Chapter 748: Coronation of the Reluctant King

Dave (5)

‘What a farce.’

Inside the grand hall.

Golden chandeliers, gold plates and candlesticks, choir, and regalia adorned with various jewels.

Looking at the wooden throne at the center, Edward X thought.

‘It’s all nonsense.’

I’ll admit it, Puppet’s planning was impeccable.

He prepared the coronation extremely well.

He emptied the palace hall and recreated the exact interior of the traditional coronation temple.

He gathered the Central Council, minor royals, nobles, foreign dignitaries, and affluent people like Ms. Miranda to fit the coronation’s prestige.

He even prepared the formal attire and accessories for everyone without missing a single detail.

Yet, despite all that, it still felt fake.

Just looking at the people forced to attend told me as much.

They weren’t looking at me—the supposed star of the coronation. No, they were watching the royal secretaries with wary eyes.

From their gazes alone, I could tell I wasn’t the true master of this ceremony.

It was a farce… and I was nothing more than a prop.

Despite inheriting the crown and becoming the new king of the United Kingdom.

How ridiculous!

‘Your Majesty, the preparations are complete. Shall we begin?’

I couldn’t really blame them.

Anyone who refused to participate in this coronation was killed by the royal secretaries, leaving only those who swayed like reeds in the wind.

And I, as the figurehead, wasn’t an exception.

‘There’s… no issue.’

Proof of that was my inability to slap the royal secretary in front of me. I could only give an answer.

I had already surrendered to violence.

Puppet’s words echoed in my ears.

‘You know, right? Just how cowardly you are.’

That voice, mocking my cowardice… It was confident I’d never resist.

Because I was too precious of a coward to do something so pathetic…

Ah…

A sweet hymn rang out.

The guests in attendance stood from their seats, all eyes on me.

On Edward X, the one about to inherit the throne.

As I stepped forward, I vowed in my heart.

‘Just wait and see.’

It was directed at Puppet, who looked down on me.

I planned to ruin everything, everything Puppet had prepared.

It wouldn’t be hard.

Even now, while the city burns, Puppet pressed ahead with the coronation.

That meant the coronation was crucial for his so-called apocalypse.

So what if the coronation was ruined?

I quietly followed Puppet’s orders, all for that moment.

Not out of fear, but to mess things up for Puppet! To keep what little pride I had as a prince! I wasn’t afraid!

As the procession marched toward the wooden throne, I calculated when to cause trouble and wreck this farce.

Should I do it when they crowned me?

Right after the oath? While placing the crown?

Or when the Dark Priest began the oath?

Or maybe… right now?

That sounded amusing. If I suddenly turned and fled while everyone watched, it would surely be hilarious.

At least I could go down in history as the most failed coronation ever.

‘Huh?’

As I thought that, I felt something strange. It felt like someone was holding me.

‘No…’

It wasn’t my imagination. Someone really was holding me, gripping my shoulders and neck.

Who could it be?

A cold sweat ran down my back as I instinctively glanced around.

‘What the hell is that?’

There were vague entities perched on everyone’s shoulders.

They lifted people up by their long, thin arms, forcing smiles on their faces.

Ominous… disgusting, even sacrilegious.

‘Stop it…’

I commanded my legs.

Not to ruin Puppet’s plans—but to survive.

But the unknown force moved my legs against my will.

Just like those hands lifted people and forced smiles.

As the hymn neared its end, I arrived before the wooden throne.

The Dark Priest, controlled by a shadowy figure, and treasures like golden candlesticks and plates were there.

The shine was so bright that I could see my reflection.

And I saw them clearly.

Those shadowy figures manipulating me from my shoulders.

They moved their disgusting long hands and forced me to sit on the wooden throne. At the same time, the room began to warm up.

The heat didn’t subside but intensified. Soon, people seated at the far end of the coronation hall began burning silently.

Amid that horrific sight, the Dark Priest stepped forward.

