Chapter 10

The king's body had been ravaged by numerous diseases.

Even the lifespan that had been shortened could not be restored by the power of the holy maiden.

The king must be aware of this.

Even if the illness were to be cured, the time granted to his life would not be long.

"My body is something I know best."

"Father..."

"Do not make such a face. It is not as if it will end immediately. It might be impossible ten years from now, but for a few years... yes, I would like to try for at least half of that."

"..."

I do not have the power to see the time left in others' lives.

No one in this world can do such a thing.

Surely only God knows.

The one who knows fate and the end.

Therefore, the king's words are merely predictions.

But he is approaching the end of his life.

Without me, he might not have even made it through the winter.

Given his condition just a few minutes ago, his estimate is not far off... I think.

In fact, his body is quite aged.

It is certain that it is not the lifespan of a man in his fifties.

"Even if I strive for health from now on, unfortunately, I cannot move as I used to. You, who supported the country during my absence for several years, are the king that everyone seeks."

"That is..."

"It is not just me. Jin, Shion, you must think so too, right?"

The king asks the two standing beside me.

The two, who shuddered in response, answer with serious expressions.

"Yes."

"We also believe that Lord Act is a suitable king."

"Jin... Shion"

"You already have those who will support you. Stand tall. Acteur Sloren, the 28th King of this land."

The king places his hand on the prince's chest and declares it firmly.

Perhaps sensing the king's resolve, the prince grips his hand and raises his head, as if making a decision.

"---Yes. I humbly accept. Father!"

"Indeed. I entrust this country to you, Act. You will surely become a more splendid king than I."

I am witnessing a historic moment.

Here, the 27th king abdicates, and the first prince, Acteur Sloren, becomes the new king.

A new history begins.

"Holy maiden Ilias, please support Act as well. He will be a more reliable and splendid king than I."

"Yes. As the holy maiden of this country, I will support the king."

"Ilias... thank you. You are a great help."

The same to you.

The prince who invited me to this country has now become the king.

◇◇◇

Three days after the king's recovery, at noon.

The people have been informed in advance that there is an important announcement at the castle.

A large crowd has gathered.

"What is this important announcement? And from the king?"

"He has been ill for a long time... I hope nothing bad has happened."

"I don't know... If so, what should we do..."

The people know that the king has been ill.

Despite this, they have stayed in the country.

Many young people have gone to work in other countries, leaving behind those with families, their children, and the elderly who have lived in this country for a long time.

The number of children has been decreasing year by year, and the population is declining.

The future of the country is clearly precarious.

Yet, they remain because they love this country.

But their daily lives are filled with uncertainty.

Even food is scarce.

If something were to happen to the king, the representative of the country, the people's anxiety would only increase.

But there is no need to worry.

They will surely find hope.

"Thank you all for gathering."

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

The 27th king appears amidst the attention of the people.

He stands on the balcony where he can overlook the people, dressed appropriately for a king.

Yes, he stands.

Though he holds onto the railing, he is indeed standing.

We watch from behind.

"He is an amazing person, the king."

"Yes, indeed."

Over these few days, the king's body has steadily recovered.

As soon as he could eat, he began training for daily life.

At first, even sitting was difficult, but once he got the hang of it, he quickly recovered to the point where he could stand for short periods by holding onto the railing.

It is an astonishing recovery.

The fact that he has survived for over three years, despite his illness, is not just a matter of willpower but also a testament to his physical strength.

The king speaks boldly to the people.

"I apologize for causing you worry. I have recovered from my illness."

"Oh! That's good... I thought the king had passed away."

"You have recovered. What a wonderful day this is."

The sounds of the people's joy can be heard.

I can tell, having interacted with many of them.

Their words are sincere, and they are genuinely happy for the king's recovery.

A king who has not appeared before the people for over three years is loved to this extent.

This fact speaks to the warmth of the people's hearts.

"I am delighted to be able to stand before you all. And today, I have something important to announce to you all."

It is about to begin.

The king declares to the people.

"I hereby abdicate the throne as of today."

"---!"

"You are stepping down as king?"

"Is your health still not good?"

The gathered people murmur.

Amidst various speculations, the king raises his voice.

"Though I have recovered from my illness, my strength has not returned. Standing and speaking is already a great effort. I cannot fulfill the duties expected of a king that you all hope for."

"...Your Majesty..."

"But do not worry! The person who has supported this country alongside me during my illness will become the new king."

The king turns around.

In his line of sight stands the prince... no, the new king.

"The rest is up to you, Act."

"Yes! Father."

Mr. Jin immediately supports the swaying former king.

The former king, supported by Mr. Jin, steps back, and the new king, Acteur, steps forward to stand before the people.

Amidst the attention of the people, he declares.

"I am Acteur Sloren, appointed as the 28th King of Sloren!"

"Ah, it is the prince, as expected."

"Then we can rest easy."

"Yes, we can rest easy."

Upon seeing Lord Acteur's face, the people's voices of relief can be heard.

They knew.

They had seen.

Over the past few years, they had seen who had been supporting the country in place of the fallen king.

Though I, a newcomer, do not understand, they must have known.

They had been expecting it.

The day when such a moment would come.

"Everyone, I understand that this is sudden and may be confusing. But please rest assured. I---!"

Applause breaks out.

They felt no anxiety at all.

They had already accepted him.

As the new king, as the representative of this country, Lord Acteur had earned the trust to stand before them.

"---Thank you, everyone."

Lord Acteur's eyes are moist with tears.

But he does not let them fall.

He smiles and waves to the people with a smile.

Grand words are unnecessary.

They had already accepted and sought him.

A king is the representative of the country.

He had earned the trust worthy of that title.