A few minutes later, they finally arrived at their destination, the Neltan Royal Palace, standing majestically in the center of Valcreat City, soaring high with grand architecture that symbolized the power and glory of the kingdom. They were welcomed with full respect by the palace attendants who stood in neat rows, and were escorted through the palace's wide corridors to their respective rooms, while the surroundings were filled with a calm and dignified atmosphere. Along the way, they encountered the royal prince, Feryan Neltan. Damnern and Eldern immediately greeted Feryan with full respect while bowing, as did Elina, holding the edge of her gown and bowing politely. Elyra, unaware of palace etiquette, could only remain silent without doing anything. Elina quickly apologized for Elyra's behavior, her face clearly showing concern that her daughter might be considered rude in front of the prince. However, Feryan only smiled gently and pinched Elyra's cheek with ease, as if not at all offended by her ignorance of palace customs. Elyra, not wanting to cause trouble, held back her irritation, but her facial expression could not lie—her displeasure was clearly visible despite her efforts to hide it.
After exploring the wide corridors adorned with luxurious carvings, they finally arrived at the room prepared for them to rest.
"So this is what the inside of a palace looks like…" Elyra whispered to herself, her eyes wandering to take in every corner that felt so foreign to her.
Eldern jumped onto the bed provided, placing both hands on the mattress while smiling broadly. "Wow, it's so soft!" he exclaimed cheerfully, clearly impressed by the comfort provided. That night, they all slept soundly after the long journey.
Eventually, morning arrived, with sunlight gradually illuminating the city after a peaceful night had passed.
That day marked the upcoming coronation of Damnern as Count. That morning, Damnern's family had already prepared to go to the palace hall. Elina, Eldern, and Elyra were given VIP seats in the hall. Beside them were nobles who looked somewhat intimidating with serious expressions. Behind them, about 100 meters away, lower-ranking nobles and commoners filled the hall.
"Th… this many people?" Elyra asked.
For some reason, her heart was pounding. A few minutes later, the grand doors of the palace hall opened, and the guards entered, standing rigidly with full respect, creating a path toward the king seated on the throne. Shortly after, a familiar figure walked in firmly to approach the king. The entire hall was filled with the cheers of the people. For some reason, Elyra felt that Damnern looked very cool and a little proud that day. Eldern also felt impressed seeing Damnern.
At the main hall of the grand Neltan Palace, King Arveth Neltan stepped forward to the throne, gazing at Damnern Solv with full authority. Along the way, the line of guards stood upright on both sides, spears and swords gleaming in the morning light, marking the historic ceremony. With a loud and commanding voice, King Arveth proclaimed:
"For your services, loyalty, and sacrifices in protecting the Kingdom of Neltan, I bestow upon you the title of Count, along with the territory of Willowess to be under your administration. However, for this new responsibility, the title of Strongest Warrior, which you have long held, shall no longer be your duty. From today, you are no longer just the kingdom's shield, but a pillar upholding peace and justice for the people of your territory."
Damnern bowed his head, accepting the king's decision with full respect. The hall fell silent for a moment, as if the whole world were witnessing the moment when his destiny changed forever—the end of one era, and the beginning of his new role as Count of Willowess. Whispers still echoed through the hall, but the eyes of the warriors now shifted—they smiled knowingly, eyeing the now-empty seat of the Strongest Warrior. For them, the title was not just a symbol of strength, but also the highest recognition in the kingdom.
Damnern, who had served as the Strongest Warrior for only five years, was among the youngest ever to hold the title. His speed, tactical wisdom, and courage on the battlefield had made him a legend at a young age. But now, he was also the youngest to retire from the position, leaving the empty seat that would surely be fiercely contested.
One young warrior, with a sly smile full of schemes, spoke to his companion,
"This year's Colosseum is going to be amazing."
The whisper seemed to ignite a spark in the hearts of every warrior present. They knew that, even though Damnern was now Count of Willowess, the competition for the title of Strongest Warrior was far from over. All eyes were now focused on the newly opened opportunity, waiting to see who was strong and brave enough to claim it.
"Colosseum? What's that?" Elyra asked Elina, her eyes still fixed on the source of the unfamiliar voice she heard from the hall.
Before Elina could answer, Eldern stepped forward, his voice calm but full of confidence.
"The Colosseum is the place where warriors from all over Neltan fight for the title of Strongest Warrior, held once a year. The winner gets a chance to challenge the #10 Strongest Warrior—and if they manage to defeat #10, the title becomes theirs at that time. And now… there's an empty seat!" Eldern smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just imagine how intense and spectacular the battles will be! Even if they don't defeat #9, the #10 title will still go to those who are strong enough to match #9."
The day ended with a grand palace banquet, where lavish dishes and melodious music filled every corner of the hall. Nobles and high-ranking officials shook hands, congratulating Damnern, while the atmosphere was filled with laughter, awed whispers, and friendly smiles.
After the ceremony, Damnern and his family prepared to return to Willowess. Elyra, still trying to understand the major changes that had occurred, observed her father's every step with curious eyes. Elina gently patted Elyra's shoulder, ensuring her child was comfortable before the long journey began. With the palace carriage waiting outside, the four of them left the dazzling Neltan Palace, returning to the Willowess territory—Damnern's new home as Count, and the beginning of their new life.
End of Chapter 7