Abyssal Chronicles

Chapter 260 - 261: The Coronation Ceremony [1/2]

"Lady Mengxi, why did you come here alone? Didn’t the Bishop ask you to wait?"

A Church Knight with shimmering golden hair and deep red eyes approached Mengxi, leading the members of the Asumos congregation into the square. He hurriedly made his way to the VIP seating area and stood beside Mengxi.

"It’s not proper for you to be alone like this. The bishop is quite upset, you know?"

Concerned about the somewhat somber expression on the beautiful silver-haired girl in front of him, the young Church Knight leaned closer to Mengxi’s ear and whispered discreetly.

In response to his words, Mengxi nonchalantly replied,

"Oh, I understand. We can talk about it later."

"..."

After speaking, the silver-haired girl disregarded him and shifted her gaze to the representatives of the various major factions who were gradually entering the scene. With all the guests assembled, it meant that the ceremony would begin soon.

"Hurry up and start, and then get it over ..."

Mengxi had no interest whatsoever in Xue Tianao’s coronation ceremony. She had come here because the Church’s higher-ups had forced her to, and on the other hand, to meet her sister Yumo and playfully cling to her, embracing her delicate and easily swayed figure.

But now, Yumo had disappeared somewhere, leaving Mengxi trapped in this crowded square, which was nothing short of torment for her. The gazes filled with desires and ill intentions constantly came from all directions, greatly displeasing the silver-haired girl.

On the other side, noticing Mengxi’s discontent, the golden-haired knight next to her, Phillipe, the son of Bishop Nick, shook his head helplessly. Phillipe knew that Mengxi disliked such events. The noisy atmosphere and disrespectful gazes only added to Mengxi’s discomfort. Moreover, Mengxi’s lack of enthusiasm for attending Xue Tianao’s coronation ceremony was completely justified. Therefore, it was understandable that the restless silver-haired girl showed no interest in engaging with him.

Phillipe didn’t get angry; instead, he tactfully stepped aside and remained silent. Although Phillipe was Bishop Nick’s son, he himself didn’t value fame, wealth, and status. His devotion to the Asumos Church and the goddess was genuine. Hence, he held deep respect for Mengxi, who was recognized as the Girl of destiny.

On the other hand, Phillipe found it quite absurd that his father kept urging him to pursue Mengxi and win the heart of Girl of destiny. Mengxi’s beauty and power were unquestionable and had indeed stirred emotions within him involuntarily. However, Phillipe was aware of his own abilities and potential, realizing that he wasn’t worthy of Mengxi.

Phillipe, who had self-awareness, didn’t entertain any crooked ideas. On the contrary, he hoped that the Mengxi would find her happiness as soon as possible.

However, when he recalled the word Bai Yanluo had said to him earlier in the morning, Phillipe couldn’t help but show a conflicted expression.

"’Mengxi seems to have developed feelings for the young lady from the Black Rose family.’"

’Those two?’

As he imagined the scene of the two beautiful girls being close together, Phillipe, like Bai Yanluo, couldn’t help but reveal a strange expression. Although he didn’t oppose it, having the two sisters like that, after all, similar situations were not uncommon within the Church...

But to keep such high-level beauties confined internally like this? In some sense, it was quite a pity...

Glancing at the silver-haired girl beside him, radiating sanctity and elegance, Phillipe couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. At the same time, as he recalled certain faces from the academy, Phillipe felt even more troubled.

If those young masters and ladies found out that Lady Mengxi had been abducted...

It would probably lead to another commotion.

Thinking about this, Phillipe’s mood became even more complicated. After all, those individuals were prominent figures within the Empire, pampered children of wealthy families. If things were to escalate, it would surely be quite troublesome...

At that time, as an administrator within the Church, his heart would probably explode from frustration...

...

However, just as Phillipe lamented the bleak future, the silver-haired girl beside him suddenly made a disdainful "tsk" sound, abruptly snapping Phillipe back to reality.

"Annoying people..."

Hmm?

Seeing Mengxi muttering under her breath, Phillipe furrowed his brow. But soon, the young Church Knight understood the reason behind Mengxi’s disapproval.

"Ungghhh~~!!!"

In the next moment,

Under the excited gaze of countless people, the four 6th-tier Knights on the ceremonial platform suddenly lifted the massive, ancient, yet ominously charged dragon-shaped horn beside them. As the immense magical power surged within it, the resounding sound of this ancient and chilling horn echoed throughout the Dragon Dance Square.

The moment the horn sounded,

The previously bustling venue, filled with cheers and celebrations, abruptly fell silent. Apart from the majestic and solemn sound of the horn, there was no other noise in the surroundings.

Subsequently,

Under the enveloping sound of the resounding horn, behind the ceremonial platform, the massive, sturdy gate made of mysterious steel, the Celestia Gate, slowly opened with the collaborative effort of thirty high-ranking knights. Countless people watched in excitement as it gradually revealed itself...

The passionate beat of war drums abruptly resounded, joining forces with the sound of horns to perform an epic symphony. Accompanied by this symphony, a thunderous sound of galloping hooves drew nearer and nearer, kicking up countless dust clouds and making the ground tremble. Glancing around, at the entrance gate, a majestic procession unfolded—a golden army of fully armed soldiers on horseback entered the square.

Without a doubt, this force represented the Snow Night Empire’s most elite troops. The royal flag, a symbol of nobility and power, fluttered proudly in the sky. The bright golden armor shimmered with dazzling brilliance, while the sharp swords and blades pointed toward the heavens, exuding a chilling, icy glow. Numerous knights, exuding confidence and heroism, made their way into the square under the watchful eyes of the crowd, showcasing the formidable presence of the Royal Knights.

Yet, the most captivating figure was undoubtedly Xue Tianao, the golden-haired man who stood at the center of the coronation ceremony. Accompanied by the two knight captains, he wore a custom-made golden armor and a flowing royal robe, capturing the attention of almost everyone present. In the face of the unwavering admiration from the masses, Xue Tianao flashed a charming smile and waved his hand, projecting the image of a down-to-earth emperor.

With that simple wave, the entire crowd, which had briefly fallen silent, erupted once more. The people’s cheers merged with the resounding drums and horns, creating a roaring tsunami that swept through the Dragon Dance Square. Amidst the fervor of the crowd, the warhorses gradually came to a halt, and Xue Tianao gracefully discarded his cloak, leaping down to approach the front of the ceremonial platform.

In the next moment, accompanied by the impassioned symphony, and under the eager gaze of the crowd and Xue Tianao’s loyal followers, the chosen one finally took a step forward and ascended the stairs. This marked the beginning of the coronation ceremony—a moment of great significance.

"It’s finally beginning, and right on time,"

murmured Phillipe in his heart. As he surveyed the crowd, consumed by overwhelming excitement and erupting into fervent cheers, Phillipe couldn’t help but feel astonished. It seemed he had underestimated Xue Tianao’s popularity in the Snow Night Empire. This level of fervor appeared to surpass even the zealous followers of Mengxi in the Church.

Xue Tianao’s support base seemed much stronger than what his father and others had estimated. With this realization, Phillipe’s gaze toward Xue Tianao couldn’t help but be tinged with admiration.

However, in the next moment, as he observed Xue Tianao’s figure intently, Phillipe furrowed his brow.

’Huh? What’s this?’

I’s it just me, or does Xue Tianao seem to be walking with a slight tremor? There’s a vague feeling of... um, weakness and pain!?’