Tiyana may not have agreed with Jarvan III's decision deep down, but for many reasons, she kept her dissatisfaction hidden.
Although Tiyana had a fiery temper and never allowed anyone to undermine the ruling authority of the Crownguard family, her rise to a position just below the throne wasn't solely due to her prowess in battle.
She knew when to speak and when to remain silent.
Jarvan III's decision to grant Li Lin the lordship over Sasanli was a personal gesture of gratitude for saving Jarvan IV.
Even though it broke with tradition to grant such an honor to an outsider, since the great King Jarvan III had already made his decision, she could not oppose it.
However, even if Tiyana said nothing, Li Lin felt obligated to decline. "Your Majesty, isn't this a bit improper...?"
"There's nothing improper about it," Jarvan III replied with a smile. "The previous lord of Sasanli has fallen ill, and without an heir, he recently sent me a letter requesting that I appoint a new governor."
Before Li Lin could refuse, Jarvan III continued, "I name you honorary lord. You won't need to manage the town, only enjoy the benefits it brings. This is a reward you deserve."
Li Lin felt a wave of helplessness.
He had anticipated a reward from Jarvan III, but he hadn't expected to be granted an entire domain...
What a turn of events—could this mean he might one day establish a powerful "Li" family in Demacia?
With these swirling thoughts, Li Lin bowed again, accepting the gift. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, we still need to arrange a banquet to celebrate the prince's triumphant return," Barrett reminded. "Besides, the long journey has surely left Li Lin and Morgana weary. It's time they took a rest."
"My apologies, I was so excited that I completely forgot about your long voyage," Jarvan III said.
He then shouted towards the hall's entrance, "Guards, quickly arrange rooms for our esteemed guests!"
...
...
After the servants led Li Lin, Zoe, Morgana, and Shyvana away from the Hall of Valor, Jarvan III waved the guards out of the hall as well.
Once they were gone, he sighed deeply, returning to his throne. Leaning back, he rested his elbow on the armrest, supporting his face with a clenched fist, a look of weariness and melancholy on his features.
"I'm not as strong as I used to be..." Jarvan III smiled gently, gazing at his son. "It won't be long before you must bear the responsibility of ruling this kingdom."
Jarvan IV's voice grew urgent. "Father, what are you saying? You're only 44! You're still in your prime!"
"44 years old... yes. I've already surpassed the average lifespan of the Crownguard family."
Jarvan III sighed again, turning towards Tiyana. "Your father fought valiantly at Everpeak, saving my own father. But even so, he passed away from his injuries at the age of 43.
"My grandfather, who fought in the wars at Valdis in the Argent Mountains against the Noxian warlord Sion, perished with him at age 37.
"The past kings of the Crownguard family all ascended to the throne in their youth, keeping Demacia running. But now that the crown has been passed to me, I haven't led the kingdom to true prosperity..."
"Your Majesty, don't diminish your own achievements." Tiyana interjected. "Your victories 13 years ago—securing the border, pushing back the Noxian army, and repelling the barbarian tribes from Freljord—are as great as those of your predecessors."
Jarvan III smiled as his gaze swept over Tiyana, Barrett, and Xin Zhao.
"But without your help, Barrett's logistical support, and Xin Zhao's bravery after joining the King's Guard, how could we have ever driven back both the Noxians and the northern barbarians?"
Standing steadfast behind the king, Xin Zhao remained silent, though a fleeting look in his eyes revealed his thoughts.
Tiyana opened her mouth to respond but found no words. She eventually said, "Your leadership made it possible."
Jarvan III simply shook his head, turning to Barrett. "When I first ascended the throne, Lestara was right—I was indeed a poor king."
His tone was full of regret as he recalled the Hall of Valor from years past, when Lestara Demacian—back when her name was still Demoysher—had openly questioned his inaction.
At that time, he had only been king for 14 days, having taken the crown from Jarvan II.
"The nobles' disputes consumed much of my daily governance, leaving me little time to address the people's struggles..."
Barrett chuckled. "But you changed, didn't you?"
"Thanks to you, my old friend," Jarvan III sighed. "Without your support of the Illuminators and your aid to the people, Demacia would not be what it is today. But..."
He paused, his voice growing solemn. "Is it enough?"
The Hall of Valor, occupied by only five people, fell into a long silence.
