Inauguration Ceremony

A semester at Lupusrica Knight Academy feels like time moves both slowly and quickly. Since the intense battle that secured my position as Commander 9 of Regalizen, my life has changed drastically. My days are now filled with exhausting study and work routines, but I have no choice. The Kingdom of Aurelius relies heavily on its commanders, and my responsibilities are much heavier than before.

Every morning begins with the same routine. Before the sun rises, I'm up and sitting by my bedroom window. The morning air here is always cold, but it doesn't bother me too much. I usually brew the tea Arianne brings from home, tea I used to enjoy with Lily. Both of them mean so much to me, even though I rarely have time for them now.

Classes start promptly at seven. At Lupusrica, our schedule is packed. This semester's subjects are varied—ranging from the history of the Kingdom of Aurelius to military strategy and magic development. I'm most intrigued by history. Every time the professor discusses the founding of the Kingdom of Aurelius, the rise of noble clans, or the development of magic during the wars against demons, I can't help but reflect deeply. Studying history makes me feel closer to the past, and for some reason, I feel a strong need to understand how we got to where we are—especially now, with my role as a candidate commander.

In Professor Fei Zhang's class, I always note down every detail he shares about the history of the war against Demon King Solomon. Although Solomon has been defeated, his influence is still deeply felt today. There are always whispers of new threats emerging from dark forces. Often, while sitting in that class, I get an unsettling feeling as if I'm being watched, even though I know it's just my own fears. Professor Zhang frequently reminds me that vigilance is the most crucial weapon for a commander.

Among all the subjects, magic development is the most challenging for me. I'm aware of my abilities as a space and time wizard—manipulating dimensions and opening portals. However, at Lupusrica, they don't just teach how to enhance power but also how to use it more strategically. Here, I've learned that magic isn't just raw strength. In many ways, magic is like a double-edged sword: if not handled carefully, it can harm you.

One day stands out vividly in my memory when Professor Fei Zhang taught us about Energy Resonance, a highly complex concept. I always knew my magic had a unique resonance, but here, I learned how to measure and harness that resonance to boost my attack power. Professor Zhang assigned us the task of calculating our magical energy resonance, and I spent weeks studying every tiny vibration in my energy. From that, I learned that my dimensional control abilities could resonate with the surrounding energy fields, allowing me to create attacks stronger than before.

As a Candidate Commander 9, my responsibilities don't end at the academy. Every afternoon, after classes, I have to engage in military learning. I'm often summoned by Princess Valeria to discuss important missions, even though I'm not directly involved. My duties mainly involve overseeing the kingdom's borders or offering suggestions during strategy meetings, as I'm still just a candidate.

Juggling these two roles—being a student and a candidate commander—feels strange. On one hand, at the academy, I'm just another student. I sit in class, listen, learn, and do my assignments. But once I put on the candidate commander uniform, my responsibilities change completely. The soldiers view me as their leader, someone they must respect and follow. Every decision I make could determine their fate. Sometimes, the pressure is overwhelming, and I feel burdened.

But I never show it to others. As a candidate commander, I must appear strong in front of them. I know how much my bravery means to my soldiers. Madalyn, who has come to accept her defeat, though initially dissatisfied, has gradually begun to respect me. I can see she's still trying to outdo me, but there's a newfound respect in the way she speaks to me. I don't resent her—I understand how hard she's working.

Sometimes, when night falls and everyone is gone, I feel alone. Lily often sends me messages asking when I'll be coming home. Reading her texts warms my heart, but it also makes me feel guilty for not being able to return and spend time with her. Even Arianne, our loyal servant, frequently has to remind me to take care of myself. I rarely have time to rest, let alone enjoy moments with my family.

At the academy, my relationships with classmates have started to develop as well. Akira has become a frequent source of advice for me. Despite being one of the strongest students, he never looks down on me. We often discuss strategies and how to handle stronger opponents. Nadeshiko, who is always by his side, also offers valuable insights, especially regarding the unique magic of the Yoshitsuki family. They're friends I can rely on in difficult times, even though I rarely show my vulnerabilities in front of them.

