Chapter 25: Conoration
My castle is decorated beautifully with fine silk and colorful carpets, which is to receive noble guests from all over my realm. I'm standing right at the gate of the castle, wear my formal clothes. The people I'm going to welcome to my house is The Grand Priest of the Arcondale peninsula, where my and many kingdoms lie. There are nearly 69 gods and goddesses in my people's faith, who are believed to create the world. My house claims itself as the descendant of the Goddess of Fortune.
A white carriage appears with about 100 holy knights, who wear white cloaks with the symbol of our faith, the cross with a moon. The carriage stops right in front of me and its' door opens; a tall man wearing priest clothes, which is somewhat similar to the pope of Christianity on Earth. Force myself to fake a big smile, I come forward to greet him:
- It's my honor to welcome you at my humble castle, my Lord Priest.
- It is my honor to meet you, too. Lord Ivar. Or shall I call you King Ivar already?
- Haha, I need your blessing to become king, my Lord Priest. But we'll discuss this matter later, now it'll be my pleasure to accompany you to my castle enjoying warm food and drinks after a long journey.
Seem satisfied, the Grand Priest dismisses his men, the holy knights follow my knights' guide to the encampment location that I've ordered to prepare earlier. With just a few of his guards and my knights, we get inside the castle to the dining room, a hot meal has been prepared. I planned to have the feast with my fellow vassals two weeks earlier; however, I want my coronation to be witnessed by all of them so I delay my plan for two weeks to wait for this priest to come.
Comfortably deploy himself in a chair next to the main chair that I'm sitting in, the Grand Priest drinks a full cup of wine and tastes the roast chicken. After satisfying with the food, he talks to me:
- I'm willing to support and crown you as a king recognized by the gods and goddesses, Lord Ivar. But I need the evidence that you devote yourself to the Gods.
- You don't have to worry about that matter, my Lord Priest. Bring the gifts in.
My servants from outside the room get inside, bring 10 large chests. When each of them is opened, the Priest's eyes are wide opened. They contain gold coins, different kinds of jewelry, and loads of silvers.
- Is it enough to prove my devotion, my Lord Priest?
- Please call me Arcadian, Milord. The church appreciates your generosity, I'm sure that the gods will bless you for your contribution.
The Grand Priest is speaking like I don't know the church is full of old men who always extort money from the worshipers. I hate these gold diggers; however, they have a huge influence on the people and it is not wise for me to oppose them at the moment. Faith is a troublesome thing to deal with. If I want to oppose them, I'll have to gather evidence about they've violates the church's rule, but that is not as easy as it seems.
I raise my cup to Arcadian;
- Let's drink for our collaboration, Priest Arcadian.
- Cheer, King Ivar.
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- I, Arcadian Hill, the followers of the true holy gods and goddesses, the descendant of the God of Light and Creation, recognize you, Ivar William IV Fortuna, Lord of Neverwinter, Duke of Iceland, and Meath as a true ruler over the territories of Iceland, Meath, Oceanhall and Summervalley. I crown you as the King of the Kingdom of Fortuna, which consists of the territories above. Arise, King Ivar.
I slowly stand up after he puts the golden crown on my head. I sit on a newly built royal chair decorated with gold and diamond with a giant banner of my house behind it. The moment I sit on it, the cheers start:
-LONG LIVE THE KING.
-ALL HAIL KING IVAR.
I'm feeling very satisfied at the moment, 11 years living in this world and now I'm a king. However, a good king must not forget his followers, so I'll reward those who have played an important role in defeating house Mathel. I raise my right hand to show the nobles that I'm requesting an audience, the noises soon decrease. I raise my voice:
- I know that everyone is looking forward to the royal banquet. However, I can not be a king without my people, especially those who I'm going to reward.
- CHARLES, STEP FORWARD.
Charles stands out of the crowd and kneel.
- To reward your loyalty and service to my house, I name you as Sir Charles Watsley, the Commander of the Royal Guards.
- It's my honor to serve you, your majesty.
Charles has been serving my house for many years before I was born, he is my most trusted man in the whole kingdom. His chivalry is good and his loyalty is certain, he is the most suitable man for protecting me.
- KRUGER, STEP FORWARD.
Now, whispers start. Kruger is very famous for his strength and is called the Blue Viper of Neverwinter, his fame in the people is high.
Kruger goes forward and kneels down
- You have served my house greatly and loyally, Kruger. Now I give you the name Kruger Grimguard and grant you the Duchy of Meath. From now on you'll be known as Duke Kruger of house Grimguard.
- It's my honor to serve you, your majesty.
Now, there is only one person left that I'll reward handsomely.
- IMPETUS GREYRAT, STEP FORWARD.
Similarly, Impetus kneel
- Impetus, for your accomplishments, I'll appoint you as the Grand Marshal of the Kingdom of Fortuna, as well as the commander of the First Fortunian Division.
Differently, not accept his reward immediately, Impetus speaks:
- Your majesty, I don't think I'm capable of such responsibility.
- Yes, you are. You've proved yourself while fighting with me on the battlefield of Kursk. I believe you can perform your duty better than anyone else. I won't accept your refusal.
Seeing that he can not oblige, Impetus bows his head:
- It is my honor to serve you, your majesty.
After the coronation is the royal banquet, which costs me a huge sum of money. Luckily, I've gained much from the war, and the economy of Neverwinter is huge, so my financial capability can handle it along with bribing the Priest perfectly.