"Ahem, everyone please make your way inside for the coronation. The coronation shall begin shortly," said the Royal Steward.
The Royal Steward led the nobles to the massive throne room. When Thaddeus entered, he was so amazed, he stood in place and marveled at the majesty of the throne room.
He only moved when he heard a steward gently coughing, reminding him to move.
“That’s the problem with backwater nobles, they lack decorum,” said a disparaging noble.
“Phillip, be kind. This might be his first time in noble society. There are so many new and reinstate nobles, we must be cautious,” reminded his wife.
“Indeed, this new regime has changed the politics. Our power has waned, and we must work hard over these next few days to secure our position,” the husband agreed.
Hearing this, Thaddeus realized many nobles saw their positions as untenable. Old factions were splintered under the new emperor. And as Emperor Regulus worked to consolidate power, nobles needed to work twice as hard to secure positions within the new factions.
Putting the politics aside, Thaddeus scanned the throne room as he explored for his assigned seat. The throne room was vast, easily able to accommodate thousands of nobles and guests. Its towering ceilings, adorned with hand-painted frescoes depicting the history of The Akkadian Empire, seemed to reach to the heavens. Graceful columns of gleaming marble lined the walls, and the floor was laid with a mosaic of intricate patterns made from semiprecious stones, reflecting a blend of classical elegance and imperial grandeur.
At the far end of the room stood the throne itself, a masterful creation carved from a single block of ornate jade, inlaid with gold and studded with precious gemstones. The back of the throne was embellished with intricate carvings representing the divine right of the emperors and the unity of the seven forests. Surrounding the throne were lush velvet curtains of deep royal blue, held back by golden cords.
Every surface seemed to gleam with gold or sparkle with jewels. Crystal chandeliers, each holding hundreds of candles, cast a warm, radiant glow across the room. Statues of past emperors and mythical creatures stood sentinel along the walls, looking down upon the guests with imposing grace. Rich tapestries depicting scenes from Akkadian legends hung between the columns, adding both color and depth to the space.
Decorative benches for the guests were made from polished mahogany, with cushions of the finest silk in shades of gold, red, and purple, the imperial colors. Each bench was positioned perfectly, creating a harmonious symmetry that guided the eye toward the throne.
The aisles were lined with lush red carpeting, flanked by elegant candelabras and fresh flower arrangements. Majestic standards bearing the imperial crest were positioned at intervals, reinforcing the formality and magnificence of the occasion.
A small ornate altar stood at the end of the aisle, crafted from gold, and encrusted with diamonds. It bore religious symbols and was adorned with fragrant flowers and flickering candles, creating a serene and sacred ambiance.
To one side of the room, a platform was set up for the orchestra and choir, who were dressed in splendid uniforms. Their presence added an auditory richness to the visual feast, enveloping everyone in the sacred and celebratory mood of the day.
The entire room was filled with a sense of awe and reverence. The combination of artistry, wealth, tradition, and power was palpable, creating an environment that not only honored the past and the divine but also heralded a new era for the empire. The carefully thought-out decorations conveyed the emperor's authority, the unity of the lands, and the grandeur of the Akkadian civilization.
Thaddeus knew this was not just a room; it was a statement, a living testament to the might and majesty of the Akkadian Empire, a fitting place for the coronation of Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer to reinforce his regained power.
After surveying the throne room, a steward eventually him to his seat at the rear. He was directed to the aisle seat on the last bench. Thaddeus was honestly, thankful he could hide in the back. Yet, he knew seat placement meant he was insignificant overall. If not for Priestess Thera, he wouldn’t even be here. He’d much rather prefer helping with the construction of his developing village.
Still, he wished Sabrina was with him. His coronation invitation only permitted his entrance. Space was limited, so he could not bring her along. However, she was happy to watch the coronation’s live stream on Heaven’s Gate TV. The entire. While he wasn’t allowed to Sabrina to the coronation, he was allowed to bring a guest to social events.
Last night, after their arrival, couriers began arriving with invitations to various balls. In the span of 30 mins, he was invited to tonight’s Imperial Ball, as well as the Southern Ball, Mythical Guild Ball, and Crafters Ball. He was also invited to several soirees and meetings, including a personal invitation to meet with the Pine Grove city lord.
Inside the throne room, he watched as nobles mingled cheerfully. They only stopped and sat when the orchestra began playing the national anthem. Thaddeus only knew it was the national anthem because on the system prompt,
System Message: Hearing the Akkadian Anthem increases your state by +2 over the next hour.
Ten minutes later, the throne room doors swung open. Two columns of imperial soldiers marched down the aisle. At the command, they drew their sabers to form an arch.
When they finished, the Royal Steward commanded, “All rise.”
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At once, the people in attendance rose to their feet. Thaddeus rose, making sure not to make a fool of himself. Taking a brief look around, he felt good about himself, until he saw the nobles on the bench next and across from him bowing or curtsying. He quickly placed his left hand over his heart and lean his body 60 degrees forward, as was the custom.
He finished just before the procession began. The imperial procession began with a grand flourish of trumpets as the large ornate doors at the far end of the throne room were thrown open. A sea of nobles, each adorned in their finest garments, rose from their seats in unison, their eyes fixed on the entrance.
Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer, a tall and regal figure, appeared at the entrance, his royal cloak trailing behind him, adorned with emblems of the empire, and threaded with gold. He wore a garment of the richest fabrics, dyed in the deep purple of royalty, and studded with gemstones that glittered like stars.
Beside him walked the royal guards, dressed in shining armor and bearing tall, ceremonial halberds. As the emperor walked down the aisle, the nobles knelt in respect, their heads bowed. The entire room was filled with the scent of incense and the soft, melodious sound of a choir singing hymns of divine right.
