CHAPTER 137: THE YOUNG KING

News of Sylas’ coronation as young king was met with opposition from some quarters. They believed that the king was healthy and still able to perform his duties, so there was no need for a second king. After all, everyone knew Sylas was the crown prince who would naturally become king after the king passed away.

The young king would only cause confusion and was considered unnecessary now that the king’s condition had improved.

Adrien had anticipated this and discussed it with the royal advisors and generals. Although they shared the same opinion, Adrien wanted the coronation to proceed with as little resistance as possible.

Huron had warned him about the movements of Prince Virouse’s relatives. They were ready with their weapon of choice: rumors.

Virouse was the king’s younger brother, born of a different mother, Lady Miranda, daughter of William Barn, the former Duke of Rhovan. Although his mother had been only a concubine, she had important connections in her time. Before his death, the king gave her a residence for all her relatives and granted Virouse the title of Duke of Rhovan to appease his ambition for the throne.

But this did not stop Virouse. He had once nearly ascended the throne and only failed because Adrien had won the people’s hearts. This left him bitterly disappointed and even more ambitious.

Now he and his supporters opposed Sylas’ coronation, and their voices were strong enough to cause unrest.

The boisterous festival ended. Life returned to normal, but gossip and palace intrigue remained the hottest topic in every corner of the city.

At a meeting with nobles and royal officials, Adrien emphasized that Sylas’ coronation was very important at this time. Although some still refused, they knew only the people could oppose the king’s decision.

The Barn family in the capital spread rumors about the dangers of dual kingship, warning that it would lead to legal uncertainty. They had high hopes this time. Bad rumors spread quickly, and unrest would be inevitable if the people protested.

On the day of the coronation, Huron deployed all his soldiers to secure every corner. He was ready for chaos.

Sylas wanted to stop the plan, thinking it was unnecessary. But Adrien refused to back down.

Adrien and Sylas headed to the main palace, where everything had been prepared. They were nervous but had strengthened their resolve to face whatever turmoil came.

The people gathered outside the gate, shouting. But unexpectedly, they had come to see the coronation. Only a few stayed away at the edge of the city, and they looked like they had been paid to protest.

The Barn family realized something was wrong. The rumors had simply vanished.

The news was filled with reports of Sylas’ coronation, which had gone smoothly. Congratulations poured in from various parties, followed by more good news.

"You won’t be able to defeat the power of the palace. They can twist the facts and bury bad news. As long as the king is in power, you won’t have a chance. The people love him," said Dionar Barn, head of security in the capital. He had done everything he could, but this time it was hopeless, especially after yesterday’s festival, when the people had glorified Adrien.

And Sylas’ good reputation as a prince who had never been involved in scandal, who was polite and kind-hearted, meant he had the unconditional support of most of the people.

Sylas officially held the title of young king. When he sat on the throne alongside his father, wearing the same crown, he felt a heavy burden fall on his shoulders. He looked at everyone in the throne room, kneeling to congratulate him.

He saw a picture of his future. They weren’t bowing in respect. He saw them as people he had to rule and protect.

He looked at Adrien. How could that man make them all obey his commands?

One thing was certain: Sylas had a lot to think about now, because Adrien clearly wanted him on the throne where he could watch him closely.

The ceremony ended at noon. He went straight to his new office, which had been specially prepared for him, separate from Adrien’s.

Bryon explained everything he had arranged there.

"Ah, once again, congratulations, Your Majesty. Long live you," said Bryon, bowing.

Sylas bowed his head in acceptance. "Thank you, Sir Bryon."

"If you need anything, let me know right away," said Bryon.

Sylas nodded. The head of administration left.

Sylas looked around his new office. It was larger than his old room. All the furniture and decorations were new. He walked to his large desk, already covered with books and stationery.

"Not bad," said Sylas. He turned to Alvaro and Amos, who had walked in behind him.

