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A day passed, and the day of the coronation dawned.

On this day, Maria Francesca de Cruz y Hortas, the legitimate heir and princess of the Principality of Catalonia, was officially declared to assume the position of the Duke of Asturias. She would perform the duties of the Duke of Asturias for at least a year, accumulating political acumen before ascending as the Supreme King of Hiberia.

However, the authority and power Maria would wield were set to differ significantly from that of a typical Duke of Asturias. Unlike the traditional role of the Duke of Asturias, established as a successor while the current Supreme King was still alive, Maria would be treated as the next Supreme King in the absence of the current one.

Perhaps because of this, the square in front of the Cathedral of Oviedo, where the coronation would take place, was filled with an unprecedented sense of excitement. Anxiety and anticipation for the future made up about 20%, while envy and longing for this uniquely special individual accounted for another 20%. But above all, support and trust for the person who would soon become their leader flowed through the city like a dense current.

The Cathedral of Oviedo, unlike most Hiberian buildings constructed in the local style, was built in a Gothic style similar to that of neighboring Franquia and beyond.

The coronation was being prepared in the square in front of this Gothic-style cathedral.

The officiant of the coronation was the Archbishop of Oviedo, the same figure who had previously consecrated the sword during the selection ceremony alongside the Archbishop of Madrid.

Dressed in ceremonial robes, the Archbishop stood on the podium holding a scroll inscribed with the sacred texts to be used in the ceremony. As the ceremony began, he would recite the sacred texts blessing the monarch, and Maria would respond accordingly.

To the Archbishop’s sides were priests holding a basin of consecrated oil, a jar of consecrated saltwater, and a square silver tray adorned with blue velvet. On the tray rested the silver crown symbolizing the position of the Duke. It was the True Silver Crown of Saint Andrew, an Asturian Duke from an era even before Supreme King Aurelius, the hero of the Reconquista.

Perhaps it was a testament to the long history accumulated over generations? The crown emitted a solemn glow that made people bow their heads just by looking at it.

Normally, silver tools would tarnish and lose their luster over time, but whether due to the True Silver’s property of repelling the filth of the world or the accumulated light of royal authority over the years, the crown remained as pristine and radiant as ever.

From the podium to the entrance of the square, a long blue carpet decorated with intricate patterns was laid out. The crowd dared not step on the blue carpet, instead lining up on either side to watch the event.

Some gasped in awe at the crown’s pure and solemn light, while others noted the faces of notable figures in attendance, pondering their own thoughts.

Maria arrived just as the atmosphere reached its peak.

The sound of hooves clattering announced her arrival in a carriage, and as Maria stepped out, all eyes were immediately drawn to the most noble figure present.

Though she was still a small and petite girl, no one could see her as such. Surrounding her was the very authority of Asturias and Hiberia.

For those born on this land, consuming its produce, treading its soil, and engaging with its authority, it was unthinkable to see the rightful ruler of this land as small.

In truth, this was a scene Maria herself had orchestrated.

Like a seasoned warrior intimidating enemies with their spirit, she used the authority of a king to humble the hearts of her subjects. This was a technique only Maria, who could wield the protection of royal authority as effortlessly as her own limbs through the enlightenment of Wu Xin Dong, could perform.

As Maria stepped out of the carriage, court vassals who had been waiting approached her. The court spellcaster handed her the royal scepter adorned with blue jade, followed by the chamberlain and court nobles who draped a blue cloak trimmed with white fur over her shoulders.

“Sniff, you’ve grown so splendidly…”

“Sniff, I always thought the princess would one day become the rightful queen, but to think it would happen in a distant land rather than Catalonia… It’s joyous, yet somehow bittersweet!”

Count Shirdas Rampal and Count Ramon Pérez de Manresa, who had accompanied Maria as part of the delegation since leaving Catalonia, each revealed their inner thoughts with tears.

Of course, there were also those who swallowed a bitter sigh.

“Tsk, I had hoped to somehow connect her with one of my sons… This is a mistake.”

King João II of Aragon, who had entrusted the kingdom to a regent and personally come to Oviedo upon hearing the news, clicked his tongue in genuine regret.

