The coronation was finally going to happen.

That fact alone carried a certain weight to it. It wasn't just another ceremony or some routine royal event people would forget after a few days. This was something bigger. Something people would remember, talk about, maybe even argue over years from now. The entire country seemed to feel it too.

People from all over had gathered around the capital, filling the streets, the plazas, even the spaces that usually stayed quiet. There was noise everywhere. Conversations, laughter, speculation, and the occasional argument about what kind of ruler the new King would be. Everyone had something to say. Everyone wanted to witness it.

While most of them stayed outside, waiting for the event to begin, I made my way toward Myrcella.

She was in the middle of getting dressed.

The room was busy, filled with movement and coordination. Maids surrounded her, each focused on a specific task, adjusting fabric, preparing accessories, making sure everything was exactly how it needed to be.

By the time I stepped inside, she was already halfway done.

The first thing they had secured onto her was a tight corset.

It looked uncomfortable just by watching. The fabric pulled in tightly around her waist, shaping her figure in a way that was clearly intentional, but probably not very forgiving.

"Don't make it too tight. It's getting hard to breathe," she said, her voice carrying a slight strain.

"Well, if you can't even wear that, I don't think you're fit to be a King," Lilia replied almost immediately. Her tone had that teasing edge to it, so she was probably just joking. "Then again, I don't think you're suited to being a King anyway."

Her words sounded harsh on the surface, but there was a lightness to them. The kind that made it obvious she wasn't being entirely serious.

"Well, it's just that… with the corset this tight, I don't think I'll even be able to walk to the coronation," Myrcella answered, clearly trying to defend herself without sounding like she was complaining too much.

"Well, I do think you wearing that garment makes you look beautiful, Myrcella," I said.

Her attention shifted to me right away.

"Oh, Leon. You're already here? The coronation isn't until this afternoon," she said, sounding a bit surprised.

"Well, I couldn't really wait for it to start," I replied. "This is a big moment for you. Of course I wanted to see you step onto that stage and wear the crown."

"Well, that's really sweet of you to say," she said, her expression softening just a little. "Though it would be a bit embarrassing if I lost consciousness while walking there."

There was a hint of humor in her voice, but it didn't completely hide the concern underneath.

"Well, yes. That would definitely be a bit of a problem," I said.

"You should just endure it. I mean, it's the first time a woman is going to be crowned as King. Naturally, there wasn't enough time to accommodate you properly," Lilia added. "And by the way, Leon, I don't think I've said this enough, but there are people in the kingdom who want the Princess dead. Protecting her should be the top priority at all times. So you being here is reassuring… but also not, at the same time."

Her words were more serious this time.

She wasn't questioning whether I could protect Myrcella. That part wasn't the issue. The problem was that my presence here meant there were fewer defenses elsewhere. It was a fair concern, even if she didn't say it outright.

"You really don't trust my women that much, do you?" I said. "They're more than capable, you know. So don't underestimate them."

It wasn't like I was the only one strong in this place.

Sure, I had strength that stood out. Enough that it naturally drew attention and, in some ways, overshadowed the people around me. Even Veronica, who was easily stronger than anyone else in the room, ended up looking less impressive simply because I was standing there. That was just how things worked.

Still, that didn't mean the others were weak.

Far from it.

My women were strong. Strong enough that calling them just "my women" almost felt wrong. It made it sound like they were just following me, when in reality, they stood on their own just fine. I trusted them. I wouldn't put them in dangerous situations if I didn't.

"Of course, that includes all of you," I added. "You're all strong as well."

That got a reaction.

Lilia, who had been so confident just moments ago, suddenly looked away, her face turning red.

"Well, you certainly have a way with words. I can't believe you can say things like that with a straight face," she said, clearly trying to brush it off.

"Fufufu, I've never seen the Commander make that kind of face before. Only you could manage that, Leon," Myrcella said, her tone light and amused.

The atmosphere eased a little after that.

Around us, the maids continued their work without missing a beat.

They began putting the dress on her.

It was exactly what you would expect from royalty. Nothing excessive for the sake of it, but detailed enough that you couldn't ignore it.

The dress was red, deep and rich, with golden embroidery woven carefully into the fabric. It fit her perfectly, as if it had been made with nothing but her in mind. The color reminded me of finely aged wine, the kind people saved for important occasions.

They added jewelry next.

A piece was placed around her neck, resting there with a subtle weight. It caught the light just enough to draw attention without being overwhelming. Even without knowing much about jewelry, it was obvious that it was expensive. Just a glance was enough to tell it could easily be worth a thousand gold coins.

The skirt came after that.

It spread outward from the dress, giving it that full, regal shape that made her presence stand out even more. It wasn't just about appearance. It changed the way she carried herself, the way she stood, even the way she moved.

Right then, she looked every bit like a Queen.

Or rather, a King.

Someone who was about to stand in front of the entire kingdom and take that role for herself.

"How do I look, Leon?" she asked, turning her gaze toward me.

She fluttered her eyes slightly, just enough to make it clear she was trying to be a little more charming than usual.

"Perfect."