"The Klein Kingdom proposes that Crown Prince Cesar ascend the throne immediately, and that representatives from each nation be sent as guardians to support his transition."
The first to speak was Prince Arthur.
"Indeed, the Kingdom of Egerea supports that motion. Furthermore, I believe it would be most prudent for each nation to provide an equal number of representatives," Duke Blue added, voicing his agreement.
Marchioness Firenziano followed suit, stating that she shared their opinion.
"The Shouro Empire also concurs," Marquis Gaylen Theoderic said, speaking on behalf of the Empress, who was presiding over the session.
"...The only one remaining is Jin-kun—no, the Lord of Kunlun. Do you have a differing opinion?"
"N-No, I agree with the proposal as well. I believe we should present this advice to the Crown Prince as soon as possible."
Jin was a bit flustered at being put on the spot, but his thoughts were already in order, allowing him to respond without hesitation. Just as Laojun had predicted, the world leaders were treating Jin as a peer.
"Then it is decided by unanimous consent: we shall formally advise His Highness the Crown Prince Cesar to ascend the throne."
Reinhard, Mattheus, and Fritz worked diligently as scribes, their pens flying across the parchment. Seven identical copies were required—one each for the Shouro Empire, the Kingdom of Egerea, the Klein Kingdom, the Kingdom of Franz, the Kingdom of Elias, the Lord of Kunlun, and the Celuroa Kingdom. Since they lacked a way to duplicate documents mechanically, the manual transcription took some time.
Once the scribes finished, the representatives reviewed all seven copies and applied their signatures. Watching the process, Jin realized he would eventually need to find a more efficient way to produce meeting minutes, or diplomatic work would become an unbearable chore.
"...Everything is in order."
The final signatures were verified, and the copies were redistributed.
"Very well. Let us go to see His Highness the Crown Prince Cesar," the Empress said, standing up. "At least one representative from each nation, please follow me."
Since there was little reason to stay behind, everyone in the conference room followed her out. Accompanied by their guard golems, the delegation filed out of the Guest House. A sentry tried to intercept them, but after a brief explanation from Fritz and Mattheus, he offered a crisp salute and stepped aside.
"Everyone... What is the meaning of this gathering?"
Since the Guillaume Detached Palace was partially in ruins, the Crown Prince had taken up residence in the Cybele Mansion, a medium-sized building further back on the grounds. The mansion was named after King Richard's predecessor—Cesar’s grandfather.
"We are aware that this constitutes interference in your internal affairs," Prince Arthur began, stepping forward as the group's spokesperson. "However, for the sake of ending the chaos within the Celuroa Kingdom and ensuring the peace of our own nations, we have come to advise that Your Highness Cesar Valois ascend the throne immediately as Cesar Valois de Celuroa."
The group had decided on the way that it would be more appropriate for Arthur to deliver the message, as he was a fellow prince.
"That is..."
"We understand you are reeling from the shock of your father's condition," Arthur continued. "But as a member of the royalty, you must fulfill your duty."
Arthur was proving to be a remarkably eloquent speaker.
"I speak with all due respect, but according to the diagnosis of Lady Elsa, there is little hope for the current King's recovery. A nation without a leader is a tragedy waiting to happen."
"..."
"If you are concerned about the proper procedures, a provisional accession will suffice for now. Your Highness, for the sake of your country and your people, please become their King."
Perhaps moved by Arthur’s unusually passionate appeal, Crown Prince Cesar’s gaze hardened with resolve.
"I understand....If I do as this document suggests, will all of you lend me your strength?"
"Of course," they answered in unison, nodding deeply.
"Thank you. In that case, I shall take the necessary steps to become Cesar Valois de Celuroa."
"Your Highness, we will cooperate in any way we can," Arthur assured him.
The Crown Prince nodded slowly. "First, I must secure the Key-Seal, the symbol of the King, and declare my accession before the cabinet. Fortunately, the ministers who were in the capital have already gathered here due to the crisis. We will hold a simplified rite of accession immediately."
"What is this Key-Seal?" Jin asked, unable to contain his curiosity at the unfamiliar term.
"Our kingdom takes great pride in its magi-engineering," Cesar explained. "Because of that, there are several magic tools that can only be operated by the King. The Key-Seal is, quite literally, the 'key' to their activation."
