Honestly, they all looked stunning.
Their dresses all had white colors, but their design was different.
Vivian had a modest, long-sleeved dress with a shawl around her neck, covering her body modestly. Cecil's dress had a sexy design, a backless halter-neck dress with a half-transparent skirt that was layered with shorts.
Eli and Tris unexpectedly got the same model. Their back was slightly exposed, and the sleeves were connected to the neck area while exposing their shoulders. What made them different was the area around Eli's boobs was slightly open, while Tris had fluttering sleeves.
They looked happy when I complimented them one by one. Tris tried to hit me, but her dress slightly limited her movement. Her long skirt was a bit tight, so she could only walk slowly. It was designed like that because her manner in formal party was… not the best among us.
Figured... Tris never had the chance to learn about such a thing, unlike Eli and Vivian. As for Cecil… she unexpectedly knew how to act. When I asked her about it, her answer was slightly surprising.
"I made a deal with a noble before, so I learned how to act from watching their moves."
Even if she called it a deal, I knew that she had just scammed that noble and taken his treasure. That explained how the treasure trove Crane hid on that island was filled with gold and jewels.
After chatting for a bit, I gave them the [Teleportation Gems] I prepared earlier and went together. The twins had gone first to prepare our horses after I failed to connect to Lucy while waiting earlier, so they greeted us when we appeared.
"Welcome, Your Holiness."
"We have prepared the house for the carriage."
Both of them finished each other sentences as they bowed deeply. But the ones who were waiting for us weren't only them but also Archbishop Cameron.
"Cameron greets the Goddess Teri's loved one." He put his hands on his chest and bowed.
"It's nice to meet you again, Archbishop." I greeted him back and approached him, "Raise your head, Archbishop. Is there something that you want to convey to me?"
Cameron raised his head at my words and laughed softly, "Haha, as expected of Your Holiness." He looked at me and put out a neat, luxurious scroll from his back. "Actually, Her Eminence had left a message with me, asking me to convey it to you."
He held the scroll delicately with both hands and extended it to me. I took it from his hand carefully and read the content.
My eyes narrowed curiously as I read one sentence after another before heaving a sigh.
"This is from Pope Juriel?"
"Yes, Your Holiness." Cameron nodded deeply with a serious face.
Well, my plan to have fun with the girls at the party was ruined. But I couldn't say anything either, as I already promised Sana to do my job as a Paladin dutifully.
I turned around to the group, who looked at me curiously, and I smiled apologetically.
"Sorry. But it seems I can't go to the ceremony together. There is an urgent duty waiting for me as the Pope is unable to attend."
"Is it related to that scroll?" Tris asked, putting her hand on her hips.
"Yes." I nodded at her. "I will see you in the ceremony hall. And don't make any problem with the nobles, Cecil. Let Vivian handle things if there are some nobles trying to bother you."
"I understand." The minotaur girl growled in dissatisfaction, "What do you think I am?"
"A former pirate?" I asked with a sneer, and she froze, unable to reply. Then I turned to Tris, "If there is some naughty ones…"
"I will handle it." Tris grinned confidently, "Well, not like they will hit on the Paladin's fiancee and his group." She continued, shrugging her shoulders.
I took out the carriage in my inventory and let the twin nuns set the horse while I followed Cameron inside. There was a briefing I needed to attend before I went to the ceremony with the Archbishop.
As we walked inside the church, leaving the others, Cameron suddenly spoke in a low voice.
"My apologies, Your Holiness."
"You don't need to apologize, Archbishop." I answered with a calm tone, "It's just my duty. But, I never knew that Pope Juriel was the one who coronated all previous Kings of the Virtue Kingdom."
Cameron laughed lightly at my words, "It's like a tradition. There is no one sitting above the King of the Virtue Kingdom besides the Goddess herself. So, in the absence of the King, Her Eminence would take their place and coronate the new Ruler of this Kingdom. But now…"
He glanced at me and smiled, "You're here, Your Holiness. And as the apostle of the Goddess herself, no one is fit to crown the new ruler other than yourself."
"I guess," I said, looking in wonder around the biggest church in the Virtue Kingdom.
Still, this would be fun.
