Chapter 358: Triumphal Ceremony, Crowning of the New King

War drums rumbled, arrows whizzed, and the neighing of war horses mixed with the shouts of soldiers.

The old knight rode in the lead, holding high the banner with the honeysuckle family crest, and shouted in a thunderous voice:

"The Duke has ordered that those who surrender will not be killed!"

The order penetrated the chaotic battlefield. Amid the earth-shaking noise, Duke Vic sat in the center of the army, his lips trembling slightly, his expression full of disbelief.

Just now, he witnessed with his own eyes Yeats and Phoenix fighting all the way from the bridge to high in the sky.

The famous knight commander of the continent, the most powerful person in the church, Phoenix, who was known as the "Immortal Sword", became a defeated opponent of Yeats! The smoke was filled with smoke, the flames were burning, the catapults made a "crackling" sound in the flames, the arrows broke through the wind, the cries for mercy, and the pungent smell of burning.

The scales of the goddess of victory tilted without a doubt!

Duke Vic was breathing hard and his heart was pounding with fear.

This will be a great victory that will shake the entire kingdom! Thick smoke billowed over the Derwent River.

With a snap, Phocas cut off the Lannister family's flag, pulled the reins, and stood up on his horse, shouting:

"The traitor Edward Lannister has been beheaded! Those who surrender will be spared!"

The ruins of the broken bridge are piled up on the exposed rocks of the riverbed.

Yeats stood on the bluestone washed by the river, holding a gun behind his back.

The eyes blessed by Eagle Vision Technique survey the battlefield.

Soon, Yeats noticed the Lord of Lannister, who was dragged unconscious on horseback by Earl Humphrey.

Amid the chaos, Phocas lied that his commander was dead in order to cause panic.

Witnessing Phoenix's defeat, the morale of the Lannister army had already dropped to freezing point.

After several rounds of arrow rain, the casualty rate exceeded 20%, and the army began to flee like an avalanche! Phocas's order was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

In an instant, the huge number of armored infantrymen knelt down in droves, and countless of them threw away their armor and helmets! Earl Humphrey was still trying to break through.

This giant bear-like warrior, holding a huge sword and extremely powerful, carried the unconscious Edward Lannister on his horse and fought his way out of a bloody path. He soon met Phocas, who was riding alone to intercept him.

"Phocas, let me go!" Earl Humphrey's face was covered in blood, his armor was stained dark red, and he roared, "The Lannisters will definitely reward you handsomely!"

Twenty years ago, Phocas was famous in the northern provinces and was one of the most famous generals in the kingdom.

Humphrey had also heard of his deeds and recognized this right-hand man under the Duke of Honeysuckle. He knew that defeat was inevitable today, but still hoped to lead the Duke of Lannister to escape.

"Traitors must be killed." The old knight's eyes were cold, "You are quite powerful, there is no need to associate with the thieves!"

Humphrey smiled sadly: "You should know the creed that knights abide by. For honor and loyalty, I am willing to die!"

Fokas's eyes changed slightly, showing respect, and he nodded solemnly to Humphrey: "You are a respectable knight, and I will do my best!"

Ding! Dazzling sparks flew from the swords of the two men.

Humphrey's sword skills were powerful and Phocas was also unstoppable. In just a short moment, the two had fought for five rounds. Although the former had to divide his attention to take care of the Duke of Lannister, he was a five-ring hero after all, and his strength was much better than Phocas, who was a four-ring hero.

Seizing the opportunity, Humphrey shouted angrily, and the giant sword cut off Phocas's sword with a "crack", and cut it down with a thunderous force! Phocas hid in the stirrup, curled up on the side of the saddle, and avoided Humphrey's sword with superb riding skills. He threw the broken sword aside, pulled out a long spear stuck in the corpse on the battlefield, and whistled in the wind, and swiftly counterattacked.

"Don't try to stop me, Phocas!" Humphrey roared.

Dark gold fighting spirit wrapped around the sword, and it suddenly swept across, cutting off the spear and spear of Fokasi! Ye Zhi searched for the magic cannon on the battlefield.

This alchemical creation that uses imperial magic crystals as energy is enough to pose a threat to the Six Rings Master.

In the army formation, there was a black-hooded wizard driving four magic puppets to escort a huge cart. Above the cart, the black magic cannon shone with a sharp luster in the sun.

At this moment, the black-hooded wizard was standing beside the magic cannon, secretly putting the gleaming crystal gem into his arms.

While looking around, the black hooded wizard noticed Ye Zhi's figure, was startled, pointed at Ye Zhi, and drove the magic puppet and said:

"Stop, stop him!"

After saying that, the Black Hooded Wizard tried his best to use the flying spell to try to escape from the battlefield!

Yeats was furious: "You want to leave after offending the Duke?"

