Chapter 234

The boy-king Lucius’s army achieved victory in every battle, conquering countless city-states and continuing to expand his territory without end.

When he successfully reclaimed all the old lands of Arcadia and brought neighboring city-states under his control, Lucius had become a king among kings without question.

As his fame spread across the entire land, the Sirius Temple sent him an invitation to determine if he was worthy to inherit the Crown of Arcadia, the Immortal Crown.

This invitation from the Sirius Temple was no mere formality – it was a test to see if the recipient was truly a vessel worthy of carrying on the name of Arcadia.

In the past, several kings had received such invitations. Half refused outright, while the other half accepted but were soon driven out.

Accepting this invitation meant proving oneself as the most powerful king, but also risked having one’s legitimacy challenged.

Without hesitation, King Lucius accepted the dangerous invitation and headed straight for the Sirius Temple.

Some of his servants advised against this course, but the king was confident.

“Everything about me – my lineage, my actions, my achievements – will prove I am the rightful king to inherit the Crown of Arcadia,” he declared firmly.

With unwavering belief in himself, Lucius approached the temple entrance accompanied by his subordinates, only to be stopped by priests at the gate.

“Great king, you must proceed alone to enter this sacred place,” they announced.

His subordinates protested – how could they know there wasn’t some treacherous blade waiting within?

Was obtaining the Immortal Crown worth such a risk?

But Lucius dismissed their concerns with a single statement: “Would the neutral Temple of Sirius allow assassins within its walls?”

Speaking of the guardian deity Sirius, the upright beast-god who tolerated no evil intent, silenced any further objections from his men.

Thus reassured, the boy-king entered the temple alone without hesitation.

Inside awaited numerous priests of Sirius, including the famed cavalry of Epona, standing guard.

Despite the many eyes watching him, Lucius moved forward without fear.

Deep within the temple stood three figures: the High Priest of Sirius, the Captain of the Epona Cavalry, and surprisingly, the High Priestess of the Church of Life who served the Goddess of Life.

Behind them gleamed the silver Immortal Crown, symbol of the Kingdom of Arcadia.

Lucius approached the crown.

“Brave young king Lucius, halt!” commanded the High Priest of Sirius calmly.

“Why did you become king?”

“To protect those precious to me.”

Without hesitation, Lucius answered.

He remembered his small home city-state that suffered constant harassment from others. The incompetent, indecisive king cared only for his own safety, not the people’s welfare.

When the people’s complaints reached heaven itself, the unworthy king ordered the soldiers to suppress the populace. But the soldiers, being citizens themselves, refused to follow such meaningless orders.

Even as a youth, Lucius led both soldiers and citizens against the king. Finding their ruler feasting on wine and meat while they suffered, the people ensured he would feast no more.

Thus began Lucius’s rebellion, raising his undefeated flag. His heart always held the will to protect what was precious.

Those who trusted and followed him, the soldiers willing to die for his command, the commoners of his land – they were all precious to the boy-king.

“I became king to protect those precious to me,” he declared.

This resolve never wavered.

Hearing this, the priest of Sirius stepped aside silently. Next spoke the formidable Captain of the Epona Cavalry:

“King, how long do you intend to continue fighting?”

“Until all threats to my nation are eliminated.”

“If those threats disappear, will you stop the war?”

“Of course. Without enemies threatening my country, war would become meaningless.”

In a world where countless cities and nations constantly clashed, how many shared such thoughts?

More land, more people, more power – these were the usual desires driving war. But Lucius rejected such ambitions.

If there were no enemies and his country was safe, he would end the wars. This showed his focus was on safety and peace, not conquest.

Satisfied, the captain of the Epona Cavalry stepped aside.

Finally, the High Priestess of the Church of Life addressed the boy-king:

“Young King Lucius, will you respect the gods and protect their temples?”

“Certainly.”

“Will you and your subordinates serve your lord with valor and loyalty?”

“Naturally.”

“Will your country respect and protect the weak?”

“Yes.”

“Will you show kindness even to widows and orphans?”

“If they are my people.”

“Will you not insult others unjustly?”

“As long as they don’t insult me first.”

“Will you value purpose and honor over monetary rewards?”

“Unless money is needed to help others.”

“Will you fight for everyone’s safety and obey just authority?”

“As long as there’s no reason to challenge it.”

“Will you defend your comrades’ honor and despise unfairness and deceit?”

“As long as it’s true honor.”

“Will you always speak the truth?”

“When there’s no reason to hide it.”

After this exchange, the High Priestess of the Church of Life nodded slightly.

“I understand your intentions well. Young King Lucius, you shall surely be chosen by this crown.”

Lifting the Immortal Crown, she approached the boy-king.

“Bow your head so I may place this crown upon it.”

Lucius knelt on one knee, and the High Priestess placed the crown on his head.

Divine light flowed from the Immortal Crown.

“Young King Lucius, you have been deemed worthy. Your kingdom shall forever be a land full of life, and your future always bright.”

The magic of the crown filled Lucius with unending vitality – enough to surpass any opponent now.

“The chosen king shall have his name remembered eternally through writing. The gods wish to grant you a new title and name.”

“The Goddess of Life? It is an honor I gladly accept.”

“Your oath shall be remembered for eternity. You shall be known as a knight of honor, a noble king, and the First Knight.”

“A knight?”

“You shall be called the Knight-King, and henceforth your name shall be Lucius Altirius Caesar.”

And thus was born the legendary Knight-King whose name would endure forever.

– The Legend of the Knight-King

—

“Empire-founder Knight-King Lucius Altirius Caesar! The First Knight! No one can erase his name!”

“I know the Knight-King is great, but I still prefer Rychlen! The hero who sacrificed even his life to end the Age of the Gods! Without him, humans would still be puppets of the gods!”

“Hohoho! Both are good points, but here we must celebrate the First Hero! Especially with the charming Dragon Priestess as our heroine!”

“Charming? What about the theory that the Knight-King was actually a girl-queen? That’s pretty appealing too!”

“HERETIC!!! HANG HIM!!!”

“AAAAAAHHHH!!! Even if you kill me, more girl-queen supporters will arise!!!”

Amidst the noisy argument between boys and girls, the bespectacled girl tilted her head in confusion and asked her sleepy-looking friend:

“Why are they fighting like that?”

“They’re debating who to feature as the main character in our next club magazine focused on heroes.”

“Hmm… I see.”

The bespectacled girl then rolled up the thin book in her hand and whacked the hanging girl-queen supporter.

“How dare you change our Knight-King’s gender!!!”

“AAAAAHHHH!!!”

Watching this typical scene from the History Exploration Club, the sleepy-eyed girl let out a small sigh.

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