A parade was going through the streets of the holy city. At the front of the procession, were two lizard riders pulling a cart. Upon the bronze-plated wooden cart stood Stella, the youngest Princess. She was smiling and waving at the people around her, as they cheered and chanted."Long live the Queen!" This cheer was now ringing throughout the whole city. Children who were moving together with the procession carried baskets full of flower petals. They scattered these petals in the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Stella had a divine appearance and many citizens felt like a divine figure was walking among them. Behind Stella's cart, was a second cart, also drawn by two lizard riders. Upon this cart lay the head of the drake. It had been three months since the drake was slain, yet its fierce and menacing aura had not dissipated. Even only as a head, the drake instilled fear and awe in the hearts of all those who gazed at it. A column of lizard riders followed. This display of strength instilled awe and respect in all citizens of the capital. It was the first time for most of them, that they witnessed a lizard rider. The power in those creatures and their sharp claws struck fear in their hearts. When they looked at the size of the drake's head, it was difficult to believe, that such a powerful creature had been killed.

The procession traveled through the town before it came to a halt at the foot of the temple. There in front of the stairs stood Minsol and his wife Caeluma. To the side of Caeluma stood her friend and the adoptive aunt to all the royal children, Spreta. On Minsol's right stood Inpar, Feidi, and Natursorror, Minsol's eldest daughter. She had chosen to support neither side during the competition and instead helped manage the capital. On Minsol's left stood Mundus and his two brothers. The parade stopped before the temple and Stella dismounted from the cart. She stepped before Minsol and kneeled. "Rise, my daughter." Minsol offered Stella a hand and helped her to her feet. "Come with me to the sacred temple. There you will be crowned Queen before the presence of God." Minsol then turned and started climbing the stairs leading to the temple at the top of the pyramid.

Before Stella followed she glanced at the expressions of the royal family. Natusoror had a calm smile and gave her a little nod. Feidi revealed a proud expression, and Stella could almost feel the happiness radiate off of her. Inpar wore a neutral expression as if the happenings on this day had nothing to do with him. Caeluma wore a modest yet proud smile and nodded reassuringly at Stella. Spreta flashed a smile, yet the curve of her mouth didn't quite reach her eyes. Mundus wore a grim expression but gave a respectful nod when Stella glanced over. Her remaining brothers did the same. Stella hurried after Minsol, not intending to make God wait. Her heart beat fast and her palms were sweaty. She could feel the rhythmic thump in her chest and her the blood flow in her ears with each beat. It had been almost nine years since she last had seen God.

At the top He awaited. The only reason He was here today, was because Minsol had asked him to be here. His project at the continent's center was at a critical stage and was close to completion. He was floating close to the statue Minsol had built for Him, waiting until his firstborn would finish scaling the many steps leading to the temple. Finally, two figures entered the main hall. God gazed at them, as they approached the large stone statue and kneeled next to the kneeling statue. Minsol was the first to break the silence. "God, today I bring to You my youngest daughter, Stella. I wish to proclaim her my successor and instate her as Queen. God, do You give her Your blessing?" God gazed down at Minsol, who was earnestly looking up to Him and then glanced at Stella, who dared not gaze directly at God.

"Minsol, my firstborn, if you say that you wish for her to be the ruler of humanity then so be it. As I've said, matters pertaining to mortals have nothing to do with God. Do as you wish. Consider this as me giving you my blessing." Stella shuddered but didn't say a word. Minsol nodded his head before standing up and turning to Stella. "With God's blessing, I proclaim you now Queen of humanity. It is your duty now, to care for and protect the good of the people." Minsol placed a bronze crown on Stella's head. The crown was carved with various reliefs. Some showed the creation of the world, while others depicted the birth of humanity. One of the reliefs showed two girls and one boy locked in combat with a drake. Stella felt a turmoil of emotions. "Thank you, father. I will not disappoint you. I am going to protect humanity and lead it to prosperity." Minsol nodded his head in satisfaction, before offering her a hand. "Come now. You are now the ruler of humanity, and everyone is relying on you now. Above all never forget two key things. First, God is always above all. Ensure that humanity stays forever faithful. Second, never get lost in the feeling of power. God warned, that people who gain power, get corrupted by it. Make sure that doesn't happen to you." Stella nodded her head solemnly and stated that she understood. Minsol nodded his head with satisfaction and brought her to the temple entrance.