The emperor stood before the altar, an image of majesty and authority, his eyes meeting those of Pope von Clermont. Pope von Clermont was a dignified and weighty man. He wore an opulent red vestment, in the traditional Hestia custom. Upon his head sat an intricately embroidered red and gold mitre. Draped around his shoulders was a gold sash with the images of a kettle over a hearth, the symbol of Hestia.
"Esteemed nobles and faithful subjects of The Akkadian Empire," he began, his voice echoing through the room, "We gather here today to recrown the rightful rule by birthright and by divine appointment. In these troubled times, when chaos threatens to tear our lands asunder, we are blessed once again with a ruler who embodies justice, wisdom, and mercy."
He turned to the emperor, his eyes softening. "Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer, you stand as a beacon of hope for our people. You were chosen by the gods, usurped by your brother, freed by the faith, and will rule again henceforth and forever by the divine right of gods. You are the shepherd of our nation, the protector of our faith, and the guardian of our future."
With those words, the pope directed the emperor to kneel before the altar. The emperor's robe was removed, and he kneeled on a small stool, his head bowed.
Pope von Clermont took a golden vessel filled with holy oil and anointed the emperor's head, the oil glistening in the candlelight. The room was filled with a solemn silence as the pope uttered prayers in an ancient tongue, symbolizing the divine blessing bestowed upon the new ruler.
The emperor's robe was returned to him, and he stood once again, the light reflecting off his now-anointed forehead. A special coronation wingback chair was brought out, and the emperor took his seat, the nobles and guests cheering, "Hail, Hail, Hail!"
With practiced hands, Pope von Clermont took the bejeweled crown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, and placed it upon the emperor's head. The crown symbolized the weight of responsibility, the authority of rule, and the grandeur of the empire.
The Royal Steward then presented the Royal Scepter and Sword to the emperor, who held them aloft, the very image of absolutism and divine right.
The trumpets sounded again, and the room erupted in cheers and acclamations, as the new emperor of The Akkadian Empire was crowned, heralding a new era of stability and hope.
"Long Live the Emperor!" the crowd chanted, the words reverberating through the grand hall, a testament to the solemnity and grandeur of the moment.
After the coronation ceremony, Emperor Regulus rose from his throne and gazed menacing toward the assembly of nobles. Unabashed, powerful magic washed over the crowd forcing them to bow their heads in humble submission. Thaddeus was powerless to restrain the emperor’s magic, he too was forced to lower his head. The room fell into a fearful silence as the emperor began to speak.
His angry voice resonantly commanded, "Nobles and honored guests of The Akkadian Empire. Today, we embark on a new chapter in our history. A chapter that will be written with blood, courage, and unity. Usurpers and greedy nobles corrupted our great emperor.”
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "Our lands were scarred by wickedness and depravity. We faced trials and tribulations that tested our resolve. But we were not broken. We are Akkadian, and we shall rise from the ashes stronger and more united.
To the faithful noble households who fell, when I was imprisoned, and the newly ennobled houses who released me from my torment, shall prosper under my reign. I shall repay faithfulness two-fold and my enemies ten-fold.”
Then his determined voice took on a new tone, "Under my reign, we shall rebuild our cities, restrengthen our defenses, restore our honor, and rekindle the flames of war. We shall forge alliances, cultivate prosperity, and above all, uphold the principles of justice that are the cornerstone of our great empire."
He concluded his address with a direct appeal to the nobility, "I call upon you, the faithful, to uproot corruption, be good stewards of our people and land. Also, I warn woe to those who seek to profit off from misfortune and seek to extinguish the fire of our people.”
The room erupted in applause. Thaddeus could see the visible nervousness on the nobles' faces. He could tell some were moved by the emperor's words, and others were frozen with a palpable sense of fear.
After addressing the nobles, the emperor’s determined face changed to happiness. His mood lightened as he walked to the balcony overlooking the imperial park and waved to the subjects below. A vast sea of faces looks up at him, citizens from all walks of life gathered to catch a glimpse of their new emperor.
Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer raised his hands, and the crowd falls into silence, their eyes fixed on him, a sense of anticipation in the air.
"People of Redwood, children of The Akkadian Empire," he began, his voice carrying across the park, "I stand before you not as a ruler but as a servant, chosen to guide our great nation towards a new dawn."
Where earlier he spoke to the nobles of blood, courage, and unity, to the people he spoke about healing and hope. He recognized the hardships people endured under his brother, his words were filled with empathy and compassion.
"I know that many of you have suffered, that you have endured loss and pain. But know this, we are united in our resolve to rebuild and to heal. Together, we shall restore our honor, rebuild our cities, and reclaim our destiny. We shall forge a path toward prosperity and peace, a path illuminated by the principles of justice, mercy, and love.”
The crowd erupted in cheers. Their faith in the empire and the new emperor was restored. Their hearts are filled with hope and triumph. The emperor's words resonate not only in the square but throughout the empire, a rallying cry for a new era of stability and prosperity.
When the emperor finished waving, he turned around and walked back into the throne room, his cheerful facade long gone. Determination and purpose returned. His clenched lips and cold blue gazed at the nobles, before he left the throne room, with the procession of soldiers following closely behind.
There was a collective, gasp after the emperor left. It left as if air returned to the room and nobles could breathe once again.
‘That was intense’ Thaddeus agreed.
“That concludes the coronation. Please make your way to the banquet. The emperor looks forward to your attendance at this evening's Imperial Gala,” the Royal Steward yelled before leaving.