NOVEL WEB Chapter 732: One Year Later
Lumina Bay
It was night. The air was chillingly cold, and a light rain drizzled from the sky.
Near the shores of bustling Point City, a towering lighthouse loomed. From its peak, an individual watched the city below.
That individual had deep, ominous dark eyes, a lean yet tall frame, and a cloak that fluttered in the wind. Curled around his neck was a python.
Naturally, this person was none other than Nox, and the python was Solora, who had taken on her smaller form.
The serpent preferred this size to her monstrous form, which could bring true terror to any battlefield.
It had been exactly a year since the fight with the Flaming Rose and the demonic race. Nox had anticipated a follow-up attack from either side, but so far there had been nothing.
He was both glad and concerned—glad because the absence of any confrontation made building the Cromwell Kingdom faster, and concerned because he could feel the demons and Flaming Rose were preparing for another collision, though he couldn't prove it.
In the span of a year, the Cromwell Kingdom had been completed and now had its own rules and regulations.
The kingdom was recognized by the others. Following Vermilion Kingdom's victory, Nox and his people learned that the other kingdoms had also dealt with their threats, thanks to the help of the mysterious Lich Court.
Naturally, the old kingdoms were curious about Cromwell, but they never made a move against it. Adrian, now king, had boldly declared Cromwell an ally of Vermilion—that whoever attacked them attacked Vermilion itself.
Coupled with the fact that most were still recovering, and news spread that Vermilion had fended off its enemies without outside interference, no one dared to make a move.
For now, administration of the kingdom was handled by his grandfather Nathan and the elders.
"Right, I need to assign roles now." Nox scratched his chin, his gaze reflecting the fleet of ships slowly leaving the shores of Lumina Bay.
The view up here was refreshing and addictive. He hadn't realized how peaceful it was to watch the ocean.
After one last glance, he descended the steps. Outside, Skully was waiting for him.
"I was just about to come pick you up, pipesq— I mean, your majesty." Skully smiled sheepishly. The skeleton had deliberately made the slip.
Nox felt a secondhand wave of embarrassment. For quite a while now, the citizens had been referring to him as Highness or Majesty, but he felt…
The hateful skeletons knew this, and yet they still used the title despite his relentless warnings.
"Tsk. Lead the way," Nox muttered, walking forward. "And for the umpteenth time, call me Nox. Heck, even 'pipesqueak' sounded better."
Skully grinned. "It's my choice."
Realizing that a conversation with an undead butler wasn't going anywhere, Nox gave up.
Some time later, he entered a carriage pulled by two powerful undead horses. The cobblestone streets of Lumina Bay were wide—far wider than those of the capital.
Instead of one straight road, there were two lanes, just like the roads back on Earth. Carriages and pedestrians moved in perfect order. Vendors lined the sidewalks selling roasted fish skewers. People often pointed at the twin lanes with pride, claiming, "Only Cromwell builds roads like this!"
If not for the absence of vintage cars, it would have resembled the late Victorian era.
The others thought this was a genius idea and praised him for it. Being thick-skinned, Nox naturally accepted the praise.
He wanted to implement many more ideas from Earth, though part of him still loved the fantasy setting. Furthermore, it was better for the kingdom to advance naturally.
After several minutes of nonstop moving, the carriage reached a giant opening where carriages were constantly going in and out.
The royal carriage slipped inside, entering what appeared to be a gigantic tunnel.
Even here, there were two-lane roads—one heading in, the other heading out—well lit with thousands of crystals.
For now, these tunnels only linked to Crownhold City, but in the near future Gabriel planned to expand them to the other kingdoms. That way, in the event of an emergency attack, citizens could be easily transported to the stronghold of Crownhold.
The carriage rode through the tunnels, occasionally stopped by patrol teams. After almost an hour, they neared the monstrous walls of the capital.
The walls were reinforced with a sturdy alloy discovered by the ants during tunnel construction.
The roads here were even wider than those in Lumina Bay, lined with greenery. In just one year, countless trees had been planted in the capital thanks to Jared's Vine Master skill.
In the middle of the wide road stood a statue of a white-haired woman. With just one glance, the citizens of the old barony knew who it was.
It was Celine, the town healer.
From the window, Nox stared at the statu, dozens of emotion flashed through his eyes but eventually looked away.
This was the only way he felt he could repay Celine for all she had done—not just for him, but for the entire Cromwell Kingdom.
Some time later, through the gates, the carriage came to a stop in front of a giant castle on a hill. Nox calmly stepped out and walked toward the doors.
Through long, winding hallways, he arrived at a large courtroom where multiple figures were waiting.
The room had golden pillars etched along each side, pristine marble floors, and decorated walls.
At the far end stood a single throne-like seat.
Step! Step!
With calm and measured strides, he made his way to the throne. All the important figures were gathered at either side. Their hearts pounded wildly, and some whispered prayers under their breath.
Because they knew—because they feared—that the positions they were about to be assigned would determine their standing in the kingdom.
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