Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 111

7. Luke’s Coronation

1

The news of Luke’s ascension spread like wildfire.

“Did Marquis Luke finally ascend the throne?”

“He’s His Majesty now. I heard the nobles and officials are working themselves to the bone because of it.”

Establishing a nation wasn’t just about deciding on a national name and declaring its founding. A coronation had to be held, and dignitaries and envoys from both within and outside the country had to be invited to demonstrate that the nation’s foundation was solid and recognized by the international community.

Preparing for all of that would inevitably make the already busy officials even busier. However, Hans and the other vassals who had served the Rakan family for a long time continued to prepare for the nation’s founding without feeling any hardship.

As the preparations for the nation’s founding progressed smoothly, a magical communication reached Luke one day. Wondering who it was, he answered and found it was Reina. They had only been able to exchange letters due to their busy schedules, so Luke was overjoyed to talk to her.

“How have you been?”

– “Yes, I’m doing well. I’m glad you look healthy, Luke.”

‘She says she’s doing well? Her face looks a bit gaunt though…’

As Luke had observed, Reina had been through a lot of emotional turmoil recently. Luke had gone missing due to the schemes of Nanas’s group, and after returning from the Southern Continent, she was immediately caught up in the war with the Milton Kingdom. She wanted to move the Holy Empire’s army to help him right away. However, Luke refused. He judged that if she dispatched troops to another country without justification or practical benefit, she could face political difficulties.

– “By the way, I heard you’re declaring the founding of a nation this time?”

“That’s right. My vassals wanted it, and I also thought that establishing a nation would be good for realizing my ideals.”

Luke readily agreed to his vassals’ wishes because he believed it would be more helpful in realizing his ideal of creating a world where people could live like people. In the process of preparing for the nation’s founding, Luke was also directly revising the legal system, which included the prohibition of slave trading, racial discrimination, and the easing of the class system. He intended to formally codify what had been informally observed as the lord’s instructions in the Rakan March [a region or territory] into national law. He also had plans to reorganize the land system and create jobs for the poor and other races by undertaking civil engineering and construction projects. In addition, he planned to elevate the ranks and positions of his close aides, who could be considered his meritorious subjects. That way, he could strengthen the royal authority and properly govern the country.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the name of the country is Symphonia.”

– “Symphonia… It’s a name that suits the world you’re pursuing, Luke.”

She also knew the meaning of Symphonia. Reina, who had been nodding, continued to speak with a serious glint in her eyes, as if she had made up her mind about something.

– “By the way, how would you feel if I officiated the coronation?”

“You, personally?”

Luke’s eyes widened at Reina’s proposal. A coronation could be officiated by a high-ranking cleric, such as an archbishop of a diocese. Therefore, Luke had planned to entrust the coronation to Priest Maron, who was currently in charge of the Rakan March. But for Reina, the Pope of the Holy Empire, to do it herself! This was unprecedented, and if this fact became known, the continent would be turned upside down. It would be like announcing that the Holy Artenia Empire recognized the founding of Symphonia and declaring that the two countries had a close relationship. If Rudolf found out, he would surely be so furious that he would turn inside out.

“I’d be happy, but would it be okay for you to come here?”

Luke was worried about Reina’s identity being revealed. If it was revealed that she was in a romantic relationship with him, it could damage the Pope’s authority. He had heard that some high priests and nobles, including the Constantine faction, were constantly trying to undermine her authority. The rumor that Pope Veronica III was not an angel but a princess of another country, Reina Petrovna Kirillov, the princess of the defeated Volga Kingdom, was constantly spreading in the Holy Empire. That much would have been fine. Rumors had spread that she was in a romantic relationship with Marquis Luke and had already slept with him, which was the result of the opposition faction strategically spreading the rumors that Nanas’s group had spread last time.

“I don’t think you need to push yourself too hard…”

– “It’s okay. I know what you’re worried about, Luke. But my position isn’t so precarious that it can be shaken so easily.”

