Shien Succeeds as Governor

Today's succession ceremony would be the last public ceremony Yasol presided over as Tear Knight Governor.

The banners of the Tear Knights and Gan'er Defense Zone had been hung again along both sides of Tear Knight City's central road. The battle flags of the major Legions stood in order near Weeping Saint Cathedral.

Beyond them, residents of Tear Knight City packed the streets. Many had known for days who the new governor would be, and they thought highly of Shien. His reforms at the Reconstruction Institute had brought them substantial benefits.

So when word of Shien's succession spread, many regretted Yasol's retirement even as they looked forward to Shien taking office.

The morning bell rang again and again along the Holy Road. As its final note faded, the silver doors at the center of Weeping Saint Cathedral opened outward, and the White-Gold Sacred Flame within lit the road.

Yasol still sat in the governor's seat at the center. Though covered in wounds and blind in both eyes, he held his back straight, as if none of it had diminished his authority.

Shien stood below the steps.

Raymont stood to one side with the military leadership. Edwin and Saint Lucit stood nearby.

Representatives of the Twelve Defense Zones and members of the Christmas Council took their places behind them according to rank.

At the center of the sacred passage, a Sacred Flame Attendant opened the succession document and read aloud: "Sheen Greenwood has received the approval of Tears of the Holy Mother, fulfilled the Covenant, and qualified to succeed—"

Yasol rose from his seat. He could not see Shien below the steps and had to locate him through Battle Aura. His hand rested on the armrest for an instant as he stood, but then he steadied himself.

His voice was not