Minutes slipped by, then hours. The darkness of night finally faded as the first ray of light pierced through the clouds, welcoming a new morning—and a new era for this world.

The people of the City of Light rushed through its streets as cheers echoed everywhere. Banquets were held, decorations adorned every corner, mages performed dazzling spectacles, and joy ignited within countless hearts on this extraordinary day.

At the center of the city, outside the royal palace’s main gate, the nobles’ carriages arrived one after another. They stepped down and proceeded through the entrance.

As soon as they passed the gate, they found themselves in a massive garden that had once been filled with countless rare flowers and plants. Now, however, more than ten thousand elven soldiers stood at perfect attention along both sides, awaiting orders and the beginning of the coronation ceremony.

After presenting their invitations, the nobles entered the royal palace, where personal attendants guided each of them through its halls until they reached the Throne Hall.

The Throne Hall was immense. Two grand galleries of gleaming white marble stretched along either side, with every seat furnished with soft cushions to ensure maximum comfort.

In front of the galleries stood a broad semicircular platform with two tiers. The lower tier was reserved for the Advisors. Since only two officially recognized Advisors remained in the City of Light, only two seats crafted from enchanted tree branches had been prepared.

The seats were magnificent, woven from living green branches adorned with colorful blossoms and vibrant leaves.

The upper tier had traditionally contained only a single throne carved from the ancient branches of sacred trees, even more breathtaking than the Advisors’ seats. It belonged to the Queen.

But now there were two thrones.

The Queen’s customary throne remained on the left, while to its right stood a larger, grander, and even more imposing throne.

It was the newly prepared throne of King Rios.

Zzzzzzz—

The guards slowly pushed open the enormous doors, allowing the nobles to enter one after another before taking their designated seats upon the galleries.

Naturally, the five guests from the Falcon Race entered as well. Their seats had been arranged below the royal dais and beside the galleries—close enough to honor their strength and status as distinguished guests, yet still beneath the galleries to make it unmistakably clear that they were outsiders rather than elves.

Within minutes, over three hundred nobles had gathered inside the chamber. They represented nearly the entirety of the City’s ruling class and administrative hierarchy.

Of course, they were not the only nobles within the city, merely those of the highest standing. The rest remained in the palace’s outer hall.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The guards stamped their feet and struck the butts of their spears against the floor repeatedly, announcing the arrival of Advisor Etham and Advisor Thandria.

Such honors were reserved exclusively for true Advisors. Even the nominal Advisors appointed merely to fill vacant positions received no such distinction and were treated no differently from ordinary nobles.

Among the elves, rank and status carried immense weight. Their hierarchy was uncompromising, allowing neither exception nor leniency.

Upon hearing the ceremonial salute and witnessing the entrance of Etham and Thandria, every noble immediately rose and bowed respectfully in acknowledgment of their positions.

Only the five Falcon delegates limited themselves to slight nods of courtesy, showing the proper respect due to their hosts.

Etham and Thandria advanced toward the lower tier and stopped before their respective seats without sitting.

Seeing that neither Advisor had taken a seat, the assembled nobles and even the Falcon guests likewise remained standing.

Several minutes later, every guard dropped to one knee and struck the butts of their spears upon the ground as the royal herald proclaimed in a loud voice that echoed throughout the chamber:

"Let all bear witness! Entering now is the Third of Her Name, the Wise Visionary, the Hope Amidst the Darkness of Despair, Lady of Light and Prophecy, the Grand Princess Elena White!"

At the herald’s declaration, everyone present bowed deeply—including Etham and Thandria—while the five Falcon guests merely inclined their heads slightly.

Grand Princess Elena entered the hall with majestic grace, wearing a white gown embroidered with dazzling golden patterns. A translucent white veil concealed her face, preventing others from seeing through it while allowing her perfect vision.

Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders like a radiant waterfall, and an overwhelming aura spread throughout the chamber, fully displaying both her strength and the power of her awakened immortal physique.

Elena paid no attention to being addressed as Grand Princess rather than Queen. Her formal coronation had not yet taken place, and among the elves, ceremonial titles were treated with utmost seriousness. Falsifying them during official occasions was considered unacceptable.

The moment her aura washed over the assembly, everyone felt an invisible pressure constrict their breathing, as though insignificant insects standing before a transcendent existence.

"This... this is impossible! Since when has that young princess possessed such terrifying power? No one at the Third Realm should emit such pressure! Has she reached the legendary Fourth Realm? Is this the true foundation behind the City of Light and the Elven Race? But then... who is the other throne for?"

Panic surged through Lord Mark’s thoughts as an ominous feeling settled deep within him.

"It seems the Forest of Light is about to change forever."

Ignoring everyone’s reactions, Elena walked to the foot of the royal dais and stopped without ascending it.

Etham and Thandria exchanged subtle nods with her, which she returned in kind. Yet no one moved to sit, only deepening Lord Mark’s growing unease.

Several minutes later, the guards knelt once more—but this time with even greater reverence and devotion.

Dong! Dong! Dong! Dong!...

Their spear butts crashed against the floor with unprecedented force and enthusiasm, announcing the arrival of the city’s true sovereign.

The royal herald proclaimed in a voice overflowing with awe and veneration:

"Let all bear witness! Entering now is the First of His Name, Greatest Among His Kind, the Supreme Conqueror, Vanquisher of Tyrants and Protector of the Weak, the New Progenitor of the Elves, His Majesty King Rios Astar!"

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Mister XD: Tell me what you think in the comments, guys ^_^