In fact, while Luke was busy with the civil war, Reina was also being criticized and slandered by the opposition. They said she was not an angel but a witch who used sorcery to seize the throne. At this time, Reina responded confidently.

“If I am a witch, what should we call those who praised me as an angel and supported me in the past? Am I an angel when they can use me, and a witch when they can’t? Is that the kind of behavior that those who serve God should engage in?”

“That’s because we were deceived by sorcery…”

“Are you saying that the archbishops and cardinals of the Holy Empire were deceived by a witch’s sorcery? Then shouldn’t we question your faith and divine power first?”

Reina’s sharp rebuttal silenced the opposition. If they said her words were wrong, they would have to deny what they had claimed earlier, and if they said they were right, they would be admitting their incompetence. Moreover, she had stabilized the internal affairs of the Holy Empire through various reform policies and successfully conquered the eastern part of the Baroque Empire. Therefore, the people’s faith in her was strong. In addition to intellectuals and young nobles and priests who advocated for national reform, the number of those who supported Reina among the established church and nobles had also increased significantly. As a result, the opposition’s criticism and slander had no effect at all. Rather, there were so many people who fanatically believed in the Pope that they were throwing stones at the opposition’s carriages and mansions, so Reina had to issue a proclamation to restrain them.

“I’m glad to hear that. To be honest, I want to see you in person and feel your warmth, not just through magical communication.”

– “Me too. The reason I’m offering to officiate the coronation is honestly to create an excuse to see you.”

Although they were apart, Luke and Reina’s love did not diminish. No, it burned even more fiercely as time passed. Unable to bear the thirst any longer, Reina had boldly made a plan. Of course, Grand Duke Gregory would oppose it, worrying about her safety and the schemes of her political enemies, but she judged that if she persuaded him by mentioning the alliance with the new nation and various other benefits, he would surely agree.

“The coronation is scheduled to take place in fifteen days. I will have everything ready to welcome you.”

– “Yes, I’ll try to endure my longing for you until then.”

The two ended their magical communication there. Luke, who wanted to see Reina as soon as possible, spurred on the preparations for the nation’s founding.

2

Finally, the day of Luke’s coronation arrived. The countries that had received invitations in advance sent envoys to Symphonia. Although there were differences in the scale of the delegations from each country, they were generally quite large. Some had as few as dozens of people, while others had more than a hundred. The reason why each country sent so many people was because they highly valued Symphonia’s national power. The envoys’ mission was, first, to assess the situation of the new nation that had merged the Milton Kingdom and declared independence from the Baroque Empire. And if it seemed promising, their second goal was to form an alliance. In any case, the scale of the coronation was inevitably larger than that of the Milton Kingdom’s coronation four months ago.

Buzzing. Chattering. The Brenden Central Square was filled with people who had come from all over the Symphonia Kingdom. The number was close to two hundred thousand. The people who had come out since dawn to secure a spot to watch the coronation, which was to be held at the Grand Temple in the east of the Central Square, were excitedly chattering in the crowded crowd.

“Hey, have you heard the news?”

A middle-aged man who had come from the Rakan March, or rather, the Rakan Territory, which was now under the direct control of the king, spoke to a friend he had made in Brenden.

“What are you talking about?”

“The coronation this time, I heard that His Holiness the Pope of the Holy Artenia Empire will be officiating it in person.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes, my younger brother is a priest at the Grand Temple in the Rakan Territory, and he said that the Pope’s party appeared at the territory’s long-distance teleport gate. It was a mess trying to greet them.”

If the man’s words were true, it was an immense honor. It was rare in history for a king to be crowned with the blessing of the Pope, who was called the messenger of God and the representative of God. Moreover, it was the king who went to the Holy Empire where the Pope was to be crowned, and the Pope had never come to crown a king before.

“Then is the rumor true? There was a rumor that His Holiness the Pope is actually Princess Reina, the fiancée of His Majesty the King.”

