Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 268. Royal Show I
The procession passed through the cobbled streets. The hushed whispers of the onlookers stirred the air like a current of secrets.
"Did you see that? King Angelus riding side by side with Princess Ophelia," murmured a bystander, eyes fixated on the regal pair atop their horses. "What's going on? Wasn't he always at odds with the late Prince Ilex?"
A companion, equally intrigued, offered a speculative reply, "Perhaps he's trying to show a different side of himself. Humbling, isn't it? Considering their history."
The whisperings of the crowd ebbed and flowed like the city's heartbeat. A seasoned observer chimed in, "Improving his image, you think? But it might be too late for that. After what happened with the attack and Euphorion's rule, can he really expect the Reinheart family to accept him again? To embrace him as the prince of Asteria?"
A skeptical voice joined the conversation, skepticism hanging heavy in their words. "He might have his reasons, but I doubt the people will easily forget. The scars run deep. Once a traitor, always a traitor. This display won't change history."
The commentary continued, unraveling a tapestry of speculation and doubt. The city caught in the tension of whispered conversations.
"He may ride with Princess Ophelia, but it doesn't erase the past. Can we truly accept him as one of our own again?" mused a thoughtful bystander.
Another, with a tinge of bitterness in their tone, concluded, "Whatever his intentions, it won't erase the fact that he attacked Asteria. No amount of riding beside the princess will change that truth."
"I bet he still yearns for acceptance from his own family," suggested one observer, their gaze locked onto Angel and Ophelia. "It's evident in the way he rides beside her, almost as if he's seeking a connection that's been fractured."
A skeptical voice chimed in, "Or maybe it's a strategic move. He wants to show that he still cares about Asteria, just in case something happens to King Gervis. He's keeping his options open for the throne."
A third observer interjected, "But isn't that unnecessary? Euphorion already holds sway over Asteria. His authority here is unquestionable."
Yet another bystander, with a keen eye for subtleties, shifted the focus to Princess Ophelia. "Look at her attire—it's not the usual regalia she wears. And the sword at her waist, her brother's sword. Isn't that a statement? An announcement that she could be Prince Ilex's successor for the throne?"
A thoughtful response followed, "It makes sense. King Angelus doesn't wear the Prince of Asteria uniform. He is wearing the regalia of the King of Euphorion. And look, he permitted Princess Ophelia to wear that outfit, a sign that he may indeed be passing the torch."
"It's a strategic move, for sure," opined another spectator, "a way to secure the throne for the future. Making Princess Ophelia a queen wouldn't be surprising, given the circumstances."
"I still think this is all for show," said one onlooker, a hint of disbelief in their voice. "King Angelus wants us to believe he cares about Asteria, but actions speak louder than words. And his actions, well, they've never aligned with the traditional values of this kingdom."
Another, with a discerning gaze, added, "And what about Princess Ophelia's sudden shift in attire? It feels calculated as if they're trying to pave the way for her to ascend the throne. It's not just about grieving Prince Ilex; it's about securing a future for the Reinheart family."
"Look at King Angelus," observed a keen-eyed observer. "His uniform is a subtle reminder that this kingdom is now under a different rule."
A more conspiratorial voice joined in, "And why permit Princess Ophelia? It's not just a symbolic gesture; it's a calculated move. They're signaling a shift in leadership, trying to condition us to accept Princess Ophelia as the heir. She will be his puppet for sure."
"I agree, this is all just a ruse," someone ventured, challenging the prevailing skepticism. "Maybe King Angelus is playing the long game, creating a façade to distract us from his true intentions. After all, he's known for his strategic cunning."
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, a symphony of uncertainty that harmonized with the clip-clop of hooves on cobblestone streets.
Note: In case you want to give me gift or anything, please send to this story https://m.webnovel.com/book/villain-mmorpg-almighty-devil-emperor-and-his-seven-demonic-wives_25760862505799905
>Read the original on https://m.webnovel.com/book/dark-moon-rise-of-the-dark-king_20098538705442905
>Read 10 chapter ahead of DM + 2 weekly update
My Pat*reon-page: https://www.pat*reon.com/nanakawaichan
(erase the *)
My ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/nanakawaichan
My Discord: https://discord.gg/mSRHyMVhnG