The three of them glanced around the grand hall.
"Heh... canāt believe this will soon be Gariusās throne room," Lioness mused. "Look at all this gold and those jewels. Even my throne room isnāt this massive or decked out like this."
Veldrac smirked, nodding toward a towering gold knight statue. "I heard from an Armand officer that Javier built all of this. Look at that full plate Gold Knight statue, his handiwork, no doubt."
Mylezra raised her palm to her lips, eyes glinting. "My~ Knowing Javierās inventions, I doubt thatās just a statue."
"Yeah, Iām sure every one of those golden knights is actually one of his puppet knights. If an enemy ever breaks in, I bet those things come alive and tear them apart," Lioness grinned.
"Thatās why I told my escort to relax and enjoy the feast. But look at them, still on guard," Veldrac said, sipping his wine as his officers kept a watchful eye on the room. "Even after my orders, theyāre still tense."
Lioness shrugged, "Canāt blame them. Itās their job to be careful. But knowing Garius, heād never let anything threaten his allies or friends."
"Especially his soon-to-be wife," Veldrac teased, shooting Mylezra a sideways look.
"Oh, hush," Mylezra puffed out her cheeks, feigning a pout.
Lioness shifted his gaze to Veldrac. "Speaking of wives, you didnāt bring yours?"
Veldrac laughed. "Do you think we could come here without our wives? Oho, or are you telling me you came here alone, Lioness?"
Lioness swallowed hard and glanced away. "Sheās probably with Francesca in the manor."
"Same here," Veldrac chuckled. "The first thing my wife did after stepping down from the carriage was head straight to the Armand manor."
"Canāt blame them. Francescaās been their best friend for years," Lioness said, taking another drink. "And you, Mylezra? Why not meet Garius straight away? Iām sure Francesca wouldnāt mind, youāve already got her blessing."
Mylezra sighed, a gentle smile on her lips. "Do you think I donāt want to? Iād go in a heartbeat, but Garius is probably busy. Heās about to become the sovereign of Armand, after all."
Meanwhile.
Inside Gariusās private chamber.
Garius let out a long sigh, eyeing the golden royal mantle made of shimmering gold linen. Not just that, even the coat, the ceremonial sash, and the boots were a dazzling blend of gold thread and mithril.
He glanced at Alf, who shook his head with a quiet chuckle. "My lord, it seems your youngest son made sure youād have the most extravagant outfit for the ceremony."
"This isnāt an outfit, itās a parade float," Garius muttered. "Whatās with all the gold and mithril? And look at this ceremonial blade, adamantite, covered in the rarest gems. Itās so flashy I feel like a walking treasure vault. I wonder what heās done to the crown."
Alf shrugged, smiling. "That partās a mystery, my lord. Young master Javier sealed it in a special box and handed the key to King Veldrac. He said it should only be opened at the start of the ceremony."
Garius smirked, shaking his head. "I see. This must be my youngestās way of getting back at me for all the pressure I put on him. But does he realize heās just digging his own grave? He crafted every bit of this to get even, but the day he becomes ruler, heāll be the one forced to wear every ridiculous thing he hates."
Erinnette laughed softly. "My lord, I donāt think young master Javier thought that far ahead."
"By the way, Erinnette," Garius asked, "whereās Francesca?"
"I believe sheās busy with the Queen of the Beastkin and the Queen of the Demon Nation," Erinnette replied.
Garius raised an eyebrow. "Since when did they become such close friends?"
Erinnette smiled. "Who knows, my lord~"
"So, Alf?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"Youāve already sent that royal messenger away?"
"Yes, my lord. We even gave him a little money for his trouble."
"Good. Hard to believe Kimar only noticed after all this time, and now he has the audacity to offer me a dukeās title. Does he not realize the highest title a non-royal can hold is Count? That title and rank were granted by the late King Edmund. Now Kimarās just tossing out titles like bait, thinking he can win me over?"
Alf and Erinnette both chuckled softly.
Garius adjusted the coat and pants with a wry sigh, continuing, "Iāve made up my mind. Iām done serving the crown, especially under Kimar. I already declared Armand independent three days ago, and our staff have worked tirelessly, issuing new identity plates to our people, making the transition smooth. Thereās no turning back now. Armand will stand as its own nation."
"Yes, my lord. Ah, pardon... your majesty." Alf bowed, smiling slightly.
"Alf... not yet. Soon, but not yet." Garius smirked as he fastened the last button on his collar.
Alf lifted the royal golden mantle and settled it on Gariusās shoulders.
Garius just sighed. "Why couldnāt my youngest just make this with normal cloth? Now Iām wrapped in gold from head to toe."
Alf grinned. "Well, my lord, your Pekko, Giddie, is golden too. Gold means king, and Giddie is king of all Pekko. So, gold is fitting for you."
Garius smirked, then turned to Erinnette. "So, Erinnette?"
"Yes, my lord?"
"The outfits for the princes and princesses, already handed over to all my children?"
"Yes, my lord. All have received their outfits through their partners."
Garius nodded. "And, Erinnette, have you found suitable replacement maids for Lithia, Harny, Meira, and Zania? Theyāll soon be my daughters-in-law..."
"Already arranged, my lord. Iāve prepared new personal maids for both Marcellus and Cedric."
Garius chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I still canāt believe Marcellus ended up with a mother-daughter pair, Harny and Lithia. And can you believe it, Alf? Both are pregnant by Marcellus now. I have no idea how they planned that."
Alf grinned. "Well, my lord, Master...ah, pardon...Prince Marcellus is a young and capable man. It shouldnāt be too surprising."
Garius sighed, the weight of coming days settling on him.
"Iāll be busier than ever this week, becoming sovereign, then my wedding to Mylezra, then all the official duties. By the way, Alf, Erinnette..."
"Yes, my lord?"
Garius smiled at both of them. "I donāt think Iāll need to appoint royal advisors. I have you two, my most trusted aides and friends. I hope youāll both continue to serve at my side?"
"Itās our greatest honor to serve you, my lord." Alf and Erinnette bowed, smiling with genuine warmth.
( End Of Chapter )