Ultimately, this semester has taught me many things. I've learned that strength isn't everything—sometimes intelligence and tactics are far more crucial. I've also discovered that being a Regalizen commander isn't just about leading on the battlefield but also about maintaining emotional and mental stability. Most importantly, I've realized that no matter how great the pressure, I'm not alone. There are always people around me—both at the academy and at Regalizen—ready to support me.

However, one thing that's always on my mind is the future. What will happen after this semester ends? New threats constantly emerge, and the kingdom is always on alert. Am I prepared to face even greater challenges? Or to search for traces of Arche? Only time will answer these questions. But one thing is certain—I will keep moving forward, because that's what I must do as Ellora Evernoir.

***

The day I've been waiting for has finally arrived—my official inauguration as Commander Regalizen 9. Since it was announced that I was selected, it has felt like a long and exhausting dream, but today it will become an unavoidable reality after passing 6 months studying in Lupusrica Academy. The ceremony will take place at Paladius Citadel, the grand castle towering in the heart of the capital of the Kingdom of Aurelius, where King Lucius Von Aurelius reigns as the 27th monarch. This is where all major royal decisions are made, and today I will stand before the king's throne.

I stand before the mirror, dressed in the official Regalizen uniform designed specifically for the inauguration. The uniform is a deep black with gold embroidery on the collar and shoulders, symbolizing the strength and honor of a commander. The Regalizen emblem gleams prominently on my left chest—a symbol of the immense responsibility I must shoulder from this day forward. Arianne helps straighten my collar while Lily, unable to contain her excitement, bounces around behind me.

"I can't believe you're about to be inaugurated, big sister!" Lily exclaims with sparkling eyes.

I smile slightly at her enthusiasm, though inside I'm a mix of nervousness and pride. "Don't get too excited, Lily. This is a huge responsibility."

"But I know you'll do great, sis. I'm sure of it!" she replies confidently.

After the final touches are complete, I walk out of our house, accompanied by Arianne and Lily. The royal car waiting outside is ready to take me to Paladius Citadel. During the ride, I can't help but reflect on what's to come. Paladius Citadel appears even more majestic as we draw closer. The massive stone fortress stands strong, reflecting the might and glory of the Kingdom of Aurelius, which has stood for centuries.

Upon arriving at the palace, I am taken to a preparation room within Paladius Citadel. I can feel the grandeur and solemnity of every corner of the room. Other Regalizen commanders are already present, dressed in their proud uniforms. I catch sight of Nero giving me a thumbs up from the corner of the room, while Commander 7 Astrid Lorelei appears more composed, standing next to Commander 3 Cassandra Vermillion Rosenfelt. They will all witness my inauguration today, and I know they might be feeling a mix of respect and critical evaluation.

The sound of metal clinking on the cold marble floor echoed as I walked toward the grand hall. The throne room of King Aurelius, in Paladius Citadel, was filled with the highest-ranking nobles of the kingdom and the current Regalizen commanders. At the end of the hall, I could see the grand throne where King Lucius Von Aurelius sat next to Queen Euphrodis Von Aurelius. Beside them stood Prince Octavius, Princess Valeria, and Prince Claudius—all of them watching me with calm but meaningful gazes.

The throne room feels majestic and elegant. Its walls are adorned with historical paintings of the kingdom, symbols of power and glory built over centuries. Large crystal chandeliers sparkle above, and the atmosphere is filled with pride and anticipation. Prince Octavius, with an evaluative gaze, stands beside the king. On the other side, Princess Valeria, with an elegant posture and a softer gaze, looks at me with a faint smile. Prince Claudius appears more relaxed but still watches my every move.

As I stand in the middle of the hall, the entire room falls silent. All eyes are on me, and those moments feel like they stretch on forever. I can feel King Lucius's sharp gaze, assessing me from afar. He is a wise and respected monarch, but there is a palpable power and authority behind every movement he makes.

The royal guards then sound the golden trumpets, signaling the start of the ceremony. Valeria Von Aurelius, who is also a Regalizen commander, steps forward with grace. She is the one responsible for my inauguration today.

