Chapter 172: The Truth: Emperor's Celebration [VIP]
The party continued until late at night.
The campfire was filled with members of the Sioux, Shem, and Hamitic tribes who came to attend the feast. Magicians who lived in seclusion in the dense forests of Gora came to pay their respects. Many creatures with strange appearances living in the dense forests of Gora also stretched their bodies freely in the corners where neither the campfire nor the moonlight could reach.
even--
The zombies hiding in the deepest underground of the jungle quietly popped their heads out from the bushes under the cover of night, timidly looking at the festive square with their blue eyes.
Upon discovering the arrival of the ghouls, the Sioux warriors were so nervous that their hair stood on end. They were about to expel these uninvited guests.
"Let them in."
Ram's attendants, who had come with the Son of God, suddenly appeared and told the Sioux warriors, "They came here to see the Son of God and the Son of God."
"Them? Are you sure?"
The Sioux warriors looked at Ram in disbelief, who could speak the common language of the jungle.
"Yes."
Kelly smiled and nodded. Then, with the help of the mage, he called out to the ghouls in the bushes, "Come out! The Son of God and the Son of the Saint know you're here, and they're looking forward to meeting you."
"Woo woo~"
The zombies understood Kelly's call and walked out of the bushes carefully. They curled up their hairy and skinny bodies and looked at the Sioux warriors vigilantly with their blue eyes glowing red.
"Don't be nervous, they will let you in."
After saying that, Kelly led the zombies through the wall of Sioux warriors and into the four-cornered tent in the center of the square.
…
With the help of the magic lighting tools, Xiao Yun looked at the zombies brought back by Kelly with great interest.
Their body size is not much different from that of humans. Adults are about 1.5 meters tall. Most of their bodies are covered with long dark brown hair. The hair around the abdomen is sparse, with a circle of soft white short hair. The facial hair is lighter in color, and the ears grow on the top of the head. The blue eyes reflect red light under the light. The nose is flat and close to the protruding mouth, and there are thick and large fangs in the mouth, which makes them look like wild beasts.
Their limbs are more slender than those of humans, similar to those of apes. The backs of their palms and feet are covered with black bristles, and their fingers and toes end with curved sharp claws. They can walk upright on two legs, but because their backs are too sharply bent and their hands are too long, their walking posture is between that of humans and gibbons.
"Um……"
Xiao Yun looked carefully for a long time and concluded, "I don't think there's much difference between you and us."
[Woohoo~woohoo~He said we already look like humans~woohoo~]
The ghouls cheered ecstatically.
Their IQ had deteriorated so severely that they didn't even realize that Xiao Yun was actually using the common language of the Western Continent, which they could not understand at all.
"In fact, I've always thought you were a subspecies of human."
Xiao Yun added.
The information about the ghouls provided by the system is flowing silently through the field of vision.
[…The origins of the scavenging humanoids known as “ghouls” are extremely complex.
The mutated humans who suffered radiation distortion after the destruction of the Eternal Empire are generally considered to be the first ghouls.
For thousands of years thereafter, there were bandits, women and children kidnapped by bandits, all kinds of "trash" that were not tolerated by mainstream society, and ordinary people who were persecuted and expelled... all of them fled into the dense forests of Gaola for various reasons.
They cannot obtain food from the wild through normal means, and are attacked by violent and dangerous creatures unique to the wilderness, such as forest wolves, carnivorous birds and beasts, venomous snakes, and blood-sucking plants. Eventually, out of fear for survival, they hide in caves in the deepest part of the forest, surviving by eating carrion, becoming veritable ghouls.
Long periods of miserable living have made them gradually forget their past as human beings, forgetting that they are also children of civilization. Only the instinct to survive remains. They grow long hair all over their bodies to keep warm, emit an unpleasant odor, and cry in suspicious voices in the middle of the night...
But even in this hell, they still retained their instinct to give birth, protect, and raise children, as well as their basic sense of beauty and ugliness. Therefore, they developed a deep-rooted worship and obedience for the Ya people, who looked like the elves in myths and legends...]
"Are you their boss?"
Xiao Yun stretched out his hand and reached out to the old zombie at the front of the team, whose hair had almost completely turned white.
[Woohoo~Woohoo~I~We~]
The old ghoul carefully stretched out its sharp claws and hooked Xiao Yun's fingers with trembling hands.
This action obviously requires great courage for the zombies.
"What do you want to tell me?"
[Ugh…wuwu…we…we want to go home, to return to the human world…]
The ghoul looked at Xiao Yun pitifully, his eyes evasive yet expectant.
"Of course, I know you were once human, and you still remember that you were once human... I will find a way as soon as possible, and I will definitely bring you back to the human world..."
! ]
The ghouls let out choked whimpers and chirps.