Alvaro looked at Sylas with emotion. He hadn’t expected this day to come—the day his friend would truly become king.

"I think I should pay my respects," said Alvaro.

"Wait—"

Before Sylas could stop him, Alvaro and Amos drew their swords, thrust them into the floor, and knelt with their heads bowed. It was the Valigrian knights’ sign of respect for their king.

"Our heartfelt congratulations to the newly enthroned young king. May he reign with wisdom and live a long life," said Alvaro.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Amos added.

Sylas stood silently for a few seconds, speechless. Their words made his heart tremble.

"Well, thank you. Please stand up, both of you."

Alvaro smiled, stood, reached for Sylas, and removed the young king’s cloak.

"It feels kind of strange. You don’t have to do that," said Sylas.

"You are a king now," said Alvaro.

"Why are you being so formal with me?"

"I don’t want to end up on the chopping block for mocking a king," Alvaro said with a smile.

Sylas chuckled. "You know nothing has changed."

***

Kai watched the ceremony with the servants. Alora had forced him to come, and they were in the front row that afternoon. He was overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, but thanks to her, he saw Sylas clearly in his royal cloak, looking so handsome and majestic.

How could he, a useless slave, ever touch such a perfect man with the highest status in the kingdom? He still couldn’t believe it.

Seeing Sylas now, surrounded by hundreds of soldiers and supported by thousands of people, he felt like a flea in a wheat field—small, invisible.

That feeling weighed heavily on his heart. Even when evening came and he returned to the dormitory, he kept his head down.

How many handsome men had surrounded Sylas earlier? So many. Beautiful women too.

Kai rubbed his face, looked at his crippled legs, and sighed deeply. What advantages did he have?

Especially after hearing Alora’s words earlier, that Sylas was going to marry a princess from Ganesh.

That made him realize Sylas’ attention had been nothing more than a master’s kindness to a slave. Why had he been bold enough to expect more?

Kai’s chest tightened.

"Hey!"

Kai was startled by the voice. He turned and saw Bram standing in the doorway. He quickly stood.

Behind him stood Garry. "You’d better leave," said Garry.

Bram ignored him. He looked at Kai, his face stiff, his friendly expression gone. Kai knew what the man wanted to say, and it made him nervous.

"Leave us alone," Bram demanded.

Garry refused Bram’s request. He didn’t know what Bram might do to Kai if they talked alone, especially after recent problems.

Finally, Bram spoke up. He looked at Kai with pleading eyes.

"I beg you, ask the King to release Maria. She regrets what she did. It’s not fair for her to be locked in prison just for a few coins," said Bram.

Kai looked down. He couldn’t do anything. But the principal had taken it seriously, bringing Mrs. Gremblin before the royal court, and she ended up in prison.

The dormitory was now run by a young woman named Amelia Sarani. Instead of being called Mrs. Sarani, she asked everyone to call her Amelis. She treated Kai like an honored guest. Still, Kai felt guilty. He believed Mrs. Gremblin was in prison because of him. He knew prison was a terrible place.

Kai was shocked when Bram knelt before him. "I beg you, ask the King. I know you can. The King will listen to you. If you don’t help me, I’ll be expelled from here. I beg you, Kai. You know I’ve never done anything bad to you."

Kai looked down, pulling Bram up. "I-I can’t do anything, please forgive me."

"No, I know you can do something! Please, help me!"

Kai frowned when Bram grabbed his hand. Garry had to pull the man away before he hurt Kai.

"If I get kicked out of here, I’ll make sure you follow me! I regret ever helping you! You bastard!"

Bram’s shouts pierced Kai’s heart, making his chest pound. His body shook. The Bram he once knew as kind and friendly now looked like a monster ready to devour him.

Kai collapsed on the edge of the bed. Guilt crushed him. His feelings were in chaos.

Now, he didn’t even know if Sylas would see him again.

Kai looked down, uncertain and restless.

He felt suffocated. He couldn’t breathe. His chest ached.