“I’ve heard that story too. If that’s true, what on earth is going on?”

“Anyway, I hope we can see the miracle of His Holiness the Pope at this coronation.”

“Well, we might be able to if we’re lucky.”

They had also heard the rumors that the Pope of the Holy Empire had performed several miracles in the imperial capital, Bless. It was said that every time the Pope gave a blessing, the illnesses of the sick were miraculously cured, and the disabled who could not use their limbs were completely restored. Perhaps that was why there were quite a few patients among the people who had come to watch the coronation today, supported by their families. Among the patients, similar conversations to the previous two were taking place.

“Is it true that His Holiness the Pope is Princess Reina?”

“Well, those who have seen her say she is young and beautiful, but I don’t know.”

“Hehe. I met Princess Reina a few years ago. It was when she came to ask Myers to save the Volga refugees, and she was waiting in the hot sun until she collapsed.”

“Oh, such a thing…”

“Perhaps God took pity on her kind heart and made her the Pope.”

Bba-bba-ba-ra bba-ba-bam!

It was when people were talking about the Pope. The gates of the royal palace opened, and trumpeters came out and blew their trumpets in unison. Then, the royal guards and soldiers, dressed in colorful ceremonial uniforms and carrying flags, spears, and swords, began to come out in an orderly manner. Clack, clack, clack! Behind them, administrators and nobles on horseback could be seen. After countless people had passed, the protagonist of the day, Luke, appeared.

Mounted on a large, glossy black horse, he looked as if he were under the protection of Mars, the god of war, causing the hearts of young women to flutter without exception.

“Oh my! Look at that handsome face!”

“And what about his firm chest? I’d have no regrets if I could just be held in his arms once.”

The eyes of the noble ladies who had come to watch the coronation sparkled.

If they could only catch the king’s eye, they could achieve a tremendous rise in status.

In fact, in the high society of the Symphonia Kingdom, a rumor was secretly spreading that ‘the woman who captures His Majesty will rule the kingdom!’

“His Majesty is still single, isn’t he?”

“Yes, but there’s talk that he already has someone in mind….”

The women, who had been chattering like sparrows, suddenly fell silent.

It was because they had spotted women of exceptionally dazzling beauty in the procession of retainers following Luke.

The exotic beauty, adorned with silk palace attire and white jade ornaments from the Song Empire, was Zhuge Soha, and the elf woman in a refreshing lime-green dress and a platinum tiara was Erewine.

Both of them had dressed to the nines for Luke’s coronation, and the noble ladies who saw them felt the ambition and confidence they had just puffed up completely disappear.

“Why didn’t you just wear your usual drab, sack-like clothes? They suited you best.”

Erewine retorted coldly at Zhuge Soha’s sarcasm.

“I see now why they say ‘clothes make the man,’ looking at you.”

“Hmph! Are you saying my looks are all because of my clothes!”

“I’m sorry. Actually, it seems to be because of your makeup.”

“Eeeeee!”

Zhuge Soha’s heart was set on grabbing that fox-like goblin woman by the hair and tearing it out right then and there.

‘But I can’t ruin the enthronement ceremony of my benefactor, no, His Majesty.’

Now that Luke was becoming the supreme ruler of a nation, she couldn’t treat him as she used to.

Even if he was okay with it, his subordinates wouldn’t stand for it.

She would have to be respectful even in their meetings, and if she ruined this important coronation, she would surely be hated and kicked out.

And if the rumor spread that she had been rejected, what would become of her family’s reputation back home?

‘I have to endure it. If I can’t, I won’t even become a royal concubine, let alone a queen.’

The whole nation was watching.

Soha, judging that she absolutely could not make a mistake in this situation, suppressed her resentment and waved to the people with a smile.

Whether he knew what kind of thoughts the women beside him were harboring or not, Luke silently headed towards the Grand Temple.