Xin Zhao's eyes lingered on Jarvan III's aging form, a complex emotion in his gaze.
Tiyana furrowed her brow slightly, sensing the deeper meaning in the king's words.
Meanwhile, a flicker of hope crossed Jarvan IV's face.
However, Jarvan III did not dwell on the subject. "Tell me about the front lines," he said, smiling at his son though his tone held a note of reprimand. "You do realize, when news of your disappearance reached us, I was frantic with worry, don't you?"
Jarvan IV lowered his head in shame. "I apologize, Father. It was my rash decision-making that led to this mistake..."
"Hmm, recognizing your errors and correcting them is a vital quality for a good king. Besides, you redeemed yourself by capturing a Noxian battalion general."
"That was thanks to Li Lin and Shyvana."
"No need to be so modest, young Jarvan. You've done quite well yourself," Barrett laughed heartily, patting him on the shoulder.
"By the way, the Shyvana you mentioned... does she really have dragon blood?" Jarvan III asked curiously.
"Yes, she told me that the fire dragon, Yvva, who wreaked havoc on the border, was her mother. It sensed their blood connection and hunted her down."
"But that elemental dragon has already been slain by Li Lin."
Jarvan III raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Perhaps making him the Lord of Sasanli was too conservative. Go on, tell me more about Shyvana."
"She distinguished herself on the battlefield against Noxus. I wanted her to stay by my side, but the petricite in Demacia has an adverse effect on her..."
Jarvan IV trailed off, but Jarvan III, well-versed in his son's thoughts, quickly saw through his hesitation.
"Ah, you're still the same as when you were a child," he chuckled. "I understand. I'll arrange for her to go to a nearby town, but you should be aware of the consequences her bloodline might bring."
"I know. I'll help her build trust with the local guards."
Jarvan III nodded, his expression gradually becoming more serious. "I've heard that this recent attack on you was orchestrated by the Black Rose faction of Noxus?"
At the mention of business, Xin Zhao, Tiyana, and Barrett all straightened up.
"The attackers were vampires. Based on my discussions with Li Lin, we suspect they might be descended from Vladimir, the founder of the Black Rose."
Jarvan III fell into deep thought, tapping his gauntleted fingers against the marble armrest of his throne, creating a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound.
After a moment, he asked, "What's the current status of these vampires?"
"Li Lin said Morgana tracked down the vampire forces and completely annihilated them."
Jarvan III breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. We can't allow such dangerous beings to return to Noxus."
His thoughts drifted to Li Lin's image. "Tell me about this Li Lin."
At the mention of Li Lin, a smile appeared on Jarvan IV's face. "Despite his young age, I truly believe Li Lin is a man of wisdom."
For the next ten minutes, Jarvan IV detailed everything about Li Lin, mostly gathered from casual conversations during their journey back. He recounted the mechanical troops, the massive mechs, and how Li Lin, alongside Zoe and Morgana, had sealed the primordial demon, Fiddlesticks, in vivid detail.
"Wait, the young girl traveling with him... is she also a Celestial?!" Tiyana, who had been holding back her shock, finally exclaimed once Jarvan IV finished his story.
"According to Li Lin, she's the Aspect of Twilight."
"—Hiss!"
Jarvan III, Tiyana, and even Xin Zhao couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
Morgana had returned to Demacia because of Li Lin, and now they learned he had a Twilight Aspect traveling with him? Could he really be just an ordinary mechanical craftsman from the Piltover Kiramman family?
"According to Ionian legends, the descent of a Twilight Aspect often heralds disaster and immense danger."
Xin Zhao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
All eyes immediately focused on him.
"What do you mean?" Jarvan III asked.
"I heard it from the elders," Xin Zhao shook his head, indicating that he didn't know much more. "But there's a line from an ancient Ionian song: 'When twilight descends, calamity follows.'"
The hall fell into silence once more.
Could it be that even the heavens themselves are against my reforms?
Jarvan III's heart sank.
After what seemed like an eternity, Jarvan IV, as if struck by a sudden thought, broke the silence. "I heard Morgana say her sister, Kayle, will return to Demacia, wielding the fire of merciless judgment to punish all sins..."
"The return of the Winged Protector to Demacia may not be a good thing," Tiyana added.
"If that's the case..." Jarvan III stroked his beard, pondering. "Too much has happened recently. We must start preparing now."
(End of Chapter)
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