In the territory of the Eastern Four Kingdoms, there are only two Cardinals of the True Gods Church: one is the "Pitch Black Tidal Surge" from the Tempest Church in Carnia, and the other is the "Silver Hermit" from the Salvation Church.
Among the open ranks of high-level Monarchs, extraordinary exponents in the Eastern Four Kingdoms, other than the founding king of Carnia, they are the only two.
Standing before the familiar corpse, the elderly woman known as the hermit looked down with a silent gaze.
"The Lord of Salvation will shelter your soul, Duke. I'm not actually worried about you, but what will become of the future of the Romann family and Cyart?"
She sighed and said, "Regardless, I no longer have the strength to concern myself with those matters."
Numerous nobles took turns coming forward to pay their respects, and a great number of Cyart commoners were crying in the city for the legendary hero; almost everyone was praying for him.
However, an old man with burns all over his body silently drank in the tavern, the corners of his mouth unable to stop curling into a smile, taking great pleasure in the death of Duke Black Iron.
Fifty years ago, he had been one of the East Coast Natives and had managed to blend in with the Cyart people only after removing his tattoos from the burns. He had harbored a deep hatred for Duke Black Iron in the depths of his heart.
"You're finally dead, at last. I didn't think I'd live to see this day, haha, it's just a shame it came too late."
For the Cyart people, Duke Black Iron was undeniably a great hero of nation-building; however, for the East Coast Natives, whose numbers were becoming increasingly rare and most of whom had assimilated into the Four Kingdoms, that man was the most terrifying demon!
At the funeral, there was a sudden silence, and the mood became even more solemn.
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
With white hair and a slow, steady pace, the Cyart King approached the Romann family with sorrow and calmness. Byrne and Chris were there too, along with many nobles who had come over.
His gaze was filled with depth and sincerity, looking at Aldrich and Ariel as if they were his own dear children.
"My best brother has left us, and from now on, Aldrich, Ariel, you two are my children."
The voice of the Cyart King grew louder.
"Just like every person in this country, each one of you is in my heart, like children who need my careful protection and guidance." Read exclusive content at empire
"Rest assured, I will lead this nation down a better path."
The crowd bowed in respect.
Calmly, the Cyart King reached out and took out an ancient bronze bracelet, a Forbidden rare artifact numbered in three digits, "Return to Ruins," capable of gathering a great amount of seawater in a short time. Although it was not powerful enough to harm the strong, it even had the potential to destroy a city.
"You will need my support in the coming period; take it."
Aldrich nodded, gratefully accepting the Forbidden rare artifact, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Looking calmly around, the Cyart King announced loudly, "Whenever the time, the Adley family will always stand together with the loyal Romann family! That is a bond of friendship I will never forget, as strong as cast iron and steel!"
The crowd understood—the Cyart King was protecting the vulnerable Romann family.
Then, the Cyart King turned and said in a low voice:
"Aldrich, Ariel, and Amos, after the funeral, you must visit the Royal Capital. There, I have many important matters to discuss with you in detail."
Ariel looked puzzled and asked, "But can't it be here?"
The Cyart King shook his head and said, "No, that matter is very important, and it also concerns some secrets beneath the Royal City, which I simply cannot explain to you here."
"It involves the legend of the... Lord of the Lost."