Hobart's Betrayal

Trensoost, clad in a heavy dark-black ceremonial robe, walked step by step to the throne at the depths of the hall and slowly sat down beneath the gaze of nobles and officials.

Because He refused to accept the coronation of any pope, this ceremony contained no crowning rite, only an oath-taking ceremony conducted under the guidance of the Ceremonial Officer.

At last, the herald loudly announced, "The supreme King of the Pas Kingdom has ascended the throne! Long live the King!"

"Wait!"

Just as everyone was about to join in the cry of "Long live the King," a voice interrupted them.

A young man dressed as a Southern Continent noble and holding a Brass Book stepped out from the crowd. "I object to Trensoost's ascension!"

"Oh~"

The nobles had never expected anyone to oppose the King's coronation! To them, this coronation was merely a formality!

The young man continued, "The royal family of the Pas Kingdom bears the surname Garincha, while his surname is Trensoost. Does no one question his legitimacy?"

"Enough." Trensoost smiled from the throne. "Stop pretending. I know you're Hobart! Your disguise cannot fool me."

Hobart smiled. "Neither can yours fool me."

Suddenly, cracking sounds like wood being compressed by immense force rang out all around them. The palace rapidly became dilapidated and decayed, while the seagulls and bright coastal scenery outside vanished, replaced by crows and a gloomy forest.

Trensoost on the throne also changed, becoming an elderly man in a hooded black robe, with a long white beard framing his mouth.

It was Zaratul!

The one Hobart and Klein had previously released from Mist Town.

It was a miracle. The site of the King's coronation had abruptly turned into a shabby hall within a ruined castle, and the guests had become Zaratul's marionettes.

At this