"Ellora Evernoir, daughter of Ornbeth Evernoir and Grace Evernoir, are you prepared to accept the responsibilities and honor of being Commander Regalizen 9, and to swear allegiance to the Kingdom of Aurelius, dedicating yourself fully to protecting its people?" Valeria's voice rings out with authority and resonance throughout the hall.

I look straight at her and nod firmly. "I am ready," I reply, my voice steady yet trembling slightly with the weight of this immense responsibility.

Valeria continues, "In the name of King Lucius Von Aurelius, the 27th of his line, and under the oversight of the Regalizen commanders and the kingdom's nobles, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Commander Regalizen 9. Will you uphold this duty with the utmost responsibility, preserving the honor and reputation of Regalizen, and fighting for the safety of the Kingdom of Aurelius?"

"For the honor and glory of the Kingdom of Aurelius, I vow to fulfill this duty," I respond resolutely, maintaining my gaze on King Lucius.

At that moment, Prince Claudius steps forward with the Regalizen emblem, engraved with my name. He approaches with dignity, handing the emblem to Valeria, who then affixes it to my chest.

With that, I am officially inaugurated.

The sound of applause reverberates throughout the hall. I can feel a wave of relief washing over me. Yet, the weight of responsibility feels even heavier. I lift my head and look towards King Lucius, who remains seated on his throne with his penetrating gaze.

"From this day forward, Ellora Evernoir is The Regalizen ninth Commander. She will serve the Kingdom of Aurelius with the strength, wisdom, and honor expected of a Regalizen Commander. May she always walk the righteous path and protect our people from all threats."

A subdued cheer arises from the nobles and other commanders. I should be smiling broadly, feeling proud. Yet, there is something that feels incomplete.

My parents aren't here. They are no longer in this world to witness this significant moment in my life. And Arche... my missing brother. When my name was called, I could only imagine how proud they would be if they were here. The emptiness in my chest presses in, mingling with the happiness floating around me.

I look at the other Regalizen commanders. Frey Ireshia, who always seems so tough and resolute, nods at me with a respectful gaze. Another commander, Marcus Naventhius, Madalyn's older brother, stands tall with an almost untouchable aura. Among all of them, I am the youngest, but the weight of the responsibility I must bear feels heavier than ever.

My thoughts drift back to Arche. Where is he now? If only he were here, if only he could see what I have achieved. Amidst the cheers and the ceremony, I feel a bit disconnected.

With that, the official ceremony concludes, and I kneel before the king as a final sign of respect. As I rise, I can feel the entire room exhale in relief. I take a few steps back before rejoining the ranks of the commanders.

On the other side of the room, I see Akira, Nadeshiko, and the academy students watching me with pride. Akira gives me a small nod, a faint smile on his lips. He has always supported me, even though in our last match, he showed just how formidable he is. I know that in the future, I'll need to work even harder to stay among the strongest.

But today is a day of triumph—a victory over all the obstacles I have faced to get to this point.

***

After the inauguration ceremony, the warmth of the atmosphere still lingered in the throne room of Paladius Citadel. However, the gaze of the nobles and commanders began to fade, replaced by the creeping exhaustion in my body. As I was about to leave the room, Princess Valeria approached me.

"Ellora," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You've worked hard today. Go home and rest. Come back to the Regalizen office tomorrow. We'll discuss some important missions that need our immediate attention." Her smile was subtle, but there was an underlying sense of urgency.

I nodded, feeling a bit relieved to leave the formal atmosphere behind. "Alright, Your Highness. I'll return tomorrow."

With that, I left Paladius Citadel and headed home. As I reached my front door, a comforting warmth began to envelop me. Home—the place where I could momentarily escape the weight of the responsibilities I had taken on today.

Once inside, Lily immediately jumped towards me with her bright, wide smile. "Ellora!" she shouted, hugging me tightly. "Congratulations on your appointment!"

I chuckled softly and hugged her back. "Thank you, Lily. I'm glad you're here."

Arianne emerged from the kitchen with a tray of cakes and drinks. "Congratulations, Miss Ellora," she said warmly with a smile. "We've prepared a little celebration."

