whose endeavors fuel our prosperity, I offer my acknowledgment. And to the commoners, the heartbeat of our Kingdom, I say that your dreams and aspirations are valued. We will move together!"
A surge of applause and cheers rippled through the Capital City, a testament to the Queen's speech. Nobles who were doubting her ability before had their eyes opened. Many people began to reevaluate the Queen as someone who followed King Cassius as an outstanding ruler.
Even when she was still mourning, her charismatic aura still shone brightly.
At once, similar thoughts appeared in people's heads.
'What if the Queen takes the crown and leads this Kingdom?'
"The Virtue Kingdom is not just a name, but a promise—to ourselves, our children, and the generations that will follow. I, Eve Humilitas, promise. Our future is bright! After the 7 days mourning time that starts a day after tomorrow ends, we will immediately prepare for the new Ruler of this Kingdom to ascend to the throne."
With a final, resolute nod, Queen Eve addressed the crowd once more. "Let us move forward, hand in hand, guided by Virtue, unity, and the promise of a better tomorrow. May the Goddess Teri bless us!"
"May the Goddess Teri bless us!"
Everyone's words resonated. The applause that followed was thunderous, a testament to the people's belief in their Queen and the vision she had painted for them.
And as the square echoed with cheers and admiration, the words of the Queen resonated in the hearts of all who had gathered, a beacon of hope to light their path forward. They wanted her to lead them.
After a few seconds, the Queen raised her hand, and silence descended once again. She smiled gently and turned to her side, giving space for someone who stood beside her all this time.
"Finally… Let us hear a few words from His Holiness the Paladin."
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