A Test of Legacy

After the herald's announcement, the murmurs from the nobles, advisors, and diplomats had faded into silence. The princes and princesses took their positions before the throne. The robed figure who had been following Serephira silently blended into the crowd, becoming indistinguishable among the sea of courtiers and political figures that were lining the sides of the room.

Then, from a door on the side of the chamber, the king entered.

He carried an aura of undeniable authority, a presence that demanded respect without words. His gait was steady and purposeful, every step he took was a reminder of his rule over the kingdom. His once-dark hair had turned to grey, yet his posture remained strong, bearing the weight of countless years spent leading and defending the kingdom. His face was marked with lines of age and wisdom that spoke of battles on the field.

He wore a simple yet commanding royal garb—dark tones of red and black that were embroidered with the kingdom's sigil across his chest. A mantle draped over his shoulders, fastened by a brooch of silver. Despite his age, his build was that of a warrior—broad-shouldered and fit, with the scars of war faintly visible across his exposed hands and neck.

As King Cedric approaches the throne, his children—the princes and the princesses—dropped to one knee in unison with their heads bowed in reverence.

He then sit on top of his throne. His piercing eyes scanned the room before him, revealing a depth of experience earned through decades of strife and victory.

King Cedric's gaze swept over his kneeling children, making his stern expression to become softened ever so slightly.

"It is great to see you all."

His voice carried the weight of both affection and authority.

The first to speak was Caden, the eldest prince, who was still bowing respectfully.

"It is good to see you in good health, Your Majesty."

The king nodded, he regarded Caden with his narrowing eyes.

"Your expedition—how did it fare?"

Caden lifted his head slightly as he meets the king's gaze with a respectful demeanor.

"It went well, Your Majesty. We achieved our objectives without significant losses. The men are strong, and morale remains high."

"Good. I would expect nothing less from you, Caden. You've always led with strength."

He then turned his gaze to Rylan, who knelt beside Caden's side.

"And you, Rylan, how did your duties fare as the kingdom's plenipotentiary while in Thaloria?"

Rylan remained still as he replied with a measured tone.

"Nothing much to report, Your Majesty. Negotiations remain steady, though no major developments occurred. The queen of Thaloria, however, sends her regards."

A low chuckled escaped the king's lips.

"It's been a long time since I've last seen that woman. How is she faring?"

"As fierce as ever. It seems that time has not dulled her resolve."

The king laughed again, making a rare sound in such a formal setting.

"I would expect nothing less from her."

His laughter subsided, and his demeanor shifted back to its regal bearing, but there was a spark of warmth in his eyes as he looked between his sons.

"Good, it pleases me to hear that both the sword and the word have served this kingdom well."

The king's expression turned solemn once more.

"Now then, I can figure that all of you know the reason for this gathering."

The princes and princesses before him remained motionless, with their eyes fixed on the floor.

"The kingdom has suffered a great blow, Veridonia's recent invasion has cost us dearly. Six lives have been lost—brave souls who served this kingdom without question. Warriors and protectors, who gave everything to safeguard our lands."

 The weight of the king's word was pressing down every heart in the room.

"Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, but this attack was not just an isolated incident. Veridonia's aggression is a threat to all of us, to our kingdom's stability, to the peace we have fought to maintain. It is not merely a border skirmish but a declaration of intent. And that is why you are here."

The king's expression was resolute as he spoke. He then paused for a moment before continuing:

"I won't waste any time, some of you have probably heard the rumors about the ascension."

The mention of the ascension caused a murmur to ripple through the crowd. Some in the room were already aware of the rumors, while others were only just hearing about them.

The king's eyes swept over his children, a gleam of determination can be seen in his gaze.

"Given the imperial venture that was executed yesterday... i have come up with a new idea. I will task each of you to embark on a journey—not just through the known realms, but beyond, into the unknown. Whether in this realm or another, your mission is to discover a breakthrough—something that will bring great benefit to the kingdom."

A murmur rippled through the crowd of courtiers and political figures who were lining the chamber, but the king paid them no heed as his eyes were locked on his children, kneeling before him.

"It may be knowledge, a resource, an alliance, or even a new form of strength. What you seek must be significant, something that will advance our kingdom's standing in the world."

The stakes were high, and the implications of success or failure were clear.

"And the reward for the one who succeeds... they will be a step closer to the throne."

As the king's words echoed through the grand hall, a wave of surprise rippled across the faces of his children and the assembled courtiers. The gravity of the announcement—that the reward for the winner would be an advancement in their claim to the throne—was clear in the wide eyes and the hushed whispers that followed.

The king observed the reaction of the masses with a steely gaze before continuing. He rose from his throne and stepped forward.

"Understand this, that such breakthrough is not merely a matter of personal achievement. It represents something far greater for our kingdom."

He paused, letting his words sink in the crowd.

"In times of prosperity, our land thrives on stability and tradition. But in times of challenge, it is innovation and progress that shape our future. A breakthrough—whether it be a new alliance, a vital resource, or an advancement in knowledge—holds the power to transform the very fabric of our kingdom. It can secure our kingdom's place in the world, protect our people, and enhance our strength."

The king's gaze softened slightly as he looked at his children before him.

"This is why the task I set before you is crucial. It is not merely about proving oneself; it is about finding something that will benefit our people and strengthen our realm. The one who succeeds will demonstrate the vision and capability needed to lead our kingdom forward."

The weight of his words hung in the air, highlighting the importance of the challenge.