Founding Ceremony

December 14th, the day before the founding of the nation.

On the top floor of Black Fortress, inside the spacious dressing room.

Roland stood barefoot on the wool carpet, surrounded by more than a dozen beautiful, graceful maids. Under the direction of a white-haired old man, they continuously dressed Roland in one exquisite, luxurious garment after another.

Beside them, Elizabeth, Leslie, Reff, and the others kept nodding, critiquing, and discussing without pause.

"Old Mr. Del, I think this Ancient Dynasty Purple Robe would look better fastened with twelve ruby buttons."

"And for this crown, I think black gemstones should be used as embellishments, while gold remains the primary material. Its color is gentler than refined gold." Elizabeth said.

"Madam is absolutely right. I will have it altered immediately," the white-haired old man replied respectfully.

But before he could act, Leslie immediately suggested:

"Del, I think it would be more appropriate for His Majesty Roland to hold the Dragon Pattern Scepter during his coronation. It would highlight royal authority while also expressing friendly relations with the dragons. What do you think?"

"I think it's terrible." Reff suddenly stepped forward and waved a hand to interrupt him before roaring:

"What the hell kind of scepter is that? My lord should wear a longsword to intimidate foreign enemies and display his majesty."

Leslie flew into a rage and mocked him disdainfully.

"You brute, what the hell do you know? The most important thing for the territory now is to recuperate and restore—"

At that point, Leslie's voice abruptly stopped, as though he had misspoken or was concealing something.

Although Leslie had stopped quickly, his words still landed precisely in the ears of the old man called Del. A glint flashed subconsciously through the depths of the old man's eyes before vanishing in an