72 The Stainless Prince of the Eas (1/2)
”...It is with great pride and joy that I, Velvund Goldentree, hereby grant you the surname of Goldentree with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it…”
Hundreds of millions watched as the coronation begun. Two figures stood outside atop of the tree-spire. Lights and floating cameras were pointed at them, illuminating their figures for all to see across the city and the world.
Velvund conjured a thin, golden crown made of flowers and then said, ”I, with the full authority granted to me by the Lion King, crown you a prince of the East and childe of the Alf. May your blood and spirit carry the dignity of the ancestors in the days to come…”
The East watch as their former king put the golden crown on the boy in silence. When the young figure was crowned, it happened.
Across the city, people bowed in the presence of their new prince. Waves of Avunian citizens, bent over and offered their respect to the new prince in a show of solemn unity.
Of course, there were some who still did not approve of the former king's decision, but even so, they still bowed to the new prince. The law was written in blood and therefore, had to be followed by those who possessed the blood.
They bowed to the law of blood and not to the human prince. What the felt about him no longer mattered — the law took precedence over their own feelings and opinions about the matter. Such was the price they had paid to maintain the Eternal Unity of the East…
Reed gazed out into the endless crowd of people and saw them for who they were — people he was now responsible for in some capacity.
He felt numb — emotionless best described the feeling.
It was an odd thing; He neither felt anxious nor afraid about the fact that he'd been crowned a prince of an entire people. Not even excitement or concern…
Reed simply gazed out into the crowd, smiled politely, and waved at the crowd in composed manner.
He stepped forward and took the initiative almost as if he already knew what to do...
Reed channeled Anima into his throat and then said, ”People of the East, hear me and listen to my words…” His voice echoed out across the city with perfect tone and timbre and reached everyone at the same time.
It was as if was right next to every citizen in the city, speaking to them in a one-on-one conversation, compared to the Velvund's booming, regal voice that sounded like thunder made manifest for all to hear.
”I can sense the discord in your hearts — the fear, the distrust you possess. Know this, People of the East, I am not your foe. I, an outsider; a foreigner not native to this word, have heard of your difficult — painful history with my kin and understand why many of you might have reservations about my new… position amongst your family.”
”I hope that one day, you'll give me a chance. An opportunity to let me show you who I am, and what I represent.
Not as a Human, a member of Humanity.
Not as a Prince, a son of the Goldentree Clan.
Not as a Contender, someone in possession of an Alma.
Just as myself — Leon.
What I ask… is for you to judge me on my inner most qualities, present within the core of my being. Let my soul be what you judge my on and not the nature of my flesh, nor the my status...
This is something I humbly ask of each of you tonight. To set aside our differences and reach a compromise… to find a path that we can both walk together, for the sake of the peace and prosperity of the realm...”
That was surprisingly easy, even more than I expected…
Reed waved a final time and then quietly turned around only to find Velvund, Lu'um, and the rest of the event's guests staring at him in dumb shock like they'd witnessed an actual miracle.
Even Lacrima, who usually had something negative or critical to say about Reed's actions had been left speechless this time...
Was this the same nervous, awkward boy that they'd met tonight? The same one who looked like he'd died inside around them? Who looked entirely out of place?
What. In. The. Hell…