Upon the Dragon Platform, the Dragon's Congratulatory Visit had ended. The Shadowflame Dragon returned to Shadowflame Volcano, while Russell slowly descended the steps from the Dragon Platform.
"Your Highness!" the nobles called out.
"Return to the great hall." Russell raised a hand.
The coronation ceremony's proceedings had all concluded, but that did not mean there was nothing left to do. On the contrary, even more important matters awaited.
"Your Highness, you should now receive the Dragon Blood Knights' oath of fealty." As Chief Steward, Lord Kunbei had presided over many parts of the ceremony. "After the Knight Order swears fealty, all the nobles must do the same."
That was only to be expected.
After all, the Shadowflame Grand Duchy had effectively undergone a change of dynasty. The knights who had once sworn loyalty to the Shadowflame Dragonblood Family naturally had to swear their allegiance anew to Russell.
"Begin." Russell returned to the Grand Duke's Seat, which had been forged from gold, and handed his scepter and seal to an Inner Castle attendant beside him.
The process was not complicated.
The Dragon Blood Knights were reviewed and swore fealty. Then the High Nobles came forward one after another to pledge their loyalty, followed by the Grand Duchy Noblemen. There were simply too many of them. Apart from several High Nobles who swore allegiance individually, everyone else took their oaths in groups.
All Russell had to do was draw his sword and tap each oath-taker once on each shoulder. For knights swearing together, he merely tapped his sword twice through the air.
And so it went.
Beginning at eight in the morning and lasting until noon, the coronation ceremony finally concluded after four hours.
They had a light meal in the great hall at noon.
That afternoon, Russell had to handle state