At the very end of the procession was a magnificent and sacred-looking carriage pulled by pure white horses.

The wooden cross symbolizing the Elkasel Order was attached to the roof of the carriage, making it easy to guess who was inside.

“Wow! It’s the Pope!”

“Long live His Holiness the Pope!”

A roar even louder than when Luke had appeared earlier echoed through the square.

Luke smiled faintly at the thunderous cheers.

“It seems like today is the Pope’s coronation, not mine.”

“Hehehe. Are you jealous?”

Philip, who was following right behind, asked.

“No, I’m rather grateful. Thanks to Reina, my authority will be even greater.”

But suddenly, the carriage stopped, and Reina got out.

The crowd went wild at the sight of her, radiating a sacred aura from her whole body, wearing a pure white robe embroidered with gold thread.

People were clamoring for her to give them blessings, or pushing forward recklessly to get a closer look.

“Everyone, step back!”

“Anyone who approaches His Holiness the Pope recklessly will be punished!”

The holy knights and soldiers in charge of security blocked people’s access. They were worried that an accident might occur.

Reina intervened, seeing their actions of threatening the crowd with swords and spears.

“You must not act violently.”

“But, Your Holiness….”

“It’s alright. I will calm them down.”

Reina, well aware of the people’s wishes, knelt down on the spot and offered a prayer.

“Oh, great Father Elkasel in heaven, and Mother Belise of the earth! Please bestow a small grace upon your pitiful children!”

A soft, milky light emanated from her body as she prayed, then shot up into the sky like a pillar, bursting into a dazzling flash.

At that majestic sight, people were startled, and then it began to snow in the cloudless sky.

No, it wasn’t snow.

They were pure white flower petals, beautiful petals with a subtle glow.

The petals seeped into the skin as soon as they touched it.

Then, people could feel their bodies and minds refreshed.

“I-is this the divine power of His Holiness?”

“It’s a miracle! It’s a miraculous flower snow!”

Those who had been wounded in their hearts found inner peace, and those who had been sick and supported by others stood up on their own.

It would be one thing if it were just one or two people, but the miracle performed on so many people in the central square made them call out the names of the main god and the Pope even more fervently, like fanatics.

“Long live Her Holiness Veronica III!”

“Elkasel! Bless Her Holiness!”

Luke, who was watching these people, suddenly looked surprised.

The vast and gentle energy he felt from Reina seemed to melt even his own mana and demonic energy.

‘Amazing. Is this the power of the Pope, who is called the apostle of God?’

Even the high priests and holy knights who had opposed him during his time as Seymon were not this powerful.

Perhaps this was a unique characteristic of Reina, different from the popes of the past.

It seemed that the power of the aether [a mystical energy] she had obtained from the spirit realm was amplifying the divine power she had gained as Pope.

‘Perhaps the most incompatible person with Lich Arsen is not me, but Reina. With her spiritual power, she might be able to subdue Arsen easily.’

Of course, even so, Arsen would not be foolish enough to appear before her.

The moment he sensed her divine power from afar, he would run away.

Anyway, after the scene was somewhat settled, Luke led the procession to the Grand Temple again.

3

When Luke’s party arrived, the coronation ceremony was held at Brenden’s Grand Temple.

Reina, who had ascended to the high platform inside the Grand Temple, first conducted a mass to pray for the prosperity of the new nation of Symphonia and the stability of its people.

As the atmosphere matured with solemn rituals and beautiful, majestic hymns, Luke ascended to the platform.

At Reina’s nod, Luke knelt on one knee before her.

It was a knee that should not be bent to anyone as the king of a nation, but it was an exception during the coronation.

“You, Luke de Rakan, according to the will of Lord Elkasel, shall care for all people….”

Reina began to list the responsibilities he had to fulfill as king in a solemn voice.

Her lips spoke of the duties of a king, but her eyes held the gaze of a woman tenderly looking at her beloved.

It was the same for Luke.