Initially, upon hearing the news of the legitimate princess of Catalonia, João II had been thrilled, seeing it as a heaven-sent opportunity for his family and the growth of the Kingdom of Aragon.

If the princess, now the sole legitimate heir to the throne of Catalonia, were to marry an Aragonese prince, their descendants could form a dual monarchy of Aragon-Catalonia.

Though Aragon had a strong military and vast territory, it was economically and culturally somewhat backward and essentially a landlocked country. For its ruler, a union with the prosperous maritime Principality of Catalonia seemed like a universal key to solving all problems.

Even though there was a boy who seemed to be her lover, such matters were never to be abandoned lightly. After all, the brave win the beauty, and a knight’s affair becomes a romantic tale in itself.

If things had gone as planned, the Kingdom of Aragon would have laid the foundation for prosperity for generations to come…

“But now, it’s impossible.”

The stakes had grown too high. Maria was no longer just the heir to the Principality of Catalonia but now the rightful Duke of Asturias and the future Supreme King of Hiberia. To recklessly attempt to form a marital alliance with such a woman would only result in the Aragonese royal family being overshadowed.

If it had to be done, it would require meticulous groundwork, from the lowest commoners to the powerful figures of each city, the court nobles of various nations, the feudal nobles, and even the lords who each claimed to be a monarch.

“But it probably won’t work.”

He thought of his children. From Fernando, the eldest, down to the youngest, none seemed capable of such a feat.

“If they had the potential, they wouldn’t have made such a poor impression when first sent out.”

He had tried, but as expected, no matter how much he taught them, they showed no signs of the qualities needed to be a king. The King of Aragon felt a growing tightness in his chest and a headache coming on.

“Hoho, some rise without any support, while others can’t even eat when fed.”

Ultimately, the King of Aragon, having let go of everything, concluded that worrying was pointless and laughed like a jovial grandfather. Whether he laughed out of genuine joy or because there was nothing else to do, only he knew.

Meanwhile, Maria, now holding the scepter and wearing the royal cloak, began to walk slowly towards the podium where the Archbishop awaited, stepping on the blue carpet adorned with intricate patterns. The plush carpet cushioned her steps, making her walk smooth and graceful.

As she walked, Maria began to feel a change in the royal authority surrounding her.

“It’s becoming stronger and more refined.”

With each step, it grew stronger and more precise. Her perception as the Duke of Asturias became clearer, and her awareness as the future Supreme King of Hiberia expanded.

What had begun as a faint sensation when she received the scepter and cloak had now reached its peak as Maria knelt before the Archbishop and bowed her head.

“I have heard it said, ‘Blessed are those who know themselves and are known by others.’ I ask you, who are you?”

As the Archbishop recited the prepared sacred text from the scroll, Maria bowed her head deeply and answered quietly.

“I am Maria. A humble commoner who has been entrusted with responsibility by chance, a woman seeking the grace of light.”

“Maria, may you now be consecrated in the light.”

After the first exchange, the Archbishop dipped his hand into the basin of holy oil and anointed Maria’s head.

At that moment, Maria felt holiness added to the royal authority surrounding her. From now on, her words and actions would carry the same sacred and pure authority as the saints, making all who encountered her feel purity and integrity.

The Archbishop recited the next sacred text.

“I have heard it said, ‘Blessed are the shepherds who tend their flocks, the farmers who till their fields, those who mend nets and discern fish, and those who account for gold, silver, and copper.’ I ask you, Maria, filled with light, can you do likewise?”

“I swear, I will govern the people like a shepherd tending his flock, care for them like a farmer tilling his field, reform the system and treat the people justly like those who mend nets and discern fish, and oversee the people like those who account for gold, silver, and copper.”

“Maria, may you now be filled with light.”

With these words, the Archbishop dipped his hand into the jar of consecrated saltwater and let a few drops fall on Maria’s head. This ritual symbolized the union of water, essential for nurturing all life, and salt, essential for preserving food and adding flavor, signifying the fullness of life force.

