Chapter Thirty-Four: The King of Dawn

The newcomer was a beautiful noblewoman in her thirties, draped in a dazzling crimson gown and adorned with a multitude of gold and silver jewelry. No fewer than four jeweled rings sparkled on her fingers, her entire presence exuding the scent of wealth. She was Jennice of Dawn, the sixth princess of the Dawn Kingdom, bearer of the Trade Alliance, controlling nearly half of the kingdom’s caravans, and famed for her fortune rivaling that of entire nations.

Thanks to her status as both princess and candidate for the throne, Jennice was spared the exploitation suffered by ordinary merchants from the realm’s lords; instead, she enjoyed privileges and special treatment. Under her command, the greatest merchant company in the kingdom’s history emerged—the Trade Alliance, effectively monopolizing commerce throughout the land. In anyone else’s hands, it would have been little more than a fattened sheep awaiting slaughter by the nobles.

But times had changed. Whether the so-called Trade Alliance would survive depended entirely on the will of the one seated on the Dawn throne. With the changing of the guard imminent, Jennice had to win.

Gathered around Jennice were more than a dozen formidable monster hunters, their equipment gleaming with silver medals pinned to their chests, and one displaying a gold medal.

"Olina, why aren’t you in your shabby village, scavenging mud with those lowborns? What brings you here?" Jennice raised her chin, proud as a peacock.

Olina, unmoved by the taunt from her nominal elder sister, let her cold features show no reaction; she merely glanced sideways and continued walking.

Jennice’s eyes darkened briefly as Olina ignored her, and when they passed each other, she whispered, "Olina, don’t forget your origins: a lowborn from the slums, daughter of a whore."

Olina stopped abruptly, turning her head ever so slightly; her elegant face was as cold as an ice cavern, her blue eyes tinged with murderous intent.

The aura of a Third Rank Great Knight surged forth.

The knight with the golden hunter’s medal stepped protectively in front of Jennice, releasing a force even more powerful and transcendent than Olina’s.

Fourth Rank Punishment Knight.

In an instant, all the elite guards raised their rifles, aiming at the nearby crowd, fingers poised on the triggers, ready to unleash a hail of bullets.

The scene grew tense, fraught with imminent danger.

The kingdom’s knights nearby sensed the volatile energies and quickly converged.

At that moment, Wenbi, the diplomat in a black suit, stepped forward and spoke in the common tongue, "Madam, Princess Olina is our partner in Xuanlü. To insult Miss Olina openly and provoke conflict—should this be considered a challenge to Xuanlü?"

Wenbi knew he had to speak up now. He represented Xuanlü, visiting as a foreign envoy. The previous display of power had already made its mark; now it was time for Xuanlü to show firmness and refuse to be slighted.

First impressions were crucial. Even though the capacity of the Gate currently limited Xuanlü’s army from entering en masse, a strong stance had to be presented.

Regardless of Olina’s status, she was Xuanlü’s collaborator. Xuanlü needed to make its position clear, especially since he didn’t know if this was a test from the Dawn Kingdom.

Anything was possible; Xuanlü would show its fist as always, and if the other side wanted to fight, they’d see it through to the end.

Without waiting for a response, Wenbi turned to the assembled kingdom knights and declared, "Or does the Dawn Kingdom have no intention of peaceful exchange with Xuanlü?"

This statement sent the previously confused and nervous captain into a cold sweat.

"Mr. Wenbi, this is all a misunderstanding," the captain said hurriedly.

The news of the Green Demon disaster had been sealed by the kingdom; only the great nobles knew. The fact that the higher beings had resolved the crisis in half a day was known only to a select few in the royal palace.

He was among those informed, which was why he had been assigned to meet Princess Olina.

Just prior, the king had issued strict orders to avoid conflict with these people; if war broke out now, his commander would surely have his head.

Wenbi watched the captain, who gave no answer, only glanced at Jennice. The implication was clear.

After some hesitation, the captain steeled himself and said, "Princess Jennice, since you have already met His Majesty, please leave the palace."