“…Therefore, do you, Luke de Rakan, sincerely fulfill your duties as king in dealing with God and the people?”

“I shall.”

Reina nodded and received the crown from High Priest Maron, placing it on Luke’s head.

“I, Veronica III, Pope of the Holy Artenia Empire, by the sacred authority entrusted to me by the main god, declare that you have become the first king of the Symphonia Kingdom!”

At her words, hundreds of nobles who filled the Grand Temple, led by Philip, simultaneously raised their hands and shouted.

“Long live His Majesty the King!”

“May Symphonia last forever!”

Bang! Pop! Pop pop pop!

The honor guard, who had been waiting outside the Grand Temple, fired celebratory cannons all at once, hearing the cheers from inside.

The people, knowing that the coronation was over, also began to chant cheers.

“Congratulations.”

Reina approached Luke, who had risen from his seat, and said softly with a bright smile.

Luke replied with a slightly flushed face.

“Thank you.”

In fact, although he tried not to show it, he could not easily hide his swelling emotions.

Over 500 years ago, he was once called the Demon King, terrorizing the continent of Rodisia, but he had not even had a coronation, let alone congratulations.

But now, he was having a coronation with the congratulations of everyone, and what’s more, it was presided over and blessed by the incarnation of Katarina, the person he loved most, which made his heart swell.

‘I can do it! This time, I will definitely…!’

Luke, excited by his swelling emotions, drew his sword and raised it to the sky, declaring before everyone.

“I swear to the main god and all the people, I, Luke de Rakan, will create a world where people can live like people, and a country where everyone can have hope without being subjected to unfair discrimination and oppression!”

Luke’s voice, amplified by aura and mana, spread not only through the Grand Temple but also to the square.

The nobles and people, uplifted by his declaration, cheered even louder.

“Long live His Majesty the King!”

“May God bless Symphonia!”

Thus, as the coronation successfully concluded, the history of the Symphonia Kingdom, which would cause a storm on the continent, began.

After the coronation was a celebratory banquet.

Despite the order to save the budget, the royal palace banquet hall, which was quite lavishly prepared, was filled with nobles from Symphonia and envoys from various countries.

They listened to the soft music of the orchestra and gathered in groups of nobles who were acquainted with each other to converse.

“I heard that Baron Rogers, who is a Sword Master, has been promoted to Marquis?”

“Yes, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Army in this reshuffle.”

“I heard that Sir Philip, His Majesty’s bodyguard, also received a title?”

“Sir Philip has been promoted to Commander of the 1st Army, which is mainly composed of the Rakan Knights. He was also granted the title of Count.”

The day before the coronation, Luke carried out the personnel appointments of his retainers, who could be called his close aides.

According to the appointments, Baron Rogers, the commander of the territorial army, was promoted to Marquis, a jump of three ranks, and became the Commander-in-Chief of the Symphonia Royal Army.

Philip was appointed commander of the Central 1st Army and granted the title of Count. Kaper, who received the title of Baron, became the commander of the Western 2nd Army, where the Unicorn Knights were stationed.

In addition to the existing retainers of the Rakan family, nobles from the former Milton Kingdom were also granted appropriate titles and positions based on their abilities.

Count Renold Gram was placed in charge of the Iron Heart Knights, primarily composed of the old Iron Fist Knights, and also took command of the Northern 3rd Army. His brother, Renard Gram, who also received the title of Count, was appointed as the commander of the Eastern 4th Army.

“I heard that Marquis Volant was appointed as the commander of the Southern 5th Army?”

“Yes, it’s said that His Majesty has entrusted him with the important task of training the navy, given his past experience in the Baroque Empire’s navy.”

And although it wasn’t publicly announced, Luke referred to the territorial army stationed in the Alberville territory as the 6th Army.

He granted the title of Count to Bellic the Firestorm, who was in charge of it, but Bellic vehemently protested.