It wasn't shaped like a traditional key; from the description, Jin gathered it was closer to a signet stamp. By pressing it against specific interfaces, the King could wake up dedicated magic tools. Jin wondered if this was the same "key" needed to enter the strange subterranean building Laozi had discovered.
"However, with my father in his current state, I feel some hesitation about simply taking it for myself..."
Normally, the seal was bestowed by the reigning monarch in front of the cabinet and the citizenry.
"These are extraordinary circumstances," Arthur said, his calm demeanor far exceeding his years as he comforted the older prince. "You shouldn't let it weigh on your conscience."
"Your Highness!"
Just then, the cabinet ministers arrived. Rambeau, Chief of the First Ministry of Internal Affairs; Latant, Chief of the First Ministry of Technology; Beaujolais, the First Foreign Minister; and Lagede, the First Military Minister. It appeared their injuries had been fully treated.
"Ah, you have all arrived at the perfect moment."
"Your Highness, we rushed here the moment we heard His Majesty had been taken ill," Rambeau said, still gasping for air.
"It is a source of profound shame that I was bedridden during such a crisis," Lagede added with his usual bluntness.
The Crown Prince looked over the four men and spoke with quiet authority. "Indeed. And as his recovery is not expected, I have decided to ascend the throne."
"What?!"
The four ministers were struck speechless, but as they took in the presence of the international delegates, they realized the gravity of the situation. They knelt before Cesar with profound reverence.
"...We pledge our loyalty to the new King."
"Good. I am relying on you."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Then I shall issue my first command. Prepare for a simplified rite of accession to be held within the next few days."
"As you command." The ministers bowed deeply and withdrew to begin the work.
"With this, the ceremony should take place tomorrow or the day after. Until then, there is a mountain of work to be done. My only regret is that I cannot hear the words of succession from my father's own lips. My mother has also long since passed."
The new King Cesar turned back to the group and offered a bittersweet smile.
"As promised, we shall do everything in our power to assist you," the Empress of the Shouro Empire said, placing a reassuring hand on the young King's shoulder.
Just as Jin had predicted, he and Reinhard were tasked with the technical challenge of restarting the dormant golems. To assist them, the Celuroa Kingdom dispatched one of its own specialists.
"So you are Lord Reinhard. It is an honor to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," Reinhard replied, shaking the man's hand.
The man was Yalmar Bartz Gamma, the magi craftman responsible for the creation of the Adamas Warrior. His rank was Gamma—third place—because he had been demoted during the triennial selection meeting this past January, a direct result of his golem's defeat by Reinhard's Schwarzritter. Despite this, he showed no signs of bitterness as he smiled at Reinhard.
Yalmar was twenty-seven, three years Reinhard’s senior. He had dark brown hair, grey eyes, and was roughly the same slight build as Jin. Reinhard found himself surprised that the creator of the Adamas Warrior was so young, momentarily forgetting his own precocious talents.
Reinhard then introduced Jin. "And this is the Lord of Kunlun, the Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou."
Yalmar’s expression transformed into one of pure, childlike delight. "You! I have heard the stories! You are a magi engineer far beyond my own meager reach. I hope to learn much from you during this collaboration."
Faced with such earnest sincerity, Jin could only offer a humble reply. "The honor is mine."
"Well then, let us begin at once."
"With the original creator, Lord Yalmar, on the team, I feel much more confident," Reinhard noted.
Their primary objective was to overwrite the master registration of the golems and automata—which were currently keyed exclusively to the incapacitated King Richard—and transfer authority to King Cesar. Other teams were assigned to handle the stationary magic tools.
Elsa certainly had the skill to assist them, but she was desperately needed by the medical units and remained occupied with healing the wounded. Only Reiko was available to help Jin and Reinhard with the technical work.
Meanwhile, Anne and Laozi set out to gather intelligence under the pretense of assisting with rubble clearance and inspecting the detached palace. Lily and Rose remained at the pier to guard Konron 2, as there was always a risk of opportunistic theft during times of national upheaval.
Fritz utilized his Golias squad to provide structural support for the damaged palace buildings, preventing further collapses. The rest of the international delegates were busy in high-level consultations to ensure the kingdom remained stable during the transition.
While some, like Marcia, Jessica, and Cynthia, found themselves with little to do but wait, King Cesar began a frantic search for the Key-Seal. Despite his efforts, the symbol of royal authority remained missing.