Lord King was their backbone, the upright spine of Fontaine today, the physical manifestation of the nation's majesty!
With him there, why would Fontaine fear any threat?
On the deck, Clorinde wore a sharp dark combat suit with light armor over it, his long purple hair tied in a high Horsetail, looking heroic and valiant.
He stood behind and to the side of King, his hand always on his sword hilt, his eyes sharp as a hawk as he scanned the crowd below.
To be allowed by Lord King to accompany him and participate in this unprecedented operation was a supreme honor for him.
Lumine and Paimon were also on the deck.
Paimon flew around excitedly in the air, his little finger pointing at the crowd below: "Wow! So many people! They're all cheering for King! Everyone is so awesome!"
Lumine leaned against the ship's railing, his amber eyes gazing toward Fontaine, lost in thought.
Capture Raiden Ei for trial?
How would they try him?
If it were King, what would he do... The blonde's imagination was quite vivid, and the thoughts in his mind made him feel a surge of shyness.
Lumine shook his head vigorously, temporarily suppressing those overly surreal thoughts.
At least under King's leadership, this strike by Fontaine would definitely not harm the people of Inazuma, and that was enough.
Above the pier, on the ceremonial balcony extending from the Opera Epiclese.
Furina stood there, dressed in a magnificent and solemn blue-and-white short dress, wearing a top hat.
He pursed his lips slightly, his heterochromatic eyes fixed on King on the deck below, his gaze a mix of intense pride and deep envy.
He wanted to go too!
He also wanted to stand by King's side and see with his own eyes how Fontaine's will would be manifested in a foreign land!
But... "Lady Furina, you must remain in Fontaine."
Neuvillette's steady voice sounded from beside him.
He was also watching below, his Iudex uniform meticulous, his cane planted on the ground.
"A nation cannot go a day without its ruler. Your presence is the cornerstone for stabilizing the people's hearts."
"Besides, with Mr. King's status, he is more than enough to represent the will of Fontaine."
"Tsk!"
Furina understood the reasoning.
But he just wasn't satisfied!
Seeing King about to sail away to perform such a "dramatic" and "god-like" feat, while he had to stay in the Opera Epiclese reviewing documents and receiving envoys... "Humph!"
Furina puffed out his cheeks, but in the end, he said nothing, merely forcing that envy and a bit of grievance back into the depths of his heart.
He took a step forward, leaning his hands on the balcony railing, and used all his strength to let his voice carry clearly and powerfully down to the pier below:
"Citizens of Fontaine!"
"Today, our 'Great Guardian', Mr. King, will represent the justice and laws of Fontaine, sailing east to Inazuma!"
"There is only one purpose—"
"To make those arrogant scoundrels who try to threaten Fontaine with military force understand that Fontaine's dignity shall not be defiled! Fontaine's laws shall not be provoked!"
"Mr. King is the sharpest sword and the strongest shield of my Fontaine!"
"Let us offer him our warmest blessings!"
"May justice guide his course, and may Fontaine's fame resound throughout the Seven Nations!"
"Mr. King—return in triumph!!"
Furina's voice was recorded by the Melusines and, through special amplification devices, echoed over the harbor, reigniting the passion of the people once more.
"Long live Lord Furina! Long live Lord King!"
The sound shook the heavens.
King looked up, his gaze meeting Furina's on the balcony.
He nodded slightly.
Then, he turned and ordered the captain beside him: "Set sail."
No more words were needed.
The massive hull of the justice let out a low rumble, the heavy anchor chains were slowly retracted, and the magic-guide engine began to run, pushing through the azure seawater.
The giant ship slowly sailed away from the pier, heading toward the vast and boundless sea.
The cheers on the shore did not cease for a long time, with countless arms waving until the ship became a small dot on the horizon...
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