“What? A Count? In what world does a king make his father a Count? Even if he’s an adoptive father, this is too much. If you don’t want to see a mess, give me something appropriate right now!”

In the end, Luke had to appease Bellic by granting him the title of Grand Duke.

Since it was just a title and no separate territory was given, it wasn’t much of a burden.

In addition to these military appointments, Hans, the butler, was given the title of Duke and the position of Prime Minister, and Mute was to continue managing the Katarina Magic Tower, which had been promoted to the Royal Magic Tower, with the title of Count.

Also, Erewine was appointed as the court mage, and Zhuge Soha was appointed to the newly created position of court alchemist.

“By the way, did you see His Holiness the Pope’s face during the coronation?”

“No, he was wearing a thin veil, and the halo was so dazzling that I couldn’t look directly at his face.”

Some of the nobles who attended the coronation were as curious about the Pope’s identity as they were about Symphonia’s power structure.

They wanted to confirm whether Princess Reina had indeed become the Pope, as rumored, or if the rumors were just rumors.

Since Reina had stayed in the Baroque Empire for a long time, there were quite a few people who knew her face.

However, the nobles failed to confirm the Pope’s face throughout the coronation due to the subtle aura emanating from him.

“If Princess Reina is the Pope, it would be a huge event.”

“Indeed. If that happens, Symphonia could soon become the most powerful nation on the continent.”

Think about it.

The King of Symphonia and the Pope of the Holy Artenia Empire are married, forming a personal union.

If that were to happen, the international situation on the Rhodisia continent would revolve around the Symphonia Kingdom, which would become the sole dominant power.

“But does the Pope get married?”

“No, I know that there have been Popes with illegitimate children, but none who have married.”

“But according to the reformist priests, there is no mention in the Elcasel Order scriptures that marriage is forbidden?”

“However, high-ranking priests usually live celibate lives…”

While the nobles were murmuring and talking, the chamberlain came in and shouted in a loud voice.

“His Majesty the King is entering! Everyone, show respect!”

The music stopped, and the nobles all bowed their heads towards the entrance.

“Long live His Majesty the King!”

“Long live!”

Amidst the cheers of the people, two people entered hand in hand.

It was Luke, the protagonist of the coronation, and a young woman.

She was wearing a simple white dress and a butterfly mask, making it impossible to see her face.

However, judging from her figure and the facial contours revealed through the dress, she was quite beautiful.

‘Wait, who is that woman?’

‘Is she one of the two beauties who came with the coronation?’

‘Could it be His Holiness the Pope?’

‘That’s impossible. Would they make such an obvious move in front of everyone?’

‘Still, if His Holiness the Pope is Princess Reina….’

Leaving the nobles’ questions behind, Luke, who had arrived at the center of the banquet hall, looked around for a moment and then began to speak.

“Thank you all for attending my coronation. Although there isn’t much prepared, I hope you enjoy yourselves.”

With a brief greeting, the music started again, and Luke went to the center of the hall with the woman wearing the butterfly mask.

“It’s been a while since we danced like this together.”

“It has. We haven’t met since the end of the civil war in the Holy Empire.”

The identity of the woman with the butterfly mask was Reina.

She thought it was okay to reveal her identity, but Grand Duke Gregory told her that now was not the time and stopped her.

Luke was also against it, so Reina had no choice but to step back.

However, Luke, who wanted to enjoy the coronation party with her, didn’t just stop her but suggested an alternative.

That was the butterfly mask that Reina was wearing now.

Thanks to this, the nobles had to rack their brains without being able to easily confirm anything.

Of course, the old retainers of Volga, who knew the inside story, were just smiling contentedly.

“Please wait a little longer. I will grow strong enough so that no one can say anything about our relationship.”

“Yes, I will help you in the Holy Empire.”

The two danced to the soft music.

Their elegant and beautiful appearance caused exclamations to erupt throughout the hall.

“They are such a perfect couple!”

“I don’t know who she is, but that butterfly-masked beauty is a worthy candidate for queen.”