After the second exchange and the sprinkling of holy water, Maria felt the royal authority surrounding her deepen further. From now on, as long as she upheld the laws of the land, listened to the people, and did not dishonor the spirits of the land, mountains, and rivers, her authority and power would never wither.

The Archbishop recited the final sacred text.

“I have heard it said, ‘Birth, aging, sickness, and death are but fleeting shadows, and joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness are but vain pains. Yet pain itself has no form or root, and people, not knowing this, fail to see or hear the shepherd’s call.’ Maria, filled with light, will you, following the examples of Saint Andrew and Saint Aurelius, fulfill your duty to lead all of Hiberia into the light?”

Before the final question, Maria briefly looked around, surveying the coronation venue, and through the perception granted by the royal authority, she saw all of Asturias and Hiberia.

The poor and the rich, the humble and the noble, those who stand and those who flee, the diligent and the lazy, the wise and the foolish, the generous and the stingy, the meek and the tyrannical, the honest and the deceitful, the broad-minded and the narrow-minded.

Those who tend cattle and sheep, those who farm, those who cast nets, those who buy and sell, those who carve wood and stone, mold clay, and forge iron, those who guard warehouses, those who weave and dye, tan leather, those who provide food and shelter, those who heal, those who set traps and shoot arrows, those who wear armor and wield swords and spears, those who hone knowledge to pass it on to future generations.

The royal nobles living in castles, the citizens in cities, the professors and students at universities, the ordinary and faithful souls who come to the cathedral to pray for the ruler’s long life and their families’ well-being.

Humans, elves, dwarves, hobgoblins, nagas, lizardmen, and even werebeasts… Regardless of race, those who had settled on this land, grown up here, consumed its produce, and abided by its laws filled Maria’s perception.

Now, after answering the final question, she would have to watch over, care for, discern, and judge these people. She would execute both great and small histories, judge the lawsuits of all, and defend against foreign invasions. That was the true duty of a ruler.

“I now swear. I, Maria Francesca, as the rightful Duke of Asturias, will care for and watch over the people of this land like a parent, and teach and guide them like a mentor.”

Suddenly, Sophia, who had taken her in, came to mind. Sophia had taken in Maria, who had nothing, fed her, sheltered her, and personally taught her wisdom and knowledge, guiding her to become a person of worth.

Could Maria, as the ruler of Hiberia, do as Sophia had done for her? That was still an unknown story.

But somehow, she knew that Sophia’s teachings would serve as her guide, both great and small, in performing her duties as a monarch. After all, Maria herself was also a disciple of Nun Knight Sophia de Chazel.

“Maria, may you now rise in the light.”

As the Archbishop placed the crown of Saint Andrew on Maria’s head, she realized.

At this moment, she had been completed as a monarch. It wasn’t just about the protection of royal authority or the level of perception.

It was as if all the pieces had come together to form a complete whole, a strange sense of unity and omnipotence. From now on, Asturias was Maria Francesca, and Maria Francesca was Asturias. And in the future, Hiberia would be the same. This clear and vivid realization was engraved in every fiber of her being.

Perhaps those watching had also sensed it.

As Maria, now crowned, rose from her seat, applause erupted from those closest to her to those farthest away.

Thunderous applause and cheers filled the air, and flower petals and confetti scattered, reflecting colorful lights. The scent of mysterious incense spread in all directions, and the smoke of burning incense wafted through the air.

After the coronation, the next event was the proclamation of the new Duke of Asturias’s edict. Typically, the edict proclaimed by a new monarch at the beginning of their reign would become a law equivalent to customary law, valid throughout their rule.

However, Maria boldly omitted this, citing the circumstances and situation as reasons. Instead, she decided to hold a ceremony to appoint the royal consort.

From the moment she decided to become the Duke of Asturias, Maria had been pushing forward with the appointment of Conra as the royal consort.

The justification was roughly as follows.

According to continental law, when a female sovereign, such as a countess, duchess, or queen, was in power, her husband, the royal consort, could be delegated a portion of the royal authority. The principle was unclear, but the system of protection worked that way. In short, if the female sovereign permitted it, the husband could exercise corresponding rights.

