An unexpected turn

Backlund city center.

On Saturday morning, the sky was gloomy. Looking up, all you could see were iron-gray clouds hanging overhead, like a thick cotton cloth pressing down heavily, making it hard to breathe. The Sun was just a faint, round outline, hanging weakly on the horizon, looking down at the people on the ground.

Men in dark coats and women wearing black veils left their homes and took to the streets.

The crowd gradually gathered.

On this slightly chilly winter day, their figures filled the entire street, their breath rising and falling in waves.

However, despite the large number of people, the streets were not chaotic or noisy at all. Only the continuous sound of footsteps and the occasional cough could be heard. Apart from that, there was no other sound.

The atmosphere was oppressive and silent; everyone's face was etched with weariness and heaviness.

"It's so quiet."

Among the crowd, Benson Moretti, a government employee, looked around and whispered to his sister, Melissa Moretti, a freshman at Backlund Technical University.

"Um."

Melissa nodded slightly.

Surrounded by such an environment, she Consciousness lowered her voice. The girl's gaze swept across the crowd, noticing the weariness on people's faces, and also noticing that many men and women had white flowers wrapped around their arms—indicating that they had recently lost a loved one.

"..."

Melissa's eyes dimmed as she thought of her classmates who had died in the air raids, and of the relatives of many of her neighbors who had gone to the front lines, only to return home with a death certificate.

"Benson, tell me, what is the topic of the King's speech today?"

She couldn't help but ask her brother in a low voice.

"It's probably to Soothing everyone down."

Benson said calmly, "Given the current situation, the people certainly need some emotional support."

Melissa glanced at him in surprise.

"You're actually speaking politely... Don't you usually like to be sarcastic and sarcastic when this kind of topic comes up? I thought you were going to continue teasing the king."

"Even I wouldn't make sarcastic remarks at a time like this; that would be too inappropriate," Benson shook his head and chuckled. "Alright, my dear sister, let's hurry up and go. Getting in early will allow us to pick good seats, and leaving will be faster, avoiding a stampede..."

So the brother and sister quickened their pace and hurried forward.

The two of them arrived at the Square in the Cherwood Borough earlier than most people. The stampede that Benson had feared did not occur, because many uniformed police officers and volunteers were stationed around the Square to maintain Order.

"Um?"

He glanced at the crowd and suddenly noticed an extremely short figure among the social workers responsible for maintaining order. She had short blond hair and even some baby fat on her face.

Has the kingdom become so short-handed?

Benson couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "They've even started using child labor..."

"!"

Seemingly sensing his gaze, the "little girl" turned her head sharply and glared coldly at him.

Benson suddenly felt immense pressure, as if he had encountered a stern department head while messing up his job. He dared not meet the strange little girl's gaze any longer, quickly lowered his head, and, with his sister, chose a good spot, waiting for the king to begin his speech.

It is said that King George III himself will appear at Anniversary Square in the West Borough, while people in other areas will rely on the latest technology to Listening the King's voice.

"Is that the thing?"

Melissa gazed at the center of the Square, her eyes shining, and said, "I really want to know what technology they used..."

The first update is available at suduɡu. cc, with no typos. If you don't see the ". cc" suffix in the address, you'll be taken to the first update site. Suddenly, a strange object appeared on the white stone pillar in the center of the Square. It was large at one end and small at the other, painted with dark-colored cables that extended beyond the Square.

Many fully armed soldiers stood guard around the stone pillars, looking vigilant, and would warn any civilians who got too close.

The Square grew larger and larger, a bustling crowd, all noticing the strange object and whispering amongst themselves.

"Clang, clang, clang..."

As the Evernight Church bells rang in the distance, it was exactly nine o'clock in the morning.

"Sizzle..."

The object on the stone pillar suddenly emitted a strange sound, and then a majestic, deep voice emanated from within:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am your Emperor, Loen George Augustus III, Ruler of the Rorsted Archipelago, East Balam."

"It rang, Benson, it rang!"

Melissa's eyes sparkled as she called out to her brother beside her.

"Keep your voice down... I heard you too..."

Benson said helplessly. He tried to Soothing his agitated sister, but a small doubt arose in his mind.

Why did His Majesty George III suddenly call himself Emperor...? He's always called himself King...

Not only in the Square where the brother and sister were located, but also in Square throughout Backlund's West Borough, East Borough, and North Borough, Enmat Harbor, Clive City, Awwa County, County Southville County, Desi County... the King's voice resounded simultaneously.

The vast majority of the people of Loen were Listening the voice of George III; at least for the moment, they Consciousness acknowledged his identity as ruler and emperor.

Somewhere in Backlund.

Because the crowd had all gathered in the Square, the streets became completely empty. A blood-red figure appeared directly in the middle of the road, passed through the void, and stepped onto the solid road surface.

"Ha, this guy's speech has already begun."

Hearing the echoing sound from afar, Luther revealed a cold smile.

Very well, I'll shatter your dreams of promotion right away, and make you die like a dog in front of countless citizens...

Where is Klein?

He looked around, searching for his companion. The two had agreed to meet here and then head to Anniversary Square in the West Borough. George III himself would be giving a speech there, making it the best place to observe his actions and respond promptly.

Luther didn't have to wait long. Soon, a figure wearing a silk Top Hat and a woolen overcoat emerged from the alley ahead. Noticing Luther, the person quickly jogged over to him.

Why are you only arriving now?

Luther frowned and said, "Didn't we agree to meet up earlier?"

"Feel sorry."

Klein smiled and apologized, "I was looking for something, so it took me a little longer."

"Alright, thankfully there's still time."

Luther nodded.

The two men successfully met up. They walked side by side toward Anniversary Square in the West Borough, where King George III himself was giving a speech. They wanted to see what the other was up to.

"By the way, have you found what you were looking for?"

After walking a few steps, Luther asked casually.

"We've found it. Look, this is it." Klein, with his black hair, brown eyes, and scholarly air, said with a smile.

He rummaged in his pocket for a moment, then took out a Monocle and put it on his right eye.