There were people who were inwardly uncomfortable with these evaluations.

They were Erewine and Zhuge Soha.

They had also lightly disguised themselves and attended the banquet, where they saw Luke and Reina.

Luke was looking at Reina with a kind gaze that he never showed to others, and Reina was also acting like an ordinary woman in love, not the Pope of the Holy Empire.

From this, they could see how much the two loved each other.

“We lost.”

“Right? They are an opponent we can never win against.”

Overwhelmed by a sense of defeat, the two women sighed in unison for the first time.

Meanwhile, the joyful music ended.

Then, Reina, who had enjoyed a dance, moved away from Luke.

“Huh? Where are you going?”

“I’m going to meet the ladies who are flirting with you.”

“Th, that’s an absurd accusation…!”

“Hahaha. I’ll be back in a bit.”

Just before coming here, she had heard from the Holy Empire’s intelligence department that there were two stunning beauties by Luke’s side.

According to the intelligence report, they had played a major role in the war against the Milton Kingdom.

However, it was also said that they seemed to have feelings for Luke.

So, out of curiosity, she decided to meet them in person.

She had already met one of them, Erewine.

They had been together to open the gate to the spirit realm as disciples of the high elf Erenes.

However, the woman who came from the Southern Continent was a first for her.

Reina, standing in front of the two women, bowed her head slightly and greeted them.

“It’s been a while, Erewine. And you must be Zhuge Soha? It’s nice to meet you.”

“Ah, yes. It is an honor to meet you, Your… no, Princess.”

Zhuge Soha, flustered, almost bowed deeply as she would in her home country.

That was how much dignity and grace Reina exuded as royalty.

No, it wasn’t just that.

Her senses as an alchemist made her feel the holy and vast energy that resided within Reina.

“I heard that you helped my love a lot by defeating the Grenada navy in this war.”

“Th, that’s… just a small contribution.”

Zhuge Soha answered, slightly nervous.

She was worried that Reina might be trying to punish a wicked woman who was trying to seduce her man.

However, that was a misunderstanding based on Soha’s ignorance of Reina’s personality.

Reina, grabbing Zhuge Soha’s hand, smiled warmly and said,

“In order to create the world that he dreams of, we need many talented people like you. So please continue to help him.”

“Yes? Is, is it okay for me to continue to stay by His Majesty’s side?”

Zhuge Soha’s eyes widened in confusion.

In a way, she was just a latecomer, a rival trying to steal her man.

If the situation were reversed and Soha was Reina, she would never have allowed a rival to stay by her beloved man’s side.

But Reina was not called a saint for nothing.

“Oh my, do I look like I want to take you away from him?”

“Ah, no.”

“Huhu. To be honest, I was a little angry when I first heard about you. But seeing you today, it seems that your feelings for him are genuine.”

Reina had been observing Zhuge Soha and Erewine’s reactions even while dancing a little while ago… no, even while the coronation was in progress.

And she could sense what the regretful expressions on their faces were about.

“I know that your and Erewine’s feelings are genuine, so I’ve decided to watch you for a while. But I won’t be cheering you on.”

Everyone wants to monopolize the person they love, not share them with others.

Reina was no different.

However, she decided to respect Luke’s wishes.

‘Luke is now the king of a nation. And I can’t always be by his side….’

So, if there ever came a time when he had to accept another woman besides her due to political issues or various complicated circumstances, she had decided to accept it willingly.

In other words, Reina’s statement now was giving the two women a chance.

“Th, thank you! I am eternally grateful!”

“Thank you, Princess.”

Zhuge Soha and Erewine, who understood the meaning of Reina’s words, repeatedly bowed their heads to her, expressing their gratitude.

The nobles watched the scene with curious eyes. They were very curious about what kind of conversation had taken place between the three beauties.

However, Luke, who roughly knew the situation, couldn’t help but sweat profusely with an unknown sense of unease.