Then they lowered their heads, as if
, they should go back.”
Yaris suddenly spoke, his voice gentle but slightly hoarse: "The ghouls have lived in darkness underground for a long time, and their eyes can no longer withstand direct sunlight."
"I see."
Xiao Yun knelt on one knee and helped the already short and hunched ghoul leader to his feet. "I love this land and the lives that live on it, so I will definitely fulfill all the promises I made to this land."
[Woo… woo… woo…]
The ghoul leader grabbed Xiao Yun's cloak reluctantly, as if making some request.
Xiao Yun then took off his cloak and placed it in its hands: "In half an hour, the sun will rise. By then, I'm afraid you won't be able to return to your settlement normally."
[Woo-woo-woo~Woo-woo-woo~]
The ghoul leader choked with sobs. He carefully embraced the cloak Xiao Yun had given them, and led his fellow ghouls to bow their heads to the ground, deeply worshipping and saluting.
Taking advantage of the darkness before dawn, he returned with his fellow tribesmen along the same route.
Watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance, Xiao Yun felt a strong sense of responsibility surge in his heart again.
(Yes, not only do I have a special connection with Yaris, I also have a strong connection with this world... It is this bond that transcends time and space that has brought me back here, back to this planet... to accept the flame of light transformed from the heart of the ancient Panther-Headed Hero King...)
(If I am the "Son of God" prophesied in the ancient myths passed down by the barbarians... then Yaris, he, he must be...)
Xiao Yun subconsciously looked at Yaris.
In the ambiguous morning light, Yaris's profile was gentle and beautiful. Xiao Yun could see that he was smiling at him, with his long black hair draped smoothly over his thin shoulders.
(Yaris, who are you? The "Son of God and Son of Saint" in mythology, or—)
"——His Highness Yaris!"
The tall figure of the Ya tribe suddenly broke into the four-cornered tent.
Xiao Yun couldn't help but feel alert.
(If I remember correctly, this woman——)
"Ah, Lanatia, long time no see."
Yaris spoke softly and extended his slender and weak hand to Lanatia.
“…”
Lanatia's face showed obvious reluctance, but she was finally forced to walk quickly to Yaris out of politeness, kneel on one knee, hold the hand he extended, and kiss the back of his hand and the ring.
"Your Highness Yaris, you look well..."
"Yeah?"
A sarcastic smile appeared on Yaris's lips: "Lanadia, seeing me like this, are you secretly proud in your heart?"
"I……"
Lanatia's chest trembled violently.
"Indeed, you, like the rest of the Ya tribe, hate me deep in your heart, but you can't resist me. Because you know that even though I'm a crippled little bird living in the palm of the gods' hands, I'm still more favored by the gods than you, the chosen people of Bai Xu and the descendants of the elves who guard the gods' paradise. I can ask you for anything I want—"
"Well, this is Bai Ran's."
Lanatia silently clenched her fists.
Seeing this, Xiao Yun came behind Yaris with concern: "You are a little too excited."
"It's okay. I know what I'm doing and saying."
Yaris turned around and gently bit Xiao Yun's ear.
[I want to take this opportunity to take another good thing from the Ya tribe.]
[Don't mess around. What if they mistake these guys for the descendants of elves?]
They dare not.
Yaris smiled incredulously, giving Lanatia a nonchalant smile: "Something major has happened recently in both the Western Continent and the Eastern Continent."
"The Ya people have a strict principle of seclusion and will not actively inquire about information from the outside world."
Lanatia, realizing that Yaris was trying to plot against herself and the Ya tribe, said this with a cold expression.
"Both the Golden Dragon and the Dark Dragon have been resurrected."
"oh?"
"I don't think you know this."
"I……"
"In addition to the Golden Blade, the Ya Tribe's greatest treasure also includes a pair of wings forged from Rhine Gold, also gifted by the White God."
Yaris's smile is very gentle, even giving people a feeling of purity and innocence.
Lanatia, however——
"Your Highness Yaris!"
She screamed with excitement, "Why are you so greedy? You've already gotten so much! Why do you still want to have it all? I want to know if you have to get everything you can to feel at ease and satisfied! The misfortunes you are suffering now are the gods' punishment for your arrogance, greed, disregard for other people's feelings, and playing with other people's fate and even their lives!"
"Well, I'm indeed a very bad person. I enjoy playing with people's hearts, using my beautiful and pure appearance to deceive those who don't know me well. I can turn the loyalty and admiration of others into ashes simply because of a harmless whim... But even with such serious flaws in my character, the gods still like me, pamper me, and condone my reckless behavior, at most giving me a small punishment afterward."
Yaris looked at Lanatia arrogantly and emphasized, "Please deliver your golden wings here to my brother before the end of tomorrow."
