Chapter 24: The Coronation's Dawnfire
The sky above Phillipe Palace was brighter than usual, as if nature itself joined in celebrating the long-awaited grand day. Astrid de Malefic, the Archmage who had long vanished, now stood beside Xebec—not only as a legendary sorceress, but as the official fiancée of the Hero Prince. News of their engagement spread like wildfire across dry fields, burning away all lingering doubts about the kingdom's future.
Astrid no longer came as a noblewoman haunted by shadows, but as a new figure risen from the ashes of old wounds. Clad in a shimmering black-silver mage cloak and with eyes now calm and resolute, she captivated not only the sorcerers and nobles, but also the common folk who had only heard her name in whispered tales of glory and mystery.
"Archmage Astrid will build the Grand Tower of Magic in the capital of Phillipe, under the direct patronage of King Xebec. Full funding will be provided by the royal court, and all magic students will receive next-generation magical equipment," declared the Royal Spokesman during the royal banquet.
Meanwhile, Nanea—Xebec's beloved younger sister—shone in a soft blue gown that radiated gentleness. She had just announced her engagement to Archduke Tristan von Ari. Though the relationship had once been hidden, Xebec could now only smile as he watched Nanea laugh in the arms of the man he knew would protect her.
There had been anger, of course. Xebec couldn't hide his frustration at having been kept in the dark. But when Nanea cried and shared how Tristan had protected her from the start of the chaos, and how they had survived the darkness together, Xebec's heart melted. He embraced his sister tightly.
"If he makes you happy… then I, as your brother, give you my blessing."
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But beneath the laughter and music, one soul still struggled in silence.
Bastian stood at the edge of the palace balcony, wearing a simple cloak adorned with the new Duke's insignia. He was now lord of the southern territories under Grand Duke D'Eagles. But his heart was far from at peace. Darkness still lingered within him—remnants of the demon seal that had once nearly consumed his soul.
Xebec approached him. The two stood quietly, watching the orange sky.
"I want to leave," Bastian whispered. "Some demons still live. They may be small… but their hatred still burns. I'll hunt them. I need to make things right."
Xebec looked at his brother silently, then gently patted his shoulder. "If that's your path… go. But don't forget this home."
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Years passed.
On an ordinary afternoon, during a small banquet held by the Grand Duke of D'Eagles to celebrate the opening of a new trade route, a figure appeared that left everyone breathless. A tall and broad-shouldered man in a dusty silver cloak with a massive sword on his back.
His face was calm, yet stern. A faint beard sharpened his jawline. It was none other than Bastian von Phillipe—returned as a final-rank Swordmaster.
At that banquet, his eyes met a girl's.
Vonzy von D'Eagles, daughter of the Grand Duke, with silver hair as smooth as silk and gray eyes full of curiosity. Their meeting wasn't dramatic—just a clink of glasses and an awkward laugh—but for them, time seemed to stop.
Three days later, the Grand Duke nearly fainted when Bastian came to propose.
"Three days?! You think this is a joke, boy?"
But when his daughter stood beside Bastian with flushed cheeks and eyes full of light, the Grand Duke could only sigh… and laugh.
The wedding was sudden, attended only by close family. Nanea shed happy tears, while Astrid hid a smile as Xebec kept teasing his brother about the lightning-fast marriage.
In the garden, beneath a blooming silver tree, Xebec raised his wine cup.
"To love that comes uninvited, to wounds that have healed, and to the legacy we will guard… together."
The sound of clinking glasses became witness that though the war had ended, love and courage would never fade.
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The Royal Palace of Phillipe was bustling. Servants rushed about with scrolls, fabrics, and gold, while nobles gathered in the noble council hall for a single grand purpose: to prepare the coronation of King Xebec von Phillipe and the wedding of Princess Nanea—a celebration set to be the greatest in the continent's history.
