CHAPTER 1278: CHAPTER 308: THE CROWD STIRRING AND THE GODS

The news of Annan and Queen Kafney’s upcoming marriage quickly spread across all of Noah—not just among the nobles.

For the Noahites, who had relatively few amusements, even gossip about a certain noble young lady pairing up or breaking up with a cardinal could remain an endlessly fascinating topic for several days. Let alone earth-shattering news like "the Queen is getting married."

Especially since this Queen was famously known as a "demon."

Notorious among the noble class but admired for her righteous aura by the common people—meanwhile, she was also a youthful princess with a dangerously enchanting beauty, capable of captivating an entire nation.

Her betrothed was a foreign monarch, who also happened to be a burgeoning True God walking among mortals.

A direct descendant of the Cold-Blooded Lady, rumored to be Silver Baron’s protégé and Mr. Radiance’s brother, possessing a beauty that surpassed even the Paper Princess...

It was only now that Noah’s people, previously closed off from such information, learned that such a figure existed—that such a formidable individual walked the earth.

As news continued to circulate, people came to understand... that Annan himself was the very "foreigner" involved in the rumors about "usurping Kafney."

This had been the biggest obstacle when Kafney ascended the throne years ago.

Back then, many alleged that Kafney was too young and controlled by a powerful foreign noble, aiming to indirectly influence Noah through her and eventually seize control of the Noah Kingdom.

Because it was incomprehensible how someone as young as Kafney could wage generational battles for royal power without being overwhelmed. Such prowess was beyond the reach of average minds.

They resorted to "logical" assumptions, thinking Kafney was merely a puppet promoted by some faction. And indeed, who could blame them—what rational person would believe that a mere fifteen-year-old girl could effectively govern an entire nation?

She probably wouldn’t even be able to succeed at playing house.

Yet now, Kafney had undeniably brought real, palpable change to Noah.

The lives of the people had undergone visible improvement; previously shelved infrastructural projects, considered "not lucrative enough" but undeniably necessary, were being revived.

Capable and virtuous officials at various levels who had been suppressed due to political interests were being swiftly promoted; with the downfall of behind-the-scenes nobles, their front-facing scapegoats were similarly punished.

Kafney would travel to various locations to give speeches, explaining her plans and patiently addressing the people’s concerns. Her words were elegant and wise, her logic clear; she could turn sharp questions into solutions so brilliant and accessible that even the common people could grasp them with ease...

The people truly realized—this was a rare, young yet sagacious ruler.

And the news that Annan was about to ascend to godhood was also spreading quickly—everyone understood that deities were forbidden from interfering in mortal governments. This effectively meant entrusting all of Winter to Queen Kafney’s stewardship... Who would bankrupt themselves to foster a puppet?

Their own lived experiences solidified this understanding.

As people realized that they stood to gain rather than lose,

those who had previously gone along with the opposition to Kafney were now suddenly capable of rational analysis.

It was at this point that the Silver Baron’s church began working in secret.

They popularized the narrative of Annan and Kafney’s first meeting—artfully embellishing the facts with the help of bishops dispatched by the Yawen Sect.

In the retelling, Annan and Kafney were portrayed as childhood friends who fell in love at first sight—as intelligent, perceptive, and righteous individuals. At the tender age of eight, Annan was said to have unraveled an assassination plot targeting the old King, preserving the fragile bond between Noah and the Winter Duchy... and safeguarding Noah Kingdom’s diplomatic ties.

When they met again, they swore never to be apart. Both resolved to ascend their respective positions—as Noah’s Queen and Winter’s Grand Duke—with one becoming a God and the other pledging to become the other’s Pope, forging a steadfast and eternal peace treaty between their nations.

The fairy tale of the mighty grand-duke’s son with divine lineage and the frail yet wise princess... Despite some artistic liberties in its details, surprisingly, over half of it turned out to be true—and this revelation startled people most of all.

This wildly concocted tale, of unknown authorship, was rapidly adapted into an opera by equally unknown hands. The world-class theatrical troupes began a global tour of performances, so well-rehearsed it seemed like they had been preparing for it all along.

Soon after, the United Kingdom released several love songs based on Annan and Kafney’s story. These catchy, melodious, and even fashionable tunes were composed by the new King of the United Kingdom himself, which further amplified its promotional allure.

The United Kingdom’s citizens began narrating stories about Annan’s strength, wisdom, and righteousness. These tales intertwined with the songs, spreading across households worldwide—even as the truth became increasingly embellished.

Meanwhile in Noah, transformation shops began selling brilliantly crafted fireworks that, when ignited, displayed images related to Annan and Kafney in the night sky... This was clearly beyond the skill of ordinary transformation wizards, yet no prominent figure stepped forward to claim responsibility for this endeavor.

... In an instant, it seemed as though the entire world was caught up in the fervor.

From the surface to the subterranean, from the far north to the deep south... the speed at which the news traveled was astonishing. Before December 1st arrived, it seemed as though the entire world had learned about their union.

This wave of excitement also spread the knowledge of Annan’s impending ascension to godhood to virtually everyone.

Since the Orthodox Church neither refuted it nor hesitated to fan the flames... people tacitly acknowledged the Divine status of this emerging True God.

In an era sorely lacking in new gods, witnessing—perhaps even experiencing—the ascension of a deity firsthand seemed like the most engaging spectacle imaginable for most.

As the crowds enthusiastically discussed the matter, Annan was deep in conversation with Salvatore at the Black Tower, discussing another critical topic.

"The awareness isn’t widespread enough yet."

Salvatore pondered aloud, "The Holy Nation is spreading the information too slowly... You’ve never been there before, and that does make a difference."

"To them, I’m of little importance. If it weren’t for Mr. Radiance’s church aiding the promotion, I imagine even fewer people would know or care."

Annan responded matter-of-factly, "But the United Kingdom and the underground areas are progressing relatively well."

"It’s nothing to be overly concerned about... Given the current pace, the grand ceremony to spread awareness should be completed one or two days before your wedding."

Salvatore advised, "You ought to meet with Endymion and request the final code."

"I understand," Annan nodded. "Communication with the United Kingdom and the Holy Nation has been finalized; at my wedding, they will agree to the unification of the Five Nations. As for the underground realm, Gray Professor, played by the Gray Craftsman, will lend his support. If they don’t oppose the plan, that essentially guarantees automatic success—besides, knowing the audacity of the underground folk, they won’t dare to oppose on their own. They will seek consensus from others before making any move.

"—Once the shattered Five Nations are unified under lawful authority, we can harness the Power of Order from the twelve True Gods and reactivate the Great Unified Barrier."

With the restoration of the Great Barrier, countless global tragedies will be resolved.

—This will be the finest gift to all ’guests.’