'I never thought that I would get this chance to put the crown on Queen Eve's head. This probably will cause controversy amongst the noble as I exclaimed to be her ally, but no one will voice anything after she's coronated.'
As I walked into the interior of the church, one of my [Earring of Communication] suddenly glowed. Lucy had contacted me back, and I accepted it quietly and listened to her report.
(Arthur… I have extracted every information this guy has on the Hell's Cult.)
Talk about being on time.
***
The grand hall, draped in opulence, was a sight to behold. Towering walls adorned with rich and luxurious decorations depicting the Virtue Kingdoms' history were displayed.
As the giant doors of the hall swung open, guests filed in one by one, their hushed murmurs echoing alongside their footsteps.
Clad in their finest attire, the guests moved with grace and purpose. All of them were Nobles, representing their house to witness this historical moment.
The room was bathed in the soft, golden glow of countless magic lamps on chandeliers, radiating an air of grandeur. Plush velvet cushions embroidered with royal insignia were put on the grand throne at the end of the stairs.
The guests stood side by side; their gazes focused on the red carpet extending from a grand door to the throne above the set of stairs. Vivian, Eliza, Tris, and Cecil were among the guest ladies on the left side of the carpet.
Prince Thomas and Prince Edison were wearing their royal robes, standing side by side on the third steps. Grand Marshal Garland stood on the fifth step, wearing his royal uniform and a silver sword on his hip.
Moving to the top, the guests' eyes fixed upon the raised platform at the far end of the hall, where a magnificent throne stood empty, waiting for the moment when it would cradle the new ruler.
The Paladin stood tall beside the throne in his uniform, clad in a white cape and a golden sword on his waist. His blue eyes narrowed sharply, causing the guests to avert their eyes unconsciously. They somehow knew that they shouldn't lock eyes with him.
An Archbishop stood behind him as he held a cushion with a golden and blue crown alongside a royal cane, two symbols of the ruler of the Virtue Kingdom that would be given to Queen Eve.
"It's time."
A soft voice escaped Arthur's lips as he raised his head.
At the same time, the grand door was pushed open by two Royal Guards. The soft, melodic strains of an orchestra playing a majestic fanfare signaled the commencement of the ceremony.
The guests immediately kneeled without question or missing a beat as Queen Eve entered the grand hall in her regal dress and coronation attire. She moved with elegance, her presence commanding the attention as the guests raised their heads once again.
Her blue cape was dragged through the red carpet as she ascended the stairs and stopped at the top. First Prince Thomas and Second Prince Edison held the end of her cape on the third steps, looking up at their mother with bright, shiny eyes.
Then, the Queen kneeled in front of the Paladin; her head was right around his waist. The Archbishop took a step forward, handing the crown and the cane toward Arthur.
Nodding softly, Arthur took the cane first and handed it to Queen Eve, who already extended her hands toward him. Then, as she clutched the cane tightly in her hand, he took the crown and slowly put it on her head while declaring.
"I, Arthur Vainglory, hereby declare Queen Eve as the rightful monarch of the Virtue Kingdom, a leader of justice, compassion, and unity. Long live Queen Eve and the Virtue Kingdom!"
He activated the Paladin bonus skill and showed off his symbol as the crown settled on Queen Eve's head. She raised her body once again and turned to the crowd that kneeled and bowed their heads deeply.
"Now, Queen Eve. Take your throne!"
Queen Eve sat down on the throne with the Paladin's approval, and the solemn atmosphere descended. She looked around the room before opening her mouth.
"As I ascend to the throne, I accept the profound responsibility that comes with it." Her voice was filled with authority.
Her gaze still lingered around the room, and she continued.
"With your unwavering support, I pledge to lead our kingdom with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to unity. Let us build a future of enduring prosperity and harmony for the Virtue Kingdom. Thank you for entrusting me with this great honor. May the Goddess always bless us!"
"Long live Your Majesty!"
"Long live Your Majesty!"
Cheers erupted from the Nobles. Some shed tears and clapped their hands.
The new Ruler of the Virtue Kingdom was born. And Arthur had gotten Virtues from his act.
[Ding! You have coronated a new Ruler of the Virtue Kingdom! You have gained 500 Virtues!]
However, his eyes were still narrowed seriously as if he were waiting for danger to arrive.