Nero, who had somehow been present all along, sat in the corner, nodding at me with a faint smile. "Congratulations, Ellora. You're now Commander Regalizen 9. You have a great responsibility ahead."

I smiled and sat down with them. "Yes, this is just the beginning. But I'm happy to celebrate this with all of you."

We started the celebration simply—candles were lit, cakes were cut, and laughter filled the room. However, not long after the event began, my door was knocked.

When I opened it, I was greeted by unexpected faces. Madalyn Naventhius stood at the front, followed by Cestine, Chris, Charlotte, Gareth, and—last to enter—Akira and Nadeshiko. They all looked cheerful, with wide smiles on their faces.

"Surprise!" Madalyn exclaimed, raising her hand. "Did you think we'd let you celebrate alone?"

I was surprised but delighted. "You all came! Thank you!" I invited them in, and the atmosphere immediately became livelier.

Lily, having seen so many new faces, was very excited. She ran straight to Cestine and started chatting non-stop. "You have such beautiful hair! Are you a wizard like Sis Ellora?"

Cestine laughed softly. "Thank you, Lily. Yes, I'm a wizard, but I use plant-based and poison magic."

Lily looked amazed. "Wow! That sounds really cool!"

Meanwhile, Charlotte was busy introducing herself to Arianne. "I'm glad to be here. Ellora has made history at the academy, and we're all proud of her."

Akira, who stood not far from me, looked around my home with a serene expression. "Your home is really cozy, Ellora," he said with a faint smile. "No wonder you can feel at peace here."

Nadeshiko stood beside him, her smile warm as always. "We both wanted to celebrate this with you, Ellora," she added.

I gave them a small smile. "Thank you. I'm truly grateful that you're all here."

Madalyn, who usually appears serious and aloof, was different tonight. She sat at the dining table, excitedly sharing stories about her journey before the inauguration, laughing occasionally with Gareth and Chris. Charlotte continuously suggested little games to liven up the mood, and Cestine seemed engrossed in Lily's endless questions about the unique magic she practiced.

Gareth, usually very focused on fighting, appeared more relaxed tonight. "I still can't believe Ellora managed to beat us twice. But honestly, you deserve this."

I chuckled softly and shook my head. "You're giving me too much credit, Gareth."

"Oh, come on, don't be modest!" Chris called out from across the room. "You've impressed all of us. Even Madalyn admits it—though she might not say it directly."

Madalyn rolled her eyes with a slightly frustrated expression, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Don't get me wrong. I'm just acknowledging that it's deserved."

The atmosphere was so warm and lively. Lily looked thrilled with all the guests. She darted from person to person, interacting with everyone, her face glowing with joy.

Amidst the bustle, I took a moment to sit in a chair and watch everyone. The house was filled with laughter, conversation, and warmth—something I hadn't felt in a long time. For a moment, I thought, this is the kind of moment I've needed. After all the pressure and responsibility, tonight I could enjoy simple happiness with the people who care about me.

"Ellora," Nadeshiko's gentle voice broke my thoughts. She stood next to me with a warm smile. "Congratulations once again. You truly deserve it."

I smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Nadeshiko."

The night lasted longer than I expected. We talked, laughed, and celebrated without a care in the world. After living under so much pressure and responsibility, tonight gave me a chance to experience simple happiness.

As the party finally wound down and everyone started to leave, I stood by the door, saying goodbye to each guest. Akira and Nadeshiko were the last to go.

"Don't hesitate to visit the Academy even though you're now a Regalizen Commander, Ellora," Akira said calmly.

I nodded. "Alright, I'll make sure to visit the Academy from time to time."

After they left, I went back inside the house. Lily had fallen asleep on the sofa, and Arianne was gently tucking a blanket around her. I sat beside them, taking in the now peaceful room.

Tonight marked the beginning of something bigger. My role as Commander Regalizen 9 had just begun, but for now, I just wanted to savor the tranquility of my home.

The future as Commander Regalizen 9 stretched out before me, with all the responsibilities and challenges that lay ahead. And finally, I would have access to all the military secrets of the Kingdom of Aurelius, which would aid me in my quest to find Arche.

"Arche, I swear on our parents name, your older sister will bring you back, no matter what."

***