The gun was wrapped in a majestic dark red light, and it swept out, smashing the four magic puppets into powder, and then it was thrown out like lightning, piercing the chest of the black hooded wizard! The black hooded wizard fell to the ground with blood flowing out of his mouth and a bitter face.

"It's not easy to make extra money these days..."

The royal magic crystal rolled out of his robe.

Ye Zhi blew a whistle, and a snow-white shadow flew across the sky. The snowy owl grabbed the magic crystal with its sharp claws and quickly flew back to Ye Zhi.

Rubbing the Snow Owl's round head, Ye Zhi looked at the golden amber-like Emperor-level magic crystal and pondered:

"These are suitable for the Snow Owl to help it advance to the Emperor-level Magical Beast..."

At this time, the sound of fierce fighting on the battlefield caught Yeats' attention.

Looking over, he saw that Phocas and Humphrey were fighting fiercely. Phocas was unarmed and in a critical situation! Yeats thought for a moment, threw the "Immortal Sword" Durandal in his hand, and shouted: "Phocas, catch it!"

The sword drew a sharp arc above the battlefield and fell accurately towards Phocas under Yeats' control.

Phocas was quick to act and grabbed Durandal. Suddenly, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

What is the origin of this sword, and how can it have such a majestic aura? This power is far beyond what Fokas can control, but even if he only uses a little bit of it, it is enough for him to turn the tide in the duel with Humphrey!

Ding! The swords collided again.

The incomparably solid holy sword, with both sharpness and defense, could cut through iron like mud, and immediately cut off the sword in Humphrey's hand! Seeing this, Humphrey looked up to the sky and let out a long sigh. He was about to fight with Phocas with his bare hands, but was knocked off his horse by Phocas' sword.

Boom! Humphrey looked up at the sky with a bitter face, only to see the smoke filling the sky and the setting sun looking like blood.

A low voice called out from beside him: "That's enough, Earl Humphrey."

Humphrey was stunned for a moment, and looked in the direction of the voice. He saw that the Lord of Lannister had already woken up, turned over and dismounted, straightened his collar calmly, and said:

"The defeat is already certain, so why not face it calmly and still retain the last bit of dignity..."

Humphrey choked up and said, "My Lord, this battle is not going well. It's not your fault. It's fate!"

Who could have thought that the Duke of Honeysuckle could defeat Master Phoenix, who was born in the Knights? Now, not only is Master Phoenix unconscious, but even his sword has been taken away by the enemy!

He was so young yet so powerful. Standing on the side of Queen Theresa was like the goddess of fate standing on the side of the royal family! Even so, Humphrey managed to stand up, leaning on the blade of his sword, and stood in front of the Duke of Lannister, whispering, "I'll stop him here, my Lord, go!"

"No... I'm the only one who can't leave..."

The Duke of Lannister wanted to fight back, but the gap in strength on paper was too great and he saw no possibility of a comeback.

To continue the fight, in the eyes of the Lord Lannister, would be a folly that would risk the lives of other members of the family.

When defeat is inevitable, taking the blame on oneself can also preserve the bloodline of the Lannister family.

Under the setting sun, Lannister's eyes were as deep as a pool of water. He chuckled bitterly as he heard the judgment Thomas made before the war.

"I really... underestimated him..."

On the battlefield, the wind was howling, but the footsteps were muffled.

The young Duke walked slowly towards us.

Looking at Ye Zhi, Fokasi's eyes showed respect. He knelt on one knee and offered his sword with both hands: "Master, thank you for your help!"

Ye Zhi nodded slightly and put away the 'Immortal Sword' Durandal.

As one of the three holy swords, it is said that Durandal can only unleash its true power in the hands of a knight who adheres to the spirit of chivalry.

Judging from its quality, Durandal is an epic weapon, and in Yeats's hands its power is not as strong as that of the magic spear Gajeborg.

But this is also because Yeats has not yet mastered the method of using [Durandel], and plans to ask the King of the Wild Hunt again when he has the chance.

After all, this sword was once his collection, so he must know more about it.

Immediately.

Ye Zhi looked at the Lord of Lannister with disdain and said:

"You are a smart person. You should know what your ending will be."

"I will renounce my Lannister identity, plead guilty in court, and then..."

The Lord of Lannister had a calm expression, raised his eyes deeply and looked at Yeats.

"Then, I look forward to what kind of future the Golden Lion Kingdom will usher in under the leadership of you and Theresa."

Please...collect 6...9...books...!

"It's a pity that you won't see that day, Your Excellency the Duke." Ye Zhi sighed.

"I am willing to accept the defeat, that's all." Lord Lannister said lightly.

After saying this, Lord Lannister looked at Humphrey beside him and nodded slightly.

Humphrey took a deep breath and shouted loudly: "In the name of Humphrey, all soldiers, lay down your weapons!"

Hoarse commands echoed across the battlefield, passed from one Lannister army to another.

"Earl Humphrey has ordered you to lay down your weapons!"

