V2: Chapter 180: The Will
As the last mourner descended from the altar, a gust of wind dispersed the thin mist over the square. Sunlight once again bathed the earth, illuminating the land.
In the solemn atmosphere of the king's funeral, as the mourning and prayer rites drew to a close, an elderly man in a magnificent priest's robe slowly ascended the altar. His face was solemn and dignified, and in his hand he clutched an ancient scroll inlaid with gold thread and jewels—Doris's forged will.
Around the altar, the nobles held their breath, the air thick with tension and anticipation.
His Highness, Prince Gael, a direct descendant of the king, stood at the forefront of the crowd. His eyes held both deep sorrow for his father's death and complex emotions about the fate to be revealed. This was his truest feeling, unlike the feigned emotions of those around him; he was genuinely grieving for his father's passing.
Doris hadn't revealed a single detail of the plan to him; Gael truly believed his father had died suddenly from overwork and heart failure.
The priest slowly unfurled the scroll, his deep, magnetic voice echoing across the square, each word clearly reaching the ears of everyone present.
"Here, I, as the Emperor of the Soteland Empire, with my last will and strength, announce my will..."
"I deeply care for my people, and I wish that the Kingdom's policies would always be people-oriented, focusing on people's livelihoods, reducing burdens, promoting education, and ensuring healthcare, so that every citizen can enjoy dignity and happiness."
"I know that justice and love for the people are the cornerstones of the Empire's stability, and I hope that every citizen of the Empire can feel the warmth and strength of the Empire."
Liang Di gave a cold laugh.
They were in the inner circle; these words were meant for the commoners in the outer circle.
"I hope the kingdom can live in harmony with its neighbors, uphold peaceful diplomacy, and jointly resist foreign aggression. May the light of peace shine upon the earth, and may the bridge of friendship connect the four seas."
"I deeply understand the importance of family unity, therefore I have made special arrangements for members of the royal family and loyal nobles to ensure the continuation of their rights. I hope they will continue to assist the new king, jointly protect their homeland, and pass on glory."
"My will is that the kingdom continue to uphold the principles of justice, peace, and prosperity, value agriculture, develop trade, strengthen its defenses, protect the weak, and safeguard its neighboring countries. I hope the new king will listen to the people's voices, broaden the path for talent, govern together with the people, and create a glorious future."
Liang Di narrowed her eyes, and everyone around held their breath. Because the words "new king" had finally appeared in the will.
Everyone already knew who the new king would be, but they still couldn't help feeling tense.
All eyes turned to Gael.
Gael stood at the very front, behind her were the eldest and second princesses, born after the late king. The other illegitimate children, deemed unfit for public life, were still seated nearby, though as sons of the king with royal blood, they watched silently as Gael ascended the throne. Their expressions were complex.
Would their lives be any better after Gael inherited the throne? Being kicked out of the palace would be a luxury; they'd have to worry about their own lives first.
Finally, the high priest cleared his throat and read the final words of the will:
"I bequeath supreme power and the noble throne to my eldest son, His Highness the Crown Prince. May he inherit the will of the late king, govern diligently, love his people, and bring prosperity and lasting peace to the empire."
"I entrust this heavy and glorious throne, along with the responsibilities and power that come with it, without reservation to my eldest son. May he shine like a star, leading the empire to an even more glorious tomorrow."
As the priest read, the crowd's attention was completely drawn. When the high priest mentioned, "I formally pass on my throne and all the power of the kingdom to my eldest son, His Highness the Crown Prince," a series of low murmurs erupted from the crowd.
Upon hearing this, Gael's eyes welled up with tears. He bowed slightly, deeply toward his father's coffin, to express his gratitude and respect.
After the will was read aloud, the priest gently closed the scroll and handed it to the eldest prince. The prince accepted the scroll, taking on the heavy burden of the entire empire. He looked up into the distance, his eyes gleaming with determination and resolve. He knew that from this moment on, he would become the new master of the Soteland Empire.
Doris wore a black veil today, which conveniently concealed her smile. She could finally laugh without restraint, without worrying about the stares of others. Doris laughed until her shoulders trembled, but others assumed she was weeping in grief for the king's death.
Besides the black veil, she also wore a long-sleeved black dress despite the sweltering heat. Not for greater solemnity, but to conceal the scars on her body.
Because the king—no, it should be Philippa, no, it should be the monster brought from the sea—had been utterly, utterly killed by her.
Just a dozen hours earlier, in the dead of night, Doris pushed open the door to the king's room.
"What are you doing here so late?"
The king was reading a book, something he would never have done before his body was possessed. He looked up at Doris, who was only wearing a thin veil.
"What's wrong, Doris? Now that I'm king, your husband, do you want to consummate our marriage?"
The king smiled enigmatically.
"But I still prefer to procreate in my original body. The human body is just too small, um… small in every way."
Doris understood what he meant. She smiled, her body lithe and boneless as she leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking at the king.
"Have you ever tried... using a human body?"
The king thought for a moment, recalling carefully.
“Hmm... it seems like that’s never actually happened. If a human body had been used, those girls probably wouldn’t have died. Their human bodies are just too fragile. Too much force would tear them apart, or even pierce them through their mouths.”
The king’s expression became somewhat excited as he spoke of this. He closed his book, placed it aside, stood up, and gestured in the air with his hand.
“I really admire your mother. She managed to withstand your father’s treatment without being torn apart or pierced, and she gave birth to you safely. Of course, it’s also possible your father was very gentle; I certainly couldn’t be that gentle.”
Doris raised an eyebrow, no longer leaning against the doorframe, and straightened up.
“Then would you like to try a human body?”
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