“…”
Lanatia's eyes were about to spit fire.
Yaris emphasized: "That's it, don't delay."
"...His Highness Yaris!"
Lanatia raised her head and said word by word, "One day, you will fall into the abyss because of your arrogance!"
"It doesn't matter……"
Yaris smiled brightly and signaled Kelly to take Lanatia away.
"Lady Lanatia—"
"snort!"
Lanatia reluctantly stood up and left the tent angrily.
…
After Lanatia left, Yaris, who had spoken too much in one breath, immediately began to cough violently. The cough was very painful, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Seeing this, Xiao Yun quickly took the cup of water from the servant and fed him water while saying with concern: "You look like you are in a lot of pain..."
“It’s okay…it’s okay…”
Yaris gradually recovered his breath and grabbed Xiao Yun's hand: "I don't have much time left. I must get everything I can think of that will benefit you... Lanatia is right. I am a greedy person. I want to have everything, but... but..."
"Seeing you in pain, my heart aches, even..."
Xiao Yun said in a low voice, his voice slightly choked.
"What's wrong? Are you crying?"
"I'm sorry, I..."
"We will be able to return to the capital of Light soon and continue our lives."
Yaris's face was calm and indifferent.
"We have successfully ended the rule of the Edmund and Yura dynasties. You have become the emperor with supreme power. You can freely implement all policies and measures that benefit the country and the people. Reshape the entire country and even the entire Western Continent according to your ideas... As for me..."
Yali Si paused for a moment, then slowly grasped Xiao Yun's hand with her weak hands. She smiled and said, "I will spend most of my time resting, quietly reading, listening to music, and looking at the scenery. I will wait for you to finish your official duties and come back to me to talk to me... Even if you don't say anything, just sit next to me, I will feel supreme happiness... Yes, as long as I am with you, I will be happy."
"I will be with you every day. No matter how busy I am, I will always make time for you."
Xiao Yun suppressed his sadness and said firmly, "Well, when you feel better, I want to take you on a trip around the Western Continent. I'll ride the horse, and you'll lie in a custom-made carriage or sedan chair that allows you to lie down comfortably. Together, we'll admire all the beautiful scenery in this world that's worth remembering."
"OK……"
Yaris smiled weakly. "I've never liked being caged since I was a child. I wanted to fly like a bird and wander like a cloud. However, my identity and my body... But now, I'm free. I can completely rely on you and do what I've wanted to do under your protection..."
"Yes, you can do anything."
Xiao Yun lowered his head and kissed the Goddess of Love ring on the index finger of Yaris's left hand, cherishing his promise.
…
…
At noon, all the bell towers in the capital of the Kingdom of Light rang cheerfully - in the era when timers were still a luxury, almost every city would build a bell tower in the city center and ring a specified number of bells at regular intervals to tell the citizens the time - however, the bells that rang throughout the city at noon today had extremely special meaning to the residents of the Capital of Light and even the people of the entire Holy Sun Empire!
The emperor is back!
The first emperor of the Holy Sun Empire, Aura I, who was seriously injured in a desperate battle with the Demon Prince and had to go to the Tower of Denos for treatment, finally returned to the loyal capital with his beloved brother after four months of treatment!
Since the country had not yet recovered from the trauma of the civil war, the celebration ceremony was kept simple.
Even so, people are still looking forward to the emperor's first public appearance in four months.
…
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The melodious sound of bells announcing the emperor's imminent appearance resounded throughout the city.
In the lounge deep in the palace, Xiao Yun put on golden armor and a long purple cloak at Yaris's request. His already handsome face looked like a god descending from heaven against the backdrop of a golden crown inlaid with twelve kinds of gems.
When he walked out of the dressing room dragging his long cloak, everyone along the way was struck by a mysterious feeling.
(Ah! What an amazing existence!)
(Like a god!)
(Is this the choice of fate? What a great fate!)
(……)
Similar indescribable emotions touched everyone's heart, and they all turned their eyes to Xiao Yun. When Xiao Yun walked into the audience hall to receive the ministers, his body was immediately enveloped by layers of burning gazes from the audience.
Yaris, dressed in the white robes of a high priest, sat quietly on a small throne beside the golden throne. With his black eyes, which had lost much of their sight, he smiled at Xiao Yun, who was walking towards him, and uttered an elegant poem: "Who are you? Are you a miracle brought to me by a bard, or a grace bestowed upon me by fate?"
"I'm here to take you away."
Xiao Yun said gently, holding Yaris's hand.
Following his hand, Yaris slowly stood up and lowered his head.
The dark purple velvet curtain was lifted, and a handsome young man in a pure white military uniform and a short cloak walked out. He was Micah, the only son of Count Ansel.
