Honor Square — In front of the Golden Palace
On a calm sunny day, Van ascended the grand platform, surrounded by the flags of the Gold and Peace kingdoms, and his imperial black banner with a red sun in the center.
Crowds gathered from all over the West — leaders, soldiers, nobles, and even commoners — waiting for a speech that would be etched in the books of history.
Van stood clad in his royal armor, flanked by:
Leila, with her stormy calm.
Niren, in a simple royal white dress, draped with the scarf of peace.
Seth, wearing a black cloak embroidered with the throne's emblem.
He raised his hand, and silence fell.
Then he began:
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"My people, sons of the empire,
I stand before you today not just as an emperor, but as a father, a husband, and a soldier.
We have faced betrayal, captivity, and tears… and emerged stronger.
Therefore, today I announce decisions from which there is no turning back."
He raised his hand toward Niren and said:
"First:
I announce the return of Niren, Queen of Peace, to her throne,
and her official coronation as the emperor's second wife,
under the sacred law of the empire's protection."
Faces shifted — some shocked, some cautiously applauded — and Leila did not move, but cast Van a long glance.
Then he pointed to the child in Kaiden's arms:
"Second:
This child, named Darin Raigor, my second son.
He will not inherit the throne, but will be a sword for his brother Rayn,
to protect him… or die defending him."
Whispers spread through the crowd, but Van continued firmly:
"No dispute over the throne in my house.
No stabbing of lineages under my banner."
He then turned to Seth and said:
"Third:
I appoint Seth, Chief Strategist,
as Prime Minister of the empire,
with full powers over the armies, defense, and highest military decisions,
from now until the war ends."
Seth stepped forward and bowed before Van.
"I will lead it to victory, or be buried beneath its banner."
Van paused, then pulled out a red scroll sealed with the royal dagger, holding it high before all:
"And finally… I declare war.
War on the South… on the kingdom of Wei,
which betrayed the honor of the kingdoms,
insulted our queen, threatened our lineage,
and spilled our blood."
He tore the scroll on the platform and declared:
"Starting tomorrow…
everyone who carries the banner of Van Raigor
will march south.
Not for gold, but for blood."
The square thundered with cheers, soldiers raised swords to the sky, and trumpets blared.
Van stepped down from the platform and stood between Leila and Niren, placing a hand on each shoulder.
"In the coming war… everything I own will be at stake.
Two wives.
Two sons.
A legacy.
And… an unbreakable banner."