Chapter 308: Chapter 63: Legend! Legend! (Finale)

Several more days passed. The gloom in the sky finally scattered, bringing a rare, clear morning to Blackstone Fortress.

All was quiet in the direction of Eagle’s Beak Peak. The monster corpses on the wilderness had been mostly cleared away, and the once-ubiquitous stench of sulfur and rust in the air had faded until it was nearly imperceptible.

Simple scaffolding had been erected over the damaged sections of the outer wall, where artisans, commoners, and soldiers were hurrying to make repairs.

Meanwhile, in the central square of the Inner Castle, a solemn and dignified ceremony was underway.

The square had been cleared and swept clean ahead of time, its ground covered with fine white sand, a symbol of sanctity.

At the northern end, a temporary wooden platform about two meters high had been erected, draped with a heavy, deep red carpet embroidered with golden thread.

Behind the platform hung the Crescent Embracing Stars Holy Emblem representing the Church Court, the Purple Vulture King Banner of the Vilt Kingdom, and the Iron Hammer Mountains Badge of the Peric Clan.

At this moment, there were only three high-backed chairs on the platform.

Seated in the center was Saint Cyril Cardinal.

He had changed into a magnificent new Bright Red Cardinal’s Robe, wore a High Crown, and held the Golden Scepter topped with an enormous ruby.

Though his face could not hide his weariness and age, he radiated an inviolable aura of majesty and sanctity.

To his left, the Ironspine Duke, Hakon Perik, stood solemnly.

He had changed into a more formal, deep black ducal ceremonial dress with intricate embroidery. At his waist hung a ceremonial longsword adorned with his family crest, and his gray-blue eyes calmly scanned the crowd below.

To the right, the Valkendu Metropolitan Bishop also stood.

He was dressed in a deep blue Shepherd’s Robe, his ice-blue eyes devoid of warmth. With his hands folded before him, he exuded a frigid yet sublime aura, like an eternal glacier of the Northern Lands.

Around the square below the platform, spectators from all sides were arranged in neat rows.

In the core area closest to the platform, the seats for the Royal Family and the highest nobility were particularly eye-catching.

Elizabeth, a Princess of the Vilt Kingdom, was seated there.

She had clearly taken great care in her preparations for the day. Her soft black hair was intricately coiled and dotted with small Amethyst hairpins, perfectly complementing her elegant, lilac-purple court gown.

The gown was perfectly tailored to her slender, developing figure. Its cuffs and collar were embroidered with delicate silver thread, and a small Purple Vulture Brooch gleamed at her neckline.

Her hands rested elegantly in her lap, her spine straight as she strove to maintain the dignified bearing of a Royal Princess. But her normally lively black eyes were now fixed on a spot to the side of and behind the platform, searching for a figure who had not yet appeared. Her fingertips unconsciously stroked the smooth fabric of her gown, betraying a hint of her inner tension and anticipation.

Slightly behind and to the side of her, in the section reserved for powerful lords and key allies, Aurora sat quietly in a cushioned chair.

She had chosen a stately, deep blue velvet gown. Its cut was simple and fluid, embroidered only with a minimalist silver-thread Monte Family Emblem at the high waistline and cuffs.

A short cape, the same deep black as the Murphy Cloak with silver trim, was draped over the back of her chair.

Her thick, golden hair was not overly decorated, simply cascading naturally over her shoulders, glowing softly in the morning light.

Her posture was relaxed yet poised, her azure eyes calmly sweeping over the entire square before they, too, settled on the area to the side of and behind the platform. Her gaze was deep and serene.

Behind them sat the mid-to-high-ranking officers of Blackstone Fortress, prominent members of the Peric Clan, and the leaders of various reinforcements and representatives from Knight Orders who had since arrived at the fortress.

Finally, there were the representatives of the elite soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle.

Everyone’s gaze was focused on the platform and the empty space in front of it.

That was where the honorees would soon stand.

The morning light pierced through the thin clouds, coating everything in the square with a layer of pale gold.

"In the name of Oriane, as the worldly representative of the Holy Throne, I, Saint Cyril Cardinal, hereby proclaim." Cardinal Cyril’s old yet resonant voice, amplified by some form of Divine Magic, echoed clearly across the square, overpowering the sound of the wind and the faint noises of work in the distance.

"The Deep Red Tide raged, leaving the Iron Spine Defense Line in grave peril. The profane lay in wait, and living souls were devastated. Fortunately, blessed by Divine Grace, heroes have emerged. They answered the call, venturing deep into unhallowed lands to guard the very gates of despair. Here today, following ancient tradition and sacred covenant, we shall bestow upon those of great merit the supreme glory of the Holy Protector—to honor their courage and to inspire those who will come after." He paused, his gaze burning like a torch as it swept across the entire assembly. "May the Radiance of Truth forever illuminate the path of the brave."

The ceremony officially began.

The first to be summoned to the platform was Knight Armand de Laval.

The old knight had changed into his most formal knightly attire. His left arm was still in a sling, and with the help of an Attendant, he walked slowly to the front of the platform and knelt on one knee.

Cardinal Cyril held the scepter, lightly touching it to the knight’s shoulder. "Armand de Laval, within the Deep Red Wilderness, you contributed to the great cause of closing the passage with your steadfast faith and unyielding valor. Gravely wounded, you did not retreat. Your loyalty and courage are worthy of reward. I now bestow upon you the title of Holy Protector. May this honor be with you, and may the light of Oriane forever protect you and your family."

"I humbly accept this Divine Grace and will uphold my duty," Knight Armand replied in a deep voice, bowing his head to receive the blessing.

When he rose, though his face was still pale, his eyes shone with pride and honor.

Next was Batu, the man from the highlands.