Published: January 26, 2026
Originally, the Skizblaznil Vessel was scheduled to stop next at Tagyunza, the capital of the Western Nations Federation, after visiting Von City.
However, through Assault Explorer No. 3, a message came from Crown Prince Zorn that preparations were complete, so the vessel headed to Hosoiina, the capital of the Bardale Principality.
The ship was able to enter the port of Hosoiina without any delays.
It seemed prior notice had been given, and even the ship’s characteristics had been communicated.
This was a big difference from the last time when it took over a day just to dock...
The city of Hosoiina, where Ryo and abel disembarked, was very lively.
“A festival?”
“It definitely feels like they’re celebrating something grand.”
Following their guide, the group—including the Royal Knight Order with the two of them—walked toward the Chief's Office.
Along the street, two kinds of flags were displayed in many places.
“The two flags posted everywhere...”
“The flag of the Bardale Principality and the flag of the Eastern Provinces,” abel answered.
It was natural that his majesty the king would recognize the flags of various countries.
The Chief's Office was entered by passing through gates off the main street and ascending a long, wide staircase.
It was apparently called the “Chief's Office Great Staircase.”
“Your Majesty abel, His Grace Duke Rondo, welcome,” Crown Prince Zorn greeted the two warmly.
Then he approached the person standing behind them and took his hand.
“Father, welcome home.”
“Zorn... I hardly recognize you,”
Before exchanging words, Battuzon had already noticed the change in his son.
He stammered as he praised him.
Battuzon was almost in tears—or rather, he was actually crying.
“To this extent... I was wrong, it seems I was wrong in every way.”
Saying this, Battuzon bowed deeply while still holding Zorn’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Zorn.”
“Father?”
“I seem to have been suppressing your abilities—no, it might have been even worse than that.”
Battuzon shook his head, tears streaming down.
After waiting for Battuzon to calm down a bit, Zorn spoke.
“I will ascend as chief. Will you crown me with your own hands, Father?”
“Ah, of course... absolutely,”
Battuzon answered through tears.
In the Dark Continent, for a king or leader to personally perform a coronation signified recognition of the new person’s power and a transfer of authority.
Battuzon, the chief who had expanded the Eastern Provinces and elevated the Bardale Principality into the foremost power on the Dark Continent... his personally crowning his successor carried enormous meaning.
Even if that successor was his own son.
Moreover, while Battuzon was captured by Duke Rondo, Zorn had rallied other powerful chiefs and aligned the so-called noble class as his supporters.
Therefore, those in the core of the Eastern Provinces already acknowledged his power.
However, the common people did not know this.
That was why this coronation ceremony would be used to show them.
That he was the rightful heir to succeed Battuzon.
“Crown Prince Zorn, it seems you’ve grown even more formidable.”
“Yes, I think I’ve shed a layer.”
Ryo said, and abel nodded in agreement.
“Have you given birth to a powerful monarch?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Huh?”
“If they aren’t neighboring or surrounding countries, a strong monarch should be welcomed. They contribute to regional stability. Besides, Crown Prince Zorn probably wouldn’t invade the Western Nations Federation... though he might bring small breakaway states under his wing.”
“That’s a huge obstacle for abel’s world domination, isn’t it?”
“As I’ve said many times, I have no intention of world domination.”
“Oh, come on.”
Ryo said with a mischievous grin, obviously joking.
“I see, so conquest starts with the Central Nations first.”
“I don’t understand what you mean by ‘so.’ I have no plans to conquer anything.”
“What if the Empire invades?”
“Of course, we’ll repel them.”