The King stood tall and composed upon the dais, his gaze sweeping across the hall and the assembled guests who sat in orderly silence. Not a single voice dared to break the stillness. They all knew Marquis was acknowledged as the Chief of the Southern Region. His manner was often boyish, yet his mind was sharp, capable of governing an entire territory through words alone. More than that, he possessed a rare virtue, openness toward his people. Each week, the Marquis would walk among the citizens, observing their lives, greeting them with warmth and an easy smile. Such conduct was unheard of among regional leaders and even among the former Kings of the Kingdom of Tupmur.
"First of all, I thank you for granting me the honor of speaking tonight. Very well. From this moment onward, as the new King of the Kingdom of Tupmur, I shall uphold all royal laws that have stood since ancient times. Not only that, I will also bring change upon change for the sake of this beloved kingdom"
Suddenly, the King halted his speech. His expression softened with emotion. He closed his eyes, then opened them again, allowing the parchment in his hand to fall to the floor.
"One more thing I wish to ask as a King…" his voice lowered as he closed his eyes and released a long breath.
"If ever I commit a mistake or a fault, I beg you correct me. Offer your counsel. For in my heart, a King cannot build a kingdom alone; he needs his people standing behind him. Just as the great tree at the center of this hall stands firm because of the roots beneath it. Those vast roots spread through the earth, holding the tree upright and unyielding. And only then can the tree grow leaves of beauty for all to admire. Therefore, I implore the people of Tupmur stand with me. Let us join hands and work together to build a kingdom that is prosperous and harmonious!"
The King raised his finger toward the towering tree, then bowed deeply, his head lowered to the level of the floor in a gesture of humble plea.
For a heartbeat, the Grand Hall was silent stunned by the weight of his words. The guests were awestruck. Never in hundreds of years had a king lowered himself before his people. And thus, the ancient legend rang true: once every few centuries, a king would be born both just or fearsome.
"Long live the Young Lord!"
A sudden, thunderous voice erupted from the front rows. A young man rose from his seat, fist clenched and raised high. All eyes turned toward the neatly dressed youth.
"Hey! What are you doing, Rihisna? Sit down!" Noriala hissed sharply.
"Long live the Young Lord!" Saona stood as well, shouting with fervor.
The guests exchanged glances, then nodded in unison, slowly raising their hands.
"LONG LIVE THE YOUNG LORD!"
"LONG LIVE THE YOUNG LORD!"
"LONG LIVE THE YOUNG LORD!"
The hall burst into cheers, echoing with the cries of Rihisna and Saona. The King, who had been watching in silence, felt his chest tighten with emotion. Tears welled in his eyes as he smiled.
"Th-thank you, all of you," the King whispered, wiping away his tears.
"Very well! The people have accepted the new King!" the master of ceremonies proclaimed loudly.
"Now, allow me to introduce the aides of the Young Lord!"
"First, from the Northern Region, Sir Saona!" Saona responded with a wave and a confident smile.
"Second, from the Western Region Sir Izzif!" Izzif waved both hands cheerfully.
"Third, from the Eastern Region Lady Luna!" Luna answered with a gentle, graceful smile.
"Next, all regional leaders are invited to the stage for the conferment of a medal upon the Wanderer."
From behind the stage, an attendant stepped forward carrying a medal shaped like an ornate badge green and gold, etched with the symbols of leaves and a great tree. The King accepted it, his aides standing solemnly behind him.
"By royal decree, I summon Rihisna Irsina to the stage to receive this medal, as a symbol of honor for successfully resolving the crisis in the Northern Region of the Kingdom of Tupmur," the King announced, holding the medal aloft. Without hesitation, Rihisna ascended the stage, his smile radiant.
"With gratitude, I accept this medal bestowed by the Young Lord, King of the Kingdom of Tupmur. I offer my deepest thanks," Rihisna said as he received it.
"Thus concludes the ceremony of coronation and conferment! Guests are invited to dance and celebrate!"
The Grand Hall soon filled with life and laughter as music flowed from a lone musician seated at his piano. Nearly all the guests took to the floor, dancing with their partners.
"Lady Luna, may I have this dance?" Izzif asked softly, extending his hand.
"Very well. Let us dance," Luna replied, accepting it.
"Wow, Sir Izzif and Lady Luna seem quite close, don't they?" Noriala remarked, watching them.
"Oh, not really. That's just how Izzif is he's something of a ladies' admirer," Sir Saona replied with a chuckle, holding a glass of drink.
"What about you, Noriala? Do you want to dance as well? If you do, come dance with me," Rihisna offered suddenly.
"Huh? Um…" Noriala blinked, startled.
"Noriala Irmina, would you honor me with this dance?" Rihisna extended his right hand, bowing slightly with a warm smile.
"Erm… of course. Why not?" Noriala answered, smiling as she took his hand and pulled him along.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Dance!" she teased.
"Uh… actually, I don't really know how to dance. Tok Gana never taught me. I've only read about it in books," Rihisna admitted with a sheepish grin.
"Oh, is that so? Come here, I'll teach you," Noriala said excitedly.
She guided his right hand to rest at her waist and clasped his left hand firmly. Rihisna felt his heart race. Throughout their journey together, Noriala had never stood this close to him never like dancing partners.
"Alright, now follow my movements," Noriala said, swaying gently left and right. Rihisna followed.
"Good. You learn quickly. Now move your feet," she instructed, stepping left and right.
"Wow, you really do learn fast," she said, impressed.
Rihisna merely smiled, saying nothing as he followed her lead.
"Now let's step forward and backward," Noriala said cheerfully. They moved in rhythm for several steps.
"You're acting like you already know how to dance, even though you just learned!" Noriala exclaimed.
"I did learn just never had a partner before," Rihisna replied, smiling.
Noriala's lips curved into a gentle smile. Together they danced to the flowing, melancholic melody. From afar, Tuan Saona watched them, smiling quietly.
"Alright, I'll spin. Hold my hand," Noriala said, stepping back slightly and twirling as Rihisna held her hand.
"That was amazing! you're really good at this," Rihisna said in awe.
"Of course. My mother taught me," Noriala replied.
"Oh, there's something I want to say," Rihisna added.
"What is it?" Noriala asked.
"Thank you, for being my traveling companion, Noriala," Rihisna said, winking playfully.
"You're welcome," Noriala replied, smiling so brightly her eyes closed.
"I, Noriala Irmina, vow to always stand by the side of and protect Rihisna Irsina," she declared with spirited resolve.
"Haha… you've gotten good at speeches now," Rihisna laughed.
They both smiled, a picture of joy and harmony. That beautiful night, the Grand Hall was filled with a gentle, soothing aura of iktas. Everyone present felt lighthearted and at peace. The legend had proven true: every hundred years, a king would arise one who was just, and who truly cared for his people.