The pungent smell of gunpowder filled the battlefield, and after a brief silence, it was greeted by thunderous cheers!

The Frostwolf cavalry and light-armored longbowmen all raised their swords high and cheered excitedly, shaking the mountains and seas!

“We won!!”

"For the Duke of Honeysuckle! For Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Long live the Golden Lion Kingdom!!"

In a daze, Phoenix opened his eyes, looked at his empty hands, and then stretched out his hands to block the dazzling sunset.

He forced himself to open his eyes, and saw a tall figure standing with his back to the setting sun, speaking in a calm tone:

"Pay the ransom in exchange for your life."

On medieval battlefields, even a king could be captured by the enemy, but as long as a huge ransom was paid, he could survive.

Phoenix came back to his senses and realized that the sword [Durandel] had been taken away by him. He smiled bitterly and said, "After getting Durandel, are you still not satisfied?"

"What are you talking about? Durandal is the national treasure of the Kingdom of Roland. I will return it to them sooner or later!" Ye Zhi said without thinking. "Your life-saving money is another matter!"

According to the plot, Phoenix will betray the Vatican in the future and become an important member of the resistance.

Letting him go now is also part of Yeats' plan, but the ransom must still be demanded.

Phoenix was silent for a while, then sighed:

"Understood. I will order someone to raise the ransom as soon as possible..."

"A three-masted sailing battleship equipped with magic cannons." Ye Zhi suddenly said.

"What?" Phoenix was slightly stunned.

"Let the Hospitallers prepare a three-masted sailing battleship equipped with magic cannons as your ransom."

Ye Zhi smiled and said, "I believe they will be happy to exchange a ship for a six-ring master."

The sailing battleship is the highest product of the shipbuilding industry in this era. In the age of navigation with giant ships and cannons, the sailing battleship equipped with magic cannons is enough to pose a threat to the six-ring masters.

Phoenix closed his eyes and let out a sigh.

This duke is even more shrewd and difficult than I imagined...

The next day.

The good news from the battle at Stamford Bridge was reported back to London.

In this turbulent period of succession of thrones, nothing can boost people's morale better than a great victory.

After all, in the eyes of the people, Queen Theresa is the descendant of King Lionheart, and it is natural for her to ascend the throne.

The Duke of Honeysuckle, who had made great military achievements for the Queen, became a well-deserved hero!

The triumphal ceremony was held grandly in King's Square.

On the London Bridge that spans the two banks, flags flutter in the wind. The young duke, wearing silver armor and looking majestic, rides a snow-white warhorse across the bridge.

The soldiers followed closely behind, lined up in neat rows, their armor gleaming in the sun.

The whole capital was plunged into an atmosphere of jubilation and enthusiasm. The streets were surrounded by flowers and the scene was unprecedentedly grand. The procession paraded along the streets all the way to the King's Square.

On the high platform, Theresa, wearing a cloak embroidered with gold thread, a ruby ​​crown, and holding a scepter, was waiting for Yeats' arrival.

The warhorse neighed and the horse's hooves clapped lightly. Yeats, holding the reins, dismounted in front of the platform, came to Queen Theresa, knelt on one knee, and performed the knight's salute.

"Your Majesty, I have accomplished your mission."

Theresa's eyes, as blue as the sea, reflected the heroic figure of the young Duke, and her heart was touched.

Perhaps, even his father did not expect that he could end the Duke of Lannister's ambition by himself.

Although he is young, his prestige and strength are firmly at the top of the entire Midgard continent.

And then, the Roland Knights Conference, which was a gathering of great talents, would become a grand stage for him to demonstrate his military power and win glory for the kingdom! Theresa smiled, personally helped Ye Zhi up, and bestowed on him the "Order of the Thorn Flower", which symbolized the highest honor of the Golden Lion Kingdom.

The medal is engraved with the motto, "Those who offend me must be punished", and is attached with a protective magic called "Thorn Armor".

September.

Theresa was formally crowned at the Protestant Westminster Abbey on the banks of the Thames.

On that day, the whole country celebrated. One hundred doves of peace were released in the King's Square, and the solemn and loud bells of the Tower of Lundu echoed over the capital.

Queen Theresa specifically invited Yeats to stay in London for a longer period of time.

But Ye Zhi set out to return to his territory on the pretext of preparing for the Knights' Conference. When he left the royal capital, Theresa personally saw him off.

"Young master, why don't you stay in Lundu for a while longer?" Phocas asked while riding on his warhorse.

"The sailing battleship that the Knights used to exchange for the captured Phoenix has been docked at Whitefish Harbor. I have to go back and take over."

Ye Zhi smiled and said, "Also, Gray sent me a message that she will be back from Dragon Country in the next few days. I have to go to greet her."

Take Gray with you to hunt an imperial sea turtle and sacrifice it to the Messenger God. Kill two birds with one stone! ...

(End of this chapter)