The shadow above him forced his mouth to speak.

‘Do you swear the oath, Your Majesty?’

***

‘Everyone, stay calm! Over here!’

Soldiers of the Kel Independent Free Army shouted amidst the burning capital.

It looked as if the rebellion had succeeded, and they were attacking civilians, but the opposite was true.

Surprisingly, those who had fought the United Kingdom their entire lives were now focused on saving lives.

Although Oliver had influenced them, they acted of their own will.

It wasn’t just the Kel Independent Free Army.

Some members of the Randa Z-District Anti-Development Committee, the Selectors, and a part of the Fighter Crew were also rescuing civilians from the blazing capital.

‘Here! Help us lift this! Someone’s trapped!’

‘Move aside.’

‘Don’t worry, follow us. He may look scary, but he won’t bite.’

‘Hey…’

‘Everyone, stay in line, please!’

Despite the chaos, the various groups worked together efficiently, rescuing civilians.

But…

‘We need more time.’

Bartholomew, elder of the Anti-Development Committee, approached Oliver with this report.

‘Is that so?’

‘The evacuation is going well, but the number of civilians is too high. If the Signs begin now, it will cause problems.’

The Signs—the calamities that preceded the demons’ descent.

Water turned to blood, and from that blood came a plague of frogs. At first glance, it might not seem like much, but as the Signs progressed, the damage could surpass any disaster.

But even worse than the Signs was the fact that as it progressed, the demon gained more influence in the human world.

A quarter of the city could burn down, or the Holy Power could vanish entirely. The holiest city could turn into the most cursed.

What if the Signs progressed beyond that?

It was a serious concern, but Oliver chose not to dwell on it. He would stop it.

‘Don’t worry, Bartholomew. I’ll make sure nothing happens before the evacuation is complete.’

Not ‘I’ll try,’ but ‘I’ll make sure,’ Oliver declared with certainty.

‘So please, focus on the evacuation.’

‘…Understood.’

‘And once everyone is safe, you and the others should leave too. Especially Marie and Joe.’

Not far away, Marie and Joe were working to save civilians. Despite assurances, Oliver still felt uneasy.

Bartholomew nodded again.

‘I’ll take responsibility for them.’

‘Thank you… Anything else?’

Seeing Bartholomew hesitate, Oliver asked. The elder bowed his head in gratitude.

‘I wanted to say thank you.’

‘Thank me? I haven’t done anything to deserve that.’

‘For absolving us of our long-standing sins-‘

‘-Don’t misunderstand, Bartholomew. I never absolved you.’

‘…’

‘I can’t undo someone’s sins with a few words. What I can offer is a chance.’

‘…’

‘So don’t take it lightly. Don’t absolve yourself so easily.’

‘I’m sorry.’

With his face wrapped in bandages, it was hard to make out Bartholomew’s expression, but his voice darkened as he bowed and stepped back.

It seemed difficult for him to move as he staggered backward before leaping through the air.

‘You’re quite strict, aren’t you?’

As Bartholomew left, Jane spoke from behind Oliver.

She was wearing worn-out clothes, covered in sweat and soot, trying not to stand out.

When Oliver turned to look at her, she took off her hat, revealing her pink hair.

‘Ah, that’s better. I thought I was going to suffocate.”

‘I agree. You look better this way, Ms. Jane.’

Jane blinked in surprise at his unexpected remark, but quickly returned to her usual expression.

‘Hehe, you’ve really been through a lot, huh? Even making such cute comments now.’

‘I’ve always told you you’re pretty.’

‘Sure, but the nuance and sincerity were different this time.’

‘I’ve always been sincere. Just wasn’t good at expressing it.’

Jane’s face showed a mix of happiness and fear. It was the face of someone who saw an old friend changing before their eyes.

Oliver silently watched her. Despite Prince Albert, Philip, and Terence having already evacuated, Jane remained.

He waited for whatever she wanted to say.