He gave no opportunity for reply. The aura of a Third Rank Knight erupted, linking with the kingdom knights nearby, pressing down upon Jennice’s party like a mountain, rendering them immobile.

The Gold Medal Knight inclined his head and said in a deep voice, "Princess Jennice, this seems beyond the scope of our commission."

"Go!" Jennice spat through clenched teeth and strode away, leaving in haste.

The proud peacock had become a panicked fowl fleeing for its life.

Jennice of Dawn left the palace with a twisted expression, which gradually faded into contemplation as she walked.

Xuanlü, higher humans... It seems another contender has entered the throne race. Olina, you truly are fortunate.

Her personal maid approached and whispered, "Your Highness, it’s clear Princess Olina has the support of mysterious figures. Was your approach just now a little too bold?"

"Heh, what does it matter? Even if I tried to befriend her, would she support me? Would she relinquish the throne?" Jennice’s lips curled into a slightly unhinged smile.

"The essence of commerce is the strong devouring the weak, and the weak gambling against the strong. Only one can win the throne. Olina is a freak; she despises the aristocracy, whereas I thrive on dealing with them. I’ve recruited everyone I can, and I cannot afford to lose."

…

Once the troublesome party departed, Olina grabbed Aimeia’s shoulder and shook her head lightly. "Aimeia, this is the palace. Let it be."

"Tch." Aimeia pursed her lips, putting away the bone ring she had hidden in her palm.

Olina nodded to the diplomat, then strode ahead, leading her companions through the palace along routes she remembered, arriving at the grand central hall.

The doors, ten meters tall and engraved with mysterious patterns, stood open. A crimson carpet stretched all the way to the golden throne atop the steps.

Olina entered, expressionless, her head tilted to gaze at the throne, where an elderly man, crowned and draped in a lavish royal robe, sat frail as though he might perish at any moment.

"Olina, you’ve finally decided to return," came the hoarse, weak voice from the throne, and the majestic Dawn Sword gleamed faintly.

Olina did not bow, nor did she even bend her waist. Her eyes were as calm as autumn water, and she spoke unhurriedly, "Father, you are dying, much like mother."

The Dawn King was not angered by Olina’s tone or behavior; instead, he sighed. "Yes, your father has grown old. I am glad to see you all return before I die."

Olina was taken aback; she had not expected the cold and unfeeling king to show such sentiment, like any ordinary father.

"Heh heh heh," Olina sneered, her smile full of mockery. "Father, you look so pathetic now. You were never like this. Isn’t the current predicament your own doing?"

The Dawn King fell into deep silence, saying nothing, turning his gaze to the black-haired visitors. "Friends from afar, thank you for saving the countless citizens of the Dawn Kingdom and resolving the Green Demon disaster."

Wenbi stepped forward, offering a courteous smile. "Your Majesty, it was merely a small effort. Xuanlü is comprised of four peace-loving nations; we are pleased to help others."

He then added, with a hint of apology, "Please forgive our lack of etiquette; we do not follow the customs of your land. For us, we kneel only to our parents, to heroes, and to the heavens."

How domineering—his status as king wasn’t enough to make the envoy kneel?

In that moment, the Dawn King saw the shadow of empires in this black-haired man, no, they were even prouder than the empires; not even a ceremonial bow was permitted.

Had it been before, the king would have dismissed him as another charlatan, then ordered his knights to take him away for execution. But these people were no frauds; anyone possessing the power to resolve the Green Demon crisis so easily had no need for deception.

Those with such power had no reason to trick the Dawn Kingdom—it simply wasn’t worth it. Just as the Sixth Rank warriors of old, why would they risk their lives to deceive the human emperor, rather than some lesser king or lord without risk?

The Dawn King nodded slightly. "You are benefactors to the kingdom; I would not dwell on such minor details."

"Thank you for your understanding."

The two then engaged in a tedious and lengthy exchange of compliments.

Aimeia yawned throughout, baffled by their circuitous dialogue. Why not speak plainly? Why so many roundabout words?

It seemed even the higher humans couldn’t escape such habits.

Noticing the king coughing blood, Wenbi seized the opportunity to feign surprise. "Your Majesty, your condition resembles an illness common in my homeland."

