"Now that we've decided who the king is... what's next?" Vaelen asked as Darius pondered.
"I'll go to the Ancestral Grounds and speak to the ancestors. Each of us must go, one by one, and inform the top aristocratic families. Especially you, Lyssandra, you must speak to your family, the Hollowind family. We must prepare," Theron said, and the siblings nodded in agreement.
A Day Later ... The Federation
After a full day of silence from both the Eldest Prince Caius and his younger brother, Crown Prince Theron, shocking news spread across the Federation.
Caius had stepped down from the fight for the throne.
In three days, he would be crowned as the new King of the Federation.
The shock was immense. Everyone remembered how strongly Caius entered the fight for the throne, and now he had willingly let go? Why?
At the royal mansion, a large number of aristocrats gathered in the grand hall, waiting for answers.
Finally, footsteps echoed as Theron entered alone,his siblings were nowhere to be seen.
Speculations buzzed instantly, but everyone remained quiet, watching him intently.
"Greetings, King Theron," the hall echoed as the aristocrats and royal officials bowed.
Theron sat calmly on the throne and nodded.
The hall fell into silence as he slowly raised his head and gazed across the room.
"Greetings, everyone. I'm sure many of you are shocked by the news you received this morning. But it's true,I am the new king. The Kingmaker will arrive in three days to place the crown upon my head. I will lead the Federation into the future… with your support, of course," Theron said.
A wave of applause followed.
"Congratulations, King Theron!"
"May your reign be long and just!"
"May the Federation prosper under your leadership!"
Many aristocrats and ministers offered words of support. After all, he was now their king.
Theron raised his hand, and silence returned.
"As for my siblings, I know you're all curious. Everything will be explained three days from now. For now, continue your duties as you always have. And ensure that all are present for the coronation," Theron said before turning and leaving the hall, leaving the nobles in a spiral of thoughts.
"What do you think happened to his siblings?"
"Maybe they're dead?"
"Shh! You're still part of the royal family..be careful what you say!"
"I mean... he wouldn't kill those who supported him, right?"
"Maybe. We don't know his thoughts..."
"Can you all just shut up?"
Finally, one of the top aristocrats spoke, silencing the whispers. Discussions quickly shifted to matters of governance. Until now, they had been managing the Federation without a king. In three days, Theron would officially assume the mantle and begin making final decisions.
Meanwhile, in her room...
"Grandpa!" Lyssandra called out softly.
An old man appeared instantly, as if summoned by her voice.
"Little girl, how are you? Why did you call me?" he asked warmly. He had been in another space-time entirely, but for her, he'd drop everything.
Apart from being a member of the Hollowind family, Lyssandra carried the legendary Hollow Eyes,eyes that only one ancestor in history had possessed. Once she turned sixteen, they would awaken. She had the potential to surpass even Darius and become a god among monsters. Her importance was undeniable.
"Grandpa, I'm fine… but I need a favor," she said, pouting.
"Hahaha! Little girl, don't be like that. Alright, tell me, anything for you," the old man said, stroking his long white beard. Though his face was aged, his rosy skin and youthful aura made him feel alive. Not to mention the terrifying power that lingered beneath.
"Grandpa, can I meet the Ancestor? There's something important I need to tell him," Lyssandra said, catching him off-guard.
The old man paused, clearly struggling.
"Little girl, the Ancestor is not to be disturbed. He is..."
"I can't meet him? Really?" Lyssandra pouted harder.
"Brothers, I tried. I guess meeting an Ancestor of an ancient family isn't that easy," she sighed internally. "Then I'll just tell Grandpa about it instead."
The old man was about to speak again when...
"The Ancestor is what?" a deep, smooth voice echoed across the room.
A young man appeared, dressed in traditional robes with an otherworldly aura.
"Ancestor!" the old man bowed immediately. Lyssandra's eyes widened in shock.
An old man bowing to someone who looked no older than Caius? It was an unusual and unforgettable sight.
"Wait… this is the Ancestor?" she asked, stunned. He was far too young. He looked Caius's age but was even more handsome. In fact, he didn't even seem bound by reality.
"Hey, little girl, be respectful," the old man said in awe.
The Hollowind Ancestor was a legend on the same level as the royal family's ancestors. It was said he alone had elevated the Hollowind family into one of the ancient clans of humanity.
"I'm so sorry. Please accept my bow, Ancestor," Lyssandra said, bowing respectfully.
Even though she belonged to the royal family, beings were still above her. And respect was due.
"Hmm." Hollowind turned to glare at the old man. "What were you about to say?"
"Cough… cough... nothing!" the old man said, whistling and looking away.
"If I didn't show up in time, he might have told her about my alcohol addiction..." Hollowind thought, a vein pulsing on his forehead. "Still, at least I'm better than that perverted Ancestor from the Trojan family..."
"Hmm… better," Hollowind muttered as he twitched slightly. He was nearly exposed. If he'd arrived a second later, the image Lyssandra had of him,respectful, mysterious and powerful would've been shattered. She would've seen him as nothing but a drunk.
He took a deep breath and steadied himself.
"So this is the girl destined to awaken the same Hollow Eyes as me," Hollowind said, clearing his throat, trying to sound more dignified.
"I'm honored, Ancestor," Lyssandra said as he nodded.
"Alright, I heard you wanted to see me. Why?" he asked, sitting casually on a small couch in her room.
"Hope it's not just to see my handsome face...wait, why am I thinking like that pervert Trojan again?" he thought in horror as his eyes widened.
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A chapter or two later guys