Finally, after a long pause, Jane spoke.

‘Can you really see sins?’

‘Yes. You’re not surprised?’

‘With Dave, nothing you say can surprise me.’

‘Then why ask?’

‘Because I’m curious if you can really see sin.’

‘Does that bother you?’

‘Yes… It’s a bit embarrassing.’

Jane smiled, using it to mask her real emotions.

It was the kind of emotion people feel when they want to hide their vulnerabilities from close ones. Shame.

And now that vulnerable part of herself was exposed in front of the last person she wanted to see it.

‘I do see it. Your sins, Jane.’

Oliver spoke to the frozen Jane.

Even though she had expected this, hearing it directly shocked her still more.

But what he said next was even more shocking.

‘But what does it matter? Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?’

Jane recalled his earlier words.

‘…Anyone here without sin or who hasn’t failed in their duty, feel free to come and take the prince.’

‘I remember.’

‘Good.’

‘Everyone makes mistakes in life. It’s how we grow. And Jane, I believe you are capable of that.’

‘Why are you so sure?’

‘You’ve earned a lot of money yet didn’t stop striving. You didn’t forget your friends, you made donations, and you even came to the capital to help me. You sent Kirby and Slightly to safety. It’s not me who believes in you—it’s you who proved it to me.’

Jane felt comforted. She had been comforted by Oliver’s words before, but this time it was deeper.

Like a compass in an endless sea, yet that comfort brought guilt.

‘I didn’t come to the capital only for that reason. I had no choice.’

The Sisterhood had invested in many illegitimate heirs of the upper class, but they also bound them with chains.

Chains to prevent them from forgetting their place due to sudden wealth. Jane was no different, forced to come to the capital because of those chains.

Those chains were…

‘And?’

‘What?’

‘And? So what? Jane, you’re still you. Frankly, I find you strange.”

Jane listened closely.

‘You’ve started treating me differently ever since. Sure, I’ve gotten wealthier, more fashionable, and even funnier.’

‘But I’m still me. I’m the same person you used to know.’

Jane looked deeply into Oliver’s eyes.

‘So treat me the way you used to. That would make me happy.’

Ribbit.

‘What was that?!’

In the distance, people screamed and fell back.

From the bloodied fountain, frogs began pouring out.

The Signs had begun.

‘It was nice talking, but I think it’s time to go. Ms. Jane, you should leave with Lady Edith. Even though she’s pretending not to, she’s waiting for you.’

Oliver looked towards Edith, standing near the spreading flames. She flipped him off.

Jane looked at Edith, then turned back to Oliver.

‘Dave.’

‘Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.’

‘No, that’s not it.’

‘?’

‘Your sense of humor isn’t improving. Not at all. Really.’

‘Ah, my heart-‘

Before Oliver could finish, Jane jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, pressing her lips briefly to his cheek.

With a shaky voice, she whispered in his ear.

‘I’ll wait. I’ll teach you a really good joke.’

‘I’m looking forward to it…’

Jane wiped her teary eyes and, after one last glance, ran toward Edith and into the flames.

Now completely alone, Oliver headed toward the fountain from which the frogs were pouring.

Tap.

Ribbit.

Tap.

Ribbit. Ribbit.

Tap.

Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit.

Tap.

Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit.

‘Damn frogs…!’

‘Aren’t you scared?!’

The soldiers and civilians trying to escape screamed in disgust and fear as they stomped and smashed the frogs. But the frogs continued to pour out, filling every gap.

There was no direct threat, but the sheer number of frogs thrown everyone into a panic.

If this kept up for a few more minutes, frogs would cover not just the streets but the entire city.

Clap!

At that moment, Oliver slammed his quarterstaff to the ground, drawing everyone’s attention.

The soldiers, the Kel Independent Free Army, the Anti-Development Committee, the Selectors, the Fighter Crew… even the frogs fell silent.

In that solemn silence, Oliver commanded:

‘Return to the place you came from!’