CHAPTER 77: MELIRA SPEECH

[: 3rd POV :]

As Empress Melira Valenhardt gracefully made her way across the grand entrance hall, every eye was fixed upon her.

The murmurs quickly swelled into a chorus of admiration.

Gentle gasps escaped from the crowd, followed by spontaneous clapping and whispered exclamations.

"Her beauty...it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen."

"She carries the dignity of the heavens themselves."

"Look at the way her hair catches the light—like silver woven with stars."

Men and women alike found themselves caught in a trance, their hearts quickening as if in the presence of something truly divine.

Noblemen straightened their backs, some exchanging envious glances, while ladies subtly adjusted their gowns, inspired and humbled all at once.

The guards—Twilight Knights and Sacred Valkyries—walked in perfect formation behind her, their own expressions softened by the honour of accompanying such a sovereign.

As she ascended the staircase toward the second floor, the applause swelled to a crescendo—hands striking together like thunder, voices raised in awe and respect.

But the moment she stepped onto the elevated platform, the clapping and shouts gradually faded, replaced by a respectful silence that rippled through the hall like a gentle tide.

All eyes remained locked on her as the expectant hush settled—a collective breath held, waiting for the words from the voice of their continent’s sovereign.

Melira’s violet eyes swept over the assembly, calm and commanding.

Her voice rang out clearly, steady and full of grace.

"I appreciate all of your warm welcomes," she began, her tone warm but resolute.

"Including the rulers who have honoured this gathering with their presence upon my invitation. Today is a day to be remembered by all."

Her words carried the weight of history and hope, resonating in every corner of the grand hall.

"The Founding Day of Apex Academy marks not only the birth of an institution but the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that defines us all."

A soft murmur of agreement swept through the crowd as she paused, allowing the meaning of her words to settle.

"We gather here to celebrate our shared past and to forge the path forward—together."

Empress Melira’s gaze swept over the assembled crowd with a quiet intensity, her voice rising clearly, filling the vast hall with a tone both solemn and inspiring.

"To our ancestors," she began, her voice thick with reverence, "who sacrificed their very lives to build this world—a world where we could live without fear, and where invaders were driven away by the courage of those who came before us."

Her eyes glistened for a brief moment as she continued.

"They laid down not only the foundations of our lands, but also the sanctuaries where we now sleep in peace’’

’’Their sacrifices echo through every stone, every tree, and every heart gathered here today."

A hush fell over the audience, the weight of her words settling deep into their souls.

"Though we are not yet in complete peace," Melira’s voice grew firmer.

’’The legacy they left behind has made us strong and unbreakable’’

’’It is this legacy that breathes life into institutions such as the Apex Academy—where young minds are forged into the leaders, warriors, and protectors of tomorrow."

She glanced meaningfully toward the rows of students in their pristine uniforms, standing proud and attentive.

"To the students who have come from all corners of the continents, who give their best with unyielding dedication—I thank you’’

’’Your courage and perseverance are the brightest hopes of our future."

A ripple of appreciative murmurs and soft applause passed through the crowd, the rulers nodding solemnly in acknowledgement.

Melira’s lips curved into a subtle but genuine smile as she raised her voice for the final declaration.

"As such, please enjoy this celebration—a tribute not only to our past, but to the strength and unity that will carry us forward."

A wave of cheers and applause erupted, filling the hall with joyous energy.

Some of the rulers exchanged surprised glances.

Melira, who was often known for her stoic presence and sombre aura, now seemed slightly transformed.

There was a brightness to her eyes—perhaps a flicker of hope—though beneath it lingered a thread of sorrow, a reminder of the burdens she still carried.

As Melira’s final words echoed through the grand hall, the applause gradually softened and the crowd began to settle.

With a composed grace, she turned from the podium and made her way to the seat specially prepared for her at the centre of the room—an ornate chair carved with symbols of her reign, draped in deep crimson velvet.

