"Quiet!" The King screamed, slamming his hand against the steel arm of his seat, sending a loud bang throughout the room.
The sound echoed throughout the grand hall, and the audience instantly fell silent. The sudden shift in the room's atmosphere was palpable, and Lars felt his heart race as he looked around nervously. The King's voice was deep and commanding, filled with authority that seemed to emanate from every fiber of his being.
Akane, on the other hand, was less impressed. The sudden outburst from the King had startled her, but she quickly regained her composure. She looked around at the audience, taking in their reactions to the King's command. She could sense their fear and respect for the King, and a sly smile crossed her face as she imagined having that kind of power and control over people.
After a few tense moments, the King spoke again, his voice now calm and measured. "Welcome, my loyal Royals," he said, his words echoing through the hall. "I have summoned you here today to bestow upon you the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Royal – the accolade ceremony."
He held his hand out, beckoning them. "I, King Renfall the Third, allow this ceremony to begin."
The sound of the trumpets filled the grand hall, their notes piercing the air with an otherworldly grandeur. The Royal Orchestra, stationed at the back of the room, began to play a lively tune, their instruments blending in harmony. The sound of the orchestra filled the room, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that contrasted with the seriousness of the occasion.
Lars looked around in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the hall. The orchestra was playing with such precision and skill, their music ringing in his ears and filling him with a sense of wonder. He had never heard such beautiful music before, and the sound of the trumpets and the strings seemed to wash over him like a wave of joy.
Akane was less impressed with the music, but she couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of the orchestra. The musicians were dressed in fine clothes, their instruments gleaming in the light of the chandeliers. She watched as the conductor raised his baton, and the musicians fell silent, waiting for his cue. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the orchestra burst back into life, the sound of their instruments filling the air with an energy that was almost palpable.
Shu, meanwhile, was focused solely on the task at hand. The music was nothing more than background noise to him.
Ghazal raised his hand, gesturing for the other Royals to follow him. They strode toward the King's throne until they stood only fifteen feet away from him, and the orchestral music came to a stop.
King Renfall's deep voice echoed through the throne room as he chuckled heartily at the sight of Ghazal. "Ghazal, It's always good to see you." The King's jovial demeanor contrasted with the grandeur of the throne room, making it feel almost cozy.
Ghazal gracefully lowered himself to one knee, his head slightly bowed as a sign of respect. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be in your presence," he replied, his tone calm and respectful.
The King's eyes twinkled with amusement as he looked down at Ghazal. "Rise, my dear friend," he said warmly. "You are always worthy of my appreciation."
"Thank you." He stated simply.
"Now, move along, let me see our new Royals." The King stated, swatting his hand through the air.
Ghazal moved to the side as Ayenna, Lars, and Genichiro followed him.
Shu and Akane stood in front of the King, both slightly disappointed by his demeanor and appearance.
"Ah, I remember you, Prodigy of the Xiangli." The King stated, pointing towards Shu. "Approach me child, I shall ascend you into Knighthood." He stated, standing and removing his shortsword from it's hilt.
"Whatever," Shu stated, rolling his eyes at the King's grandiose language, and walking up to him, kneeling in front of the throne. He had been through the knighting ceremony before, having witnessed it many times in his own kingdom. Nonetheless, he maintained his composure and waited for the King to initiate the ceremony. He wasn't new to this type of knighting, he had gone and seen the process many times at this point.
King Renfall stands before Shu and raises his sword. "With this blade, I dub thee a Knight of Setale," he says, placing the flat of the sword on Shu's right shoulder. "May you uphold the ideals of honor, courage, and loyalty, and serve the Kingdom with all your strength and skill." He then moves the sword to Shu's left shoulder and says, "Rise, Sir Shu, and take your place among the ranks of the Knights of Setale." Shu stands and the King sheathes his sword, clapping him on the back. "Well done, young knight. May you continue to grow in strength and wisdom."
Shu scoffed, stepping away and joining the rest of the Royals.
"Now, our latest Royal, the start of a Royal bloodline!" He stated, holding his palm out towards Akane. "Come now, child. I shall grant thee the rights of a Knight!"
Akane wordlessly began to approach, while the world seemingly slowed as she did so. Her eyes focused as her expression turned cold. Her bright red eyes turned dark, as if the light that illuminated them suddenly, and abruptly went out.
As she stood, roughly five feet in front of the King, she contemplated her next move.
"Now, Kneel and I shall dub thee-" He was cutoff.
"Why?" Akane asked, tilting her head as her cold eyes shot daggers into the King.
"W-What?" He stuttered, not expecting that reaction.
"Why do I need to bow in front of you, can't you simply give me the title, without attempting to stand over me?" Akane questioned, her eyes blazing with a growing fury.
The King's expression turned sour, his lips pursing as his eyes narrowed. "Do not disrespect me, child," he growled, the warmth in his voice evaporating. "You are in my presence, and as such, you will show me the respect I am due."
Akane's eyes remained fixed on the King, unflinching. "Respect is earned, not demanded," she retorted, her voice low and menacing. "I will not bow before someone who believes they are entitled to my obedience simply because of their status."
The King's face grew red with anger at the girl's impertinence. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner! You are nothing but a child, barely worthy of being a Royal, let alone a Knight!" he roared, his voice echoing through the hall.
The other Royals began to tense, as Ghazal's hand slowly crept up to the greatsword that sat on his back. Akane was a gifted Royal, with potential he hadn't seen in years, but he wouldn't excuse her words, he will cut her down if she continues to insult the King.
Akane stood tall in front of the King, her eyes blazing with fury as she addressed him directly. "Why must I kneel before you, King Renfall? Are you truly so weak that you must demand such a display of submission from those who seek your favor?" Her words echoed through the throne room, and she could feel the tension in the air as the audience held their breath.
"I have earned my place among the Royals through my own strength," Akane continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I do not need to bow before anyone, least of all a man who sits on a throne and demands obedience from his subjects. I am my own person, and I will not be subjugated by your outdated customs and traditions."
The King's expression shifted, his face contorting in a mixture of surprise and anger. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner," he boomed, rising from his throne and drawing himself up to his full height. "You are but a child, a newcomer to our land, and you dare question the authority that has been passed down through generations of kings and queens? You are nothing but a speck in the grand scheme of things, a mere mortal in the presence of those who possess true power."
The audience stirred, murmurs of dissent spreading throughout the room. They had never seen anyone challenge the King so openly, and the boldness of Akane's words struck a chord with many of them. Even some of the King's closest advisors were beginning to look uneasy, casting furtive glances in Akane's direction.
The room was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. The King and Akane stood facing each other, two powerful forces locked in a battle of wills. And in that moment, it was anyone's guess as to who would emerge victorious.
Akane took a deep breath and spoke with conviction, her words ringing out with an unwavering strength, "I will not bow to a man who is not my equal."