V3: Chapter 1: A New Era Begins
Volume 3: Happy Reunion Time
Liang Lin and Liang Di sat nestled together beside Doris's corpse, waiting until Octaville and Hilary arrived before they stood up.
"It's all over, sister, Octaville."
Liang Lin pointed to Doris's stiff body on the ground. "It's all over. I won. We won."
Octaville was stunned for a moment, then tears streamed down her face. She hugged Hilary.
"We won."
"We won!"
Just as excited as Liang Lin had been.
Liang Lin and Liang Di smiled at each other.
Gael was also captured by the Kronin family and imprisoned in the dungeon. Liang Lin and Liang Di didn't go to see Gael in the dungeon first; they had more important things to do.
Now, they were to lead a large procession back to the square where the commoners were.
The palace gates opened, and soldiers, their faces beaming with victory, rushed towards the commoners' square.
In the center of the procession, several soldiers struggled to drag a heavy stretcher, upon which lay the body of Doris, who had plunged countless people into fear and despair.
Octaville had cast a spell on her; she could never be brought back to life.
Many civilians waited in the square. Night had fallen, and some held torches. Everyone craned their necks, anticipating the victory of the Kronin family.
"They're here!"
"They're here!"
"They're back!!!"
Those at the front shouted, and the crowd immediately parted to make way.
Liang Lin stood at the very front of the procession, holding aloft a blood-stained longsword—the witness to her killing of Doris.
Behind her, a dense crowd of cheering soldiers and civilians, their faces radiant with long-lost smiles, their eyes sparkling with anticipation and hope for the future.
Liang Lin, leading Liang Di, slowly walked towards the center of the square, where thousands of civilians had already gathered, eagerly awaiting this moment.
When Liang Lin stood still, the entire square fell silent, save for the occasional distant cheers.
She took a deep breath and, in a loud and firm voice, began her address:
"Dear compatriots, today we stand at a turning point in history."
"For so long, we have suffered oppression, living in fear and despair, but our hearts have never yielded! With blood and sweat, with unyielding will and unwavering faith, we have finally overthrown tyranny and ushered in our own freedom and light!"
"Oh! Oh! Oh!!"
Cheers erupted from below, and many wept with joy, embracing one another.
"We won!!!"
"They really won!!!"
"Look, this body is proof of our victory!"
Liang Lin pointed to Doris's body on the stretcher and continued:
"She not only represents the end of one person, but also symbolizes the end of an old era! From today onwards, we will no longer be enslaved by any tyranny; we will work together to build a just, free, and peaceful new world!"
As Liang Lin finished speaking, the entire square erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
People surged forward; some knelt down, thanking heaven for its blessings; some embraced and wept, celebrating this hard-won victory; others raised their hands, shouting slogans, vowing to protect this hard-won freedom.
Amidst this jubilation and celebration, someone sang an ancient ballad, its melodious and heartfelt voice expressing the people's suffering and struggle, and also their hopes for a bright future.
More people joined the chorus, their voices growing louder and more impassioned, seemingly piercing the clouds and echoing throughout every corner of the square.
Amidst the cheers and celebrations of victory, Liang Di's gaze pierced the clamor of the crowd, landing on a figure standing at the edge, yet impossible to ignore—the Third Prince. He too had finished cleaning up the mess and arrived.
Liang Di slowly walked towards the Third Prince. The surrounding noise seemed to freeze for a moment, all eyes focused on the two of them.
Liang Di stopped, giving the Third Prince a deep look, then turned to face the crowd gathered in the square, her voice steady and powerful.
"My compatriots, we have won freedom, but freedom is not merely about shedding the shackles of tyranny, but about building a just, prosperous, and hopeful future. At this crucial moment, we need a king who can lead us."
Here, Liang Di deliberately paused, letting her words echo through the crowd, eliciting whispers and expectant glances.
Then, she looked at the Third Prince again.
“I know that among us is a young man of exceptional birth, yet he has never been arrogant. He is exceptionally talented, possesses a stronger belief than anyone else, and a more brilliant vision for the future.”
“He is our Third Prince.”
These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the crowd. Some were surprised, some were puzzled, but most were filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Liang Lin continued, picking up where Liang Di left off:
“Although the Third Prince has not received a formal education, his proposed philosophy for governing the empire perfectly aligns with the interests of us commoners. He believes that everyone has the right to pursue happiness and freedom, and the empire should be a strong bulwark protecting these rights.”
“Therefore, I propose that we jointly elect the Third Prince as our new king!”
These words were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd. Many began to shout the Third Prince's name, expressing their support and trust.
The Third Prince stood in the crowd, tears welling in his eyes. He bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude to everyone.
He had waited so long for this day, feigning madness and acting like a clown within the palace, merely to survive and to realize his desires and dreams. Now, he finally had the opportunity to display his talents.
"My people!"
The third prince spoke, his voice soft yet powerful.
"I know the weight of the responsibility I bear, and I understand the significance of this trust. Believe me, I will use all my wisdom and strength to protect this new empire! To safeguard the happiness and freedom of each and every one of us!"
As the third prince's vow fell, the entire square erupted in cheers once more, people embracing each other, celebrating this historic moment.
Under the starlight and firelight, a new era was slowly unfolding, and the third prince, this former illegitimate son, would become the great leader who guided this era.
Author's Note
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