Sending a Message [1]

Nobility had gathered after so long to cast a vote if they were to denounce an illegitimate ruler.

10 great noble houses and their committees filled the hall, they merely awaited the pretender to arrive.

Milan had a worry-free expression on his face, almost as if nothing could possibly go wrong.

However, Jole knew that many things could go wrong.

Whatever Milan planned would collapse.

Very moment he saw Raguel take a silent stance next to Aurelia, Milan's plans would fail, and not to mention the armored paladin.

The moment he laid his eyes on him, his instincts screamed at him.

'That must be the 'Almighty Father'.' He nodded. It made sense.

Just sheer dread he felt from his presence dwarfed even that he felt when staring at Raguel.

Which he could say with almost complete certainty as he found himself staring at her whenever she was present.

However, he had to be patient, she had an important role in destroying the current system of governance.

And for that goal, he would lay down his life.

Chattering and arguments echoed around them.

"Silence!" Aurelia shouted, forcing everyone, including Jole, to freeze.

His eyes widened.

He knew that Aurelia had become much more powerful, but to such an extent that she could order the senate to basically stop moving.

His eyes wandered to Jarn of Emerald, who had a terrified expression, understanding plastered on his face.

"Tell me, why do you oppose having a queen so much?" She spoke with authority and power unbecoming of a timid girl, she was just a couple of weeks back.

A question even Jole himself was interested in, he had no issues with having a queen but current system disallowed it.

The crushing presence of [Divine Charm] fell before Jole heard Milan speak.

"Do you see that! She is a tyrant. We must not let a woman take a throne." His fists clenched while he gritted his teeth.

He was a fool beyond fools.

He should have known that change was coming.

If he did not embrace the new order, he would have been trampled under its hooves.

Aurelia took a step back from the podium. "Who here is willing to follow me as the new queen?!"

Jole did not wait for long before raising his hand, Topaz pledged to support her and so he would fulfil his part.

The next statement made him lean back in surprise.

Volt had supported Aurelia.

'Cowards always swing where they are safest huh...' He sighed.

However, Milan kept riling up other dukes, making them forget just the feat that Aurelia displayed.

Out of all Houses only his Topaz, Emerald, and Ruby supported the new queen.

His eyes wandered to Cedric and then to Raguel.'I suspect this has nothing to do with whether she actually becomes a queen.'

He looked towards Raguel, who stood silently, clearly not threatened by the outcome, which fortified his theory that the vote did not matter anyway.

And in the next moment, Volt, as opportunistic as he was, rescinded his vote.

Jole's eye twitched, 'This damn coward!'

Voice of Milan reached his ear, "Jole, Jarn. It is not too late to change your votes! Do not be intimidated by a mere pretender."

He would not back down, this was a chance for a better life for his daughters. "No, House Topaz stands Firm."

"I am with Duke Jole. Emerald supports Queen Aurelia." At least Jarn had some sense in him to stand firm.

Jole dreaded to think what Raguel, or even the 'Allmighty Father' do to them if they opposed.

Milan clicked his tongue, "A shame! However, it is decided Aurelia is unfit!"

Milan turned to the two opposing houses, "You two are traitors! Paladins execute them!"

His shout bounced inside Jole's head.

However, he did not have time to think as Paladins of Chrunus burst through the door.

In the next moment, Jole could swear he was about to suffocate, 'The Allmighty Father's' presence grew as he reached for his sword.

Jole gulped.

Milan sat in his seat, clearly uncaring that he had basically committed treachery by invading the Senate hall.

Other nobles looked at him with fear.

These weren't normal Paladins.

They were an elite force under the direct control of the Bishop.

If the bishop had supported Milan, it would be over.

No noble would dare stand against him.

For a moment, he worried about his decision; however, as he looked at Raguel, who still stood next to Aurelia in complete silence, his fear dissipated.

He refused to worry needlessly.

Milan might have been insane and somehow gotten Bishop's support but neither Raguel nor Aurelia looked scared.

No, as he stared at Aurelia, he didn't see a face of fear, no quivering.

He instead saw the face of someone staring at the love of their life.

He blinked, 'Does she realise her life is in danger?'

And yet with the steadfast voice, she spoke to the armored warrior.

"Darling, may I be allowed to slaughter these Infidels?" She grinned.

Jole almost choked on his spit as he heard Aurelia's words.

'I am sure I misheard it due to distance.' He leaned forward.

And yet.

The warrior backed down with a nod. "Show them why you are The First Star."

Aurelia turned to Raguel, who handed her a sword without a word.

She brandished the blade, which radiated with enough holy energy to eclipse even the most holy spell of Chrunus.

The nobility looked at it with greed in their gaze.

And yet they silently judged Aurelia.

She was about to face the strongest Paladins in the employ of the Bishop, and yet she had shown no fear.

The 'Allmighty Father' backed off, leaving Aurelia to face the Paladins on her own.

Aurelia smirked, Jole had no idea what she had in mind, and not that he wished to know.

This was a suicidal move even if Raguel and the so-called 'Allmighty Father' were here.

The Paladin shouted once again, "Aurelia! You are guilty of Heresy, Surrender!"

And yet she did not.

It was time to prove to her future husband that she was capable of enacting Wrath of God herself.