Originally, this would have simply meant that the husband legally exercised the ruling authority as a co-monarch. The protection of lineage and royal authority, and how it helped the royal family’s survival and ruling the country, was understood, but if asked how exactly it helped, one would be left scratching their head.

However, in Maria’s case, who wielded authority more powerfully and precisely than anyone else, this became a completely different story.

Everyone realized.

A monarch who could wield the protection of royal authority could truly exercise real power.

The problem was that those who could do so were extremely few. In fact, on the current continent, Maria was almost the only one.

Some speculated that the achievements of the great kings in history might have originated from this, but even they would scratch their heads if asked if any of the current monarchs had such abilities.

In the midst of this, Maria revealed that she could wield the protection of royal authority well—though, of course, no one who heard her understood what she was talking about—and stated that Conra could also wield it well. For those who wanted even a slight expansion of power, there was no reason to oppose this.

Of course, the courtiers did not understand the principles of Wu Xin Dong that Maria spoke of, nor did they wholeheartedly agree with her.

However, it was clear that Maria genuinely cared for Conra, and his appearance, personality, dignity, and status were not lacking in any way, so they simply accepted it and moved on.

Moreover, many of the vassals in Oviedo had witnessed Conra’s prowess and capabilities firsthand at Fontasierra Hill, so many were satisfied that the person to be appointed as the royal consort was an outstanding individual.

And in fact, the courtiers and vassals were not entirely wrong in their judgment. At the very least, they had accurately grasped the inner thoughts of the sovereign they would serve.

Though the justification was not entirely without substance, it was clear that Maria’s personal sentiments were reflected at its core.

‘Declaring that she would not allow anyone but the person she loves to sit by her side. How adorable.’

Like the chamberlain’s inner thoughts, those who knew the underlying circumstances all sensed Maria’s true intentions.

Well, even without the justification, it was clearly a necessary procedure. While the King of Aragon had wisely stepped back, the moment Maria became the Duke of Asturias, there would be no shortage of royal nobles seeking to connect with her through marriage to share in her power.

For those who, apart from the status inherited from their ancestors, had little to boast of, to dare bother the glorious Duke of Asturias was, from the perspective of a vassal, an intolerable situation. To prevent such a thing, having a clear gatekeeper was, in terms of circumstances, just right.

Soon, Conra’s appointment as the royal consort was proceeding smoothly. Like Maria before the Archbishop, Conra knelt on one knee and bowed his head before Maria on the podium.

As Maria lightly tapped Conra’s shoulders and head with Liberatus Calabrum, the sword that chose the king and the sword of royal authority, an unexpected event occurred. A powerful royal authority began to emanate from Conra as he rose.

Perhaps it was because Maria had already shaped the form of the power before delegating it? Or was it because he was already familiar with handling metaphysical principles through the Heart Sword and Wu Xin Dong?

Immediately upon being appointed as the royal consort and receiving authority from Maria, Conra began to wield the power granted by the royal authority as effortlessly as his own limbs.

“Is this possible? Her Majesty’s words were true?”

As everyone except Maria was astonished, the courtiers and vassals of Asturias in Oviedo finally understood and believed Maria’s words.

In any case, this allowed the coronation and the appointment of the royal consort to conclude without incident. Though the actual wedding would be postponed until all current situations and crises were resolved, with Conra appointed as the royal consort, they were now legally considered husband and wife.

One of Maria’s dreams had finally been realized.

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At the very moment a new Duke of Asturias was crowned in Hiberia and the royal consort was appointed, the continent was also busy responding to the unprecedented event of the Great Demon’s descent.

Spell towers, knight orders, various cooperative associations, empires, kingdoms, principalities, counties, city-states, and republics were all linking up, and the secret arts and treasures held by various schools, sects, and families were being partially revealed, opening the stage for exchange.

Of course, not everything was revealed, but that was something everyone could overlook. Just cross-verifying and supplementing the disclosed information alone would elevate the current era’s martial enhancement systems by at least a century, and the continent’s overall combat power would bulk up instantly.

It wasn’t just the secular nations that reacted sensitively to the Great Demon’s

 

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