God watched them leave while remaining motionless hanging in the air, unmoving, eternal. After Stella and Minsol left the temple, they announced that Stella had become queen, making the populace cheer in celebration. They then had a grand feast. Many exotic delicacies were on display, though most were brought over from the southern jungle. The entire city celebrated the entire day and stories of this celebration would be told for many years. In the evening, when the festivities were in full swing, Minsol left the celebration and climbed the stairs, finding God before the statue once more. "I felt that You were about to leave, so I wished to come bid You farewell." Minsol came to the foot of the statue and gazed at God.

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God was currently examining the carvings inscribed into the walls of the great hall. Previously there had been a few blank walls at the side, but they were now partially covered. The one God stood in front of now showed an army of humans fighting against a drake. Three figures were floating above the army, with a halo around them. They had their arms spread out and were gazing upwards, from which rays shined upon them. "Do you truly believe that Stella is the best ruler for humanity?" Minsol didn't expect this question from God but answered swiftly nonetheless. "I believe that she will be a fair and just ruler. " God shook his head or would have if he had a body. "I didn't ask that. My question was specifically whether she would be the best ruler for humanity." Minsol let out a helpless smile."She is the best ruler that fulfills all criteria." "Those criteria being?" God's voice was poignant. Minsol shifted uncomfortably. "First the ruler of humanity must have royal blood. Second, the ruler must be faithful. Third they must be competent. Those are all." God gazed intently at Minsol. "Would you say Stella is the best ruler if we were to ignore the second condition?" Minsol let out a soft cough. "No, I believe Mundus would be a better ruler if we were to ignore faith." God let out a light sigh. "If even you say that, then what do you think the others think?" Minsol tilted his head to the side. "What do You mean, God?" "I am referring to the discontent that certain people might have. There will be those who feel you chose Stella instead of Mundus solely due to faith, and they'd be right. There are going to be those who don't agree with your choice, and there might be some among those who would do something drastic."

Minsol eagerly nodded his head and let out a confident smile. "Hmm I know, but I trust Stella to figure it out. She has gotten your blessing after all." Seeing Minsol act so boastful, God could only sigh. "God, there was another thing I wished to talk to you about." This piqued God's interest, as usually Minsol never asked Him for anything. "What is it Minsol?" Minsol fidgeted with his fingers and seemed overall hesitant. This sight puzzled God, as there was usually nothing holding Minsol back from sharing his deepest thoughts with God. After a second of silence, Minsol let out a shaky breath and started talking. "God, you probably know of the vow I made all these years ago. The one to Spreta and Venator when I failed to save him." God did indeed know what Minsol was referring to.

During Venator's funeral, Spreta confronted Minsol. Minsol had tried to comfort her but Spreta instead screamed at him. Spreta accused Minsol of being unable to understand what death is because he was the firstborn of God. He had His protection and light. At that time, and even now there aren't many who believe that Minsol is truly mortal. Minsol was eager to deny her claims, speaking of the time when God revealed to him that nothing was eternal except for God. It was at that time, that Spreta got Minsol to make the vow that should the day come when Minsol would face his end, he wouldn't run or hide from it but would face it like Venator had. This had calmed Spreta down enough so that Caeluma could hug her tightly and calm her down further. Minsol had thought nothing much of it at the moment. He had known that compared to God, nothing and no one was eternal, so he didn't think he would be scared of death, and yet... "I am scared God. I vowed to Spreta and Venator not to fear death and to face it head-on, but over the years I have felt my body grow weaker. I am no longer as strong as I used to be, no longer as fast or quick-witted. The only thing that has stayed the same is the power I borrowed from you." Hearing and feeling Minsols worries over their bond made God let out a sigh. "You have always refused me when I offered you to restore your body. Are you saying you want me to use my powers, to restore your youth for you?" Minsol frantically waved his hands back and forth while shaking his head. "No, God! I wouldn't dare break my vow. It would be truly too lonely to watch Caeluma and the others age and die, while I alone remained." Minsol didn't mention the possibility of Him restoring the youth of his companions, as he knew God wouldn't let that happen.

"No, what I am here for, is to ask you something. It's a question that has been nagging at me for a few years now. God, what happens after death?" God let out a hum while taking in Minsol's words. "The matters concerning the living should be handled by the living. The matters of the dead should be handled by the dead. Let me tell you this, however, death is not the end. Not for you and not for anyone else. As for what happens afterward... You will have to find that out for yourself. Your vow wouldn't have much meaning otherwise." With an amused chuckle, God departed, leaving Minsol alone in the hall. Minsol let out a sigh and revealed a resigned expression. "I understand, God. Thank you for always looking out for me." With a steady and tranquil heart, Minsol once more arose a satisfied expression, marred only by the slightest hint of worry and uncertainty.