Nian held a purple cushion in his hands, on which was placed a luxurious crown that was only slightly smaller than the emperor's crown and was also inlaid with twelve different kinds of gems.
Earl Nian came before the emperor holding the crown. Xiao Yun took the crown with both hands and solemnly placed it on Yaris's head. The craftsmen who were worried that the gold would scratch Yaris's fragile skin specially added a layer of purple velvet on the inside of the crown.
When the crown was put on properly, time in the hall seemed to stop instantly.
A strange tremor seized upon the hearts of all who witnessed this moment.
(At this moment—)
(Isn’t this scene really a re-enactment of a myth?)
(Under the starry sky of the gods, guided by fate, we are witnessing a miracle!)
(if you can--)
Immediately afterwards, excited applause and cheers rang out in the hall.
"Long live! Long live!"
Ulysses and John Deere, the two temporary prime ministers who had taken on the burden of rebuilding the country while Emperor Aula I was "recuperating", stepped forward first, swore all the ministers to the two men, kissed their fingers, and returned to their seats.
Afterwards, all the great nobles, important ministers, civil servants, and court ladies came forward one by one, presented their swords and swore their loyalty.
There was an endless stream of teams offering swords, so much so that Xiao Yun began to worry whether Yaris would become exhausted from standing for so long.
But even though his body was beginning to feel tired, Yaris still persevered until the end of the sword-offering ceremony with the support of his servants.
After all the courtiers present at the ceremony had completed their oaths, the ceremonial officer shouted again, "His Majesty Alfonso, Prince Regent of Barakanya, and His Royal Highness Kairusha, the former Crown Prince of Mongrel, salute His Majesty Emperor Aula I and His Royal Highness Yaris!"
The main door opened again, and Alfonso in a white suit and Kairusha in a black suit walked to the throne on the left and right with firm steps, stepping on the red carpet.
"On behalf of the Kingdom of Barakhania, please allow me to extend greetings and eternal respect to the first Emperor of the Holy Sun Empire, Aura I, and his brother, the respected and sacred High Priest Yaris."
Alfonso spoke first with the dignity and poise of a national monarch.
"The newly born Holy Sun Empire is honored to receive Barakhania's friendship."
Xiao Yun smiled and accepted Alfonso's salute.
Then, Kairusha stepped forward and spoke loudly, "As the Crown Prince of Monglis, I should have offered you blessings and greetings on behalf of Monglis. However, my brother has yet to forgive my actions. Therefore, please allow me to personally extend my heartfelt blessings to the first Emperor of the Holy Sun Empire, Aura I, and to his brother, the respected and sacred High Priest Yaris. I also implore the Holy Sun Empire to allow me and my followers to reside within the empire as guests for a long time."
——The biological mother of the current King of Monglis is Edmund's aunt, and his wife is Edmund's half-sister. Out of consideration for national interests, he officially recognized the Holy Sun Empire a month ago, but he refused to forgive Kairusha and announced that Kairusha would be stripped of his status as the Crown Prince of Monglis and exiled forever.
"Kairusha, you are the eternal friend of the new Holy Sun Empire."
Xiao Yun smiled, accepted Kairusha's blessing, and acknowledged his and his followers' guest status.
…
…
After the oath-taking ceremony, the etiquette officer asked the nobles who participated in the oath-taking ceremony to stand up and escorted His Majesty the Emperor and his brother back to the lounge to prepare for the national celebrations that would begin around 2 pm.
“May all of us be happy and blessed.”
Xiao Yun spoke absentmindedly, and as everyone watched, Yaris, who could barely hold on, left with his legs folded.
Watching the two disappear behind the velvet curtain, everyone couldn't help but feel a strong sense of satisfaction in their hearts again.
Ah! Our Emperor!
Our future!
…
As soon as the curtain fell, Xiao Yun immediately handed the crown and scepter to his followers, and carried Yaris, who had been holding on throughout the whole process, into the wheelchair.
"Brother, are you feeling tired? Do you want to ask the doctor and masseur to come over?"
"No need, my situation is not as bad as you think."
Yaris looked up and smiled at Xiao Yun: "I am very happy today, happier than ever before. I want to attend the national celebration with you this afternoon."
"Of course, as long as your body can handle it."
Xiao Yun held Yaris's hands and said, "I can't wait to let everyone know that we are very happy, very, very happy."
"Yes, yes, we are extremely happy."
Yaris lowered his head and gently rubbed the back of Xiao Yun's hand.
"so--"
Xiao Yun's face suddenly darkened. "In order for you to have enough energy to attend the celebration this afternoon, you must go to the lounge immediately to receive a professional massage and acupuncture."
"As you wish, my Emperor."
Yaris smiled mischievously like a child, raised his head and kissed the corner of Xiao Yun's mouth.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