The Grand Tower of Magic, led by Astrid de Malefic, was scheduled to be inaugurated a day before the coronation. The tower's architecture blended classic and modern magical styles, equipped with alchemical tools and laboratories fully funded by the kingdom. Astrid's students would be granted protection and minor noble status in honor of their magical dedication.
Meanwhile, the Noble Council began drafting the guest list of honored dignitaries from across the continent. Special invitations were sent to:
Emperor Lucien V of the Holy Empire of Ari, wielder of the Holy Sword Divinus Lux and uncle to Archduke Tristan.
Queen Celestina Elthariel of the Elven Kingdom Luthandel, sovereign of the eternal forest and guardian of ancient magic relics.
King Dorram Ironhide of the Granor Mountain Confederation, dwarven ruler famed for war technology and alchemy.
Sultan Rashid al-Zahim of the Sand Empire Ifrit, southern desert monarch and close trade partner of Phillipe.
Archduchess Mira von Tyrenia of the Wind Isles Tyr, naval tactician and leader of the skyship fleet.
King Harald Stormborn of Frostheim, northern ruler commanding legions of ice.
As well as Grand Duke D'Eagles (Rodrick von D'Eagles) and his wife, along with the newlywed Duke Bastian and Duchess Vonzy von D'Eagles.
The council unanimously decreed: no more delays. Xebec must be officially crowned as the 14th King of Phillipe.
Xebec, as usual, didn't care much for pomp. But when he saw Nanea and Astrid happily planning dresses and feasts, he could only sigh and say, "As long as you're happy… But don't blame me if I fall asleep during the speech."
Laughter echoed. Amid remnants of scars and lingering shadows of demons, new hope quietly bloomed. The great day drew near. And the whole continent prepared to witness the rise of a king once deemed crippled… now the beacon of mankind.
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The sun rose with grace over Istalorn, capital of the Kingdom of Phillipe. Sacred bells rang from every corner, joined by cheers from the people and the marching of honor guards. The royal coronation and wedding celebration had begun.
In the grand courtyard of Phillipe Palace stood a silver stage, carved with dragons and the emblem of three golden stars—the symbol of King Ardanox, founder of the dynasty.
Xebec wore the royal mantle, embroidered with golden thread and fragments of mithril, while the ancient royal crown was brought forth by Nanea. Astrid stood at his side in a bluish-purple gown, with a soft-glowing nine-star symbol on her chest. Beside them, Archduke Tristan proudly held Nanea's hand, ready to declare their vows.
The High Bishop from the Holy Empire of Ari raised his staff of light to the sky. "Today, we witness two miracles: the rebirth of a king, and the union of two hearts in sacred bond."
Xebec stepped forward. The crowd fell silent. Before the kings and leaders of the world, Xebec received the crown from his own sister's hands.
"I, Xebec von Phillipe, vow to protect humanity, uphold justice, and guard the legacy of Ardanox… not with the right hand I have lost, but with the heart that has grown."
Thunderous cheers erupted like a storm. The golden crown was placed upon his head.
King Xebec I, the Light Dragon, Sovereign of the Kingdom of Phillipe.
That night, a grand feast was held. Holy wine from Ifrit, seafood from Tyr, and gentle songs from Luthandel filled the air. But on the palace balcony, Xebec simply sat in silence, gazing at the stars—Astrid leaning gently against his shoulder.
"The whole world is cheering for you, Light King," whispered Astrid.
Xebec smiled faintly. "I just don't want to see this world fall apart again."
Astrid looked up to the sky beside him. "You didn't just save the world. You changed it."
Not far from them, Bastian and Vonzy danced with light laughter. Grand Duke D'Eagles, Tristan, and other world leaders discussed forming the World Protection Alliance—a new shield against the darkness of the future.
In another corner, Astrid's former elderly servant wrote the first line of a book: "Rise of the Cursed King: The Tale of Xebec the Light Dragon."
And from the heavens above, the spirit of King Phillipe, the first Ardanox, smiled proudly at the human heir who had become more than a king.
The war had ended. But a new legend… had only just begun.
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End of Season 1