Sure enough, the Dawn King was taken aback, then eagerly asked, "Really?"

His sallow face showed disbelief and a faint yearning for life.

"I cannot be certain, but may I ask you a few questions?" Wenbi kept his answer measured.

The king nodded repeatedly. "Please, go ahead."

"Does Your Majesty sometimes feel inexplicable heat, lasting for weeks at a time?" Wenbi inquired.

The king pondered and answered uncertainly, "Indeed, at times my body temperature seems uncontrollable."

Wenbi continued, "Your Majesty often suffers violent coughing, sweats during sleep, and upon waking, the sweating stops?"

"Yes, yes," the king nodded vigorously, unable to contain his joy.

His grave illness was no secret, but outsiders only knew he was sick, not the specifics. Yet this man not only described most of his symptoms, but mentioned sweating during sleep—a detail only the king himself knew.

Wenbi proceeded to list several symptoms of tuberculosis, all of which matched.

Full of hope and anxiety, the king asked, "Can Xuanlü cure this illness?"

"We cannot yet confirm that Your Majesty’s condition is indeed this illness; we would need to examine you directly. But if it is, then it can be treated," Wenbi nodded.

…

In the next moment, a golden light flared in the king’s clouded eyes, intense emotion resonating with the sacred Dawn Sword before the throne, its silver-white blade trembling.

"These are our accompanying physicians; if convenient, they could examine Your Majesty," Wenbi said, stepping aside to let three military doctors in camouflage, carrying medical kits, advance.

The king drew a deep breath. "Of course, no problem."

Upon receiving his consent, the doctors ascended the steps.

The kingdom’s knights made no attempt to hinder them, not even a body search. A group lacking any aura could never harm a Third Rank warrior with royal tools. Even if the king was dying, he was still beyond their reach.

Perhaps the higher humans had means, but no motive.

The doctors conducted a brief examination, confirming more than half probability of tuberculosis, then collected the king’s sputum.

After some casual conversation, Olina’s party withdrew from the hall.

…

Inside the palace, the Dawn King sat in deep silence, a hint of life returning to his eyes.

Below, the captain of the knights, Mark, asked, "Your Majesty, should we postpone the throne selection?"

"Why postpone?" The king coughed into his fist.

"Just because my illness might be cured?"

Mark nodded; if the king could truly recover, it would be best. At present, no one could keep the kingdom’s lords in check.

"Proceed with the selection; delay only if I am cured," the king waved his hand. He was now inclined to believe the higher humans could cure him, but the selection must continue.

The Dawn Kingdom could not go a day without a king, nor could it tolerate more than one.

"By the way, is Eileen truly returning for the selection?"

The king recalled the rebellious daughter who gave up her royal status to adventure, to become a monster hunter in distant lands, nearly giving him a stroke.

Of his nine children, none brought him peace; the two he liked best were especially defiant.

"Princess Eileen has returned to the Dawn Kingdom."

"I see, that’s good. Let them contest for it," the king exhaled deeply.

"Olina, Eileen, this is a position you cannot refuse nor escape from. There can be only one king."

Days passed. More and more strong contenders flocked from all corners, and all the great nobles of the kingdom gradually assembled in the capital.

The throne selection was about to begin.

People debated which of the nine candidates had the best odds. Some busybody published a ranking of the contenders.

First place was the eldest prince, Alex of Dawn, supported by the kingdom’s officials.

Second place was the third princess, Arella of Dawn, backed by Duke Carter.

Third was the fourth prince, Eld of Dawn, with the support of the Church of the Holy Light.

Fourth was the sixth princess, Jennice of Dawn, who held the largest merchant company.

The rest followed in order, with the last two unsurprisingly being the rebellious princess Eileen and the commoner princess Olina.

One had fallen out with the king years ago; the other was of humble birth and eccentric behavior.

Neither had noble support; indeed, the nobles shunned Olina.

…

At the easternmost edge of the kingdom, the Xuanlü military base.

Once again, knights of the kingdom arrived, and soon a convoy, escorted by these knights, departed the base for the capital.