A Sacred Valkyrie approached quietly, holding a delicate crystal glass filled with a drink.

She knelt briefly, offering it to Melira with the utmost reverence.

Melira accepted the drink, but her lips barely brushed the surface.

The idea of enjoying the celebration—the music, the laughter, the feast—felt like a distant echo. Her mind was elsewhere, heavy with the weight of the unknown.

This was not a night for revelry, but for vigilance.

She sat upright, eyes scanning the room beyond the polished marble floors and gilded banners.

Her thoughts drifted to Luke and Maiya, the trusted operatives she had sent to investigate the slave merchants.

Every moment stretched painfully as she awaited their news, hoping for answers that might finally pierce the veil of uncertainty surrounding her child’s disappearance.

The murmur of the crowd, the clinking of glasses, the soft rustle of silk and velvet—all became a muted backdrop to the storm of anxiety and anticipation inside her.

Just as she was gathering herself to push away the gnawing worry, a figure moved toward her with purpose.

One of the Twilight Knights stepped forward, his polished armour reflecting the ambient light with a subdued gleam.

His expression was serious, and he lowered his voice to a respectful but urgent tone.

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head slightly, "several of the rulers have requested an audience with you. They wish to speak with you privately."

Melira’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her otherwise composed face.

"Hmm? Why?" she murmured, genuinely baffled by the sudden request.

Ever since her fury had been unleashed—her wrath that had shaken kingdoms—she had kept a deliberate distance from the other rulers.

There had been no direct contact, no urgent gatherings. No event had seemed important enough to warrant such a private summons.

Yet, the protocols of her position—and the unspoken respect among sovereigns—left her no choice but to heed the request.

She took a slow, measured breath, letting her fingers trace the delicate rim of her glass.

The murmurs of the hall around her seemed to fade as curiosity tugged at her mind.

"Very well," she said at last, her voice calm but carrying the weight of command. "Let them in."

Her gaze shifted toward the ornate double doors at the far end of the chamber.

As she waited, a quiet curiosity settled in her chest—what urgent matters could have brought the rulers together?

What news or counsel did they seek from her?

For now, Melira remained seated, poised and regal, ready to face whatever this unexpected meeting would bring.

As the rulers entered, Melira’s eyes widened in surprise as not just one, but three rulers stepped gracefully into the chamber, accompanied by their heirs.

The unexpected gathering immediately drew the attention of everyone present, but Melira’s gaze remained fixed on the approaching figures.

She rose smoothly from her seat, the faintest smile playing on her lips despite the weight pressing on her heart.

"I wonder," she began, her tone courteous but edged with curiosity, "to what pleasure do all of you wish to speak with me at this hour?"

The tallest among them, Caelira, stepped forward, her eyes shining with a sorrowful as she met Melira’s gaze.

"Although it might seem like we are invading your space," Caelira began softly, "there is an urgent matter I must discuss with you, Melira."

Melira’s expression softened, a gentle warmth flickering beneath her regal composure.

"Caelira... it has been a long time since I last saw you," she said, her voice threaded with genuine care.

"And I’ve heard of your return after being missing for so long. How are you now?"

A brief silence fell between them before Caelira answered, her voice steady yet carrying the weight of unspoken battles. "

I’ve been well, Melira." Her eyes flickered with memories of hardships endured.

The two shared a bond deeper than titles and duty—a sisterhood forged in the fires of countless dangerous ranked gates, battles that had threatened the fabric of their world.

They had stood side by side against horrors that could have consumed everything, yet each had been pulled away by circumstances only they fully understood.

Melira nodded thoughtfully, stepping closer with a reassuring presence.

"It is good to see you, Caelira"

The other rulers and their heirs shifted slightly, their expressions solemn but hopeful, as the weight of the moment settled between them all.

Melira’s eyes softened as she studied Caelira’s face, seeing the faint lines of weariness beneath her composure.

"It’s good to hear that you are well now," Melira said, her voice gentle but sincere.