Kingdom of Power
John and Luna left the room and went downstairs to the reception hall.
John approached the receptionist and said, "I think the Boss has already told you what we want."
The receptionist respectfully replied, "Yes, Code 303. I received the order, but you will have to wait. I have already sent messages to the other assassins. They are on their way to help you."
John understood and sat down at a nearby table with Luna to wait.
Curious, Luna looked at John and asked, "I don't understand this organization. It helps innocent people and gives them jobs, but it also kills people for money."
John understood her question and replied, "No, Luna. That's not entirely correct. The Boss and this organization only kill nobles for money. And I don't think you know this, but nobles are usually the ones who hire assassins to kill their own family members or others for land, money, or power."
He paused before continuing.
"This organization helps commoners for free. As for why... I can't tell you the full story. But these rules were established by Lady Visha."
At that moment, the receptionist approached them again.
"Code 303. The assassins you selected have arrived to assist you. You may go down to the basement to meet them."
John and Luna stood up and headed toward the basement.
Inside the Palace
Queen Victoria was ready to attend the coronation ceremony, which was being held in the palace courtyard.
Millions of people had gathered to witness the event, including both nobles and commoners.
The Queen left her chamber accompanied by her personal guards, whom Tangen had personally appointed for the ceremony.
On the way, Tangen met the Queen and greeted her.
"Mother, you're already prepared for the ceremony."
Victoria replied in a tense voice, "Yes, son. I am ready. Let's go. We are already late."
Tangen noticed her expression and asked, "Mother, why do you look so stressed? Did something happen?"
The Queen shook her head.
"No, son. Nothing happened. I simply had a bad dream last night."
Tangen frowned.
"What kind of dream?"
She hesitated before answering.
"I saw you and Ashoka fighting for the throne."
After a brief pause, she added,
"I have a feeling... I don't know whether I am doing the right thing by appointing you as king."
Tangen smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry, Mother. You are not doing anything wrong. In fact, you are only trying to fulfill Father's last wish. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself. And if any problems arise, I will handle them."
Tangen's Thoughts:
Foolish Queen. Once I sit upon that throne, there will be no one in this world who can stop me from becoming king.
A sinister smile appeared on his face as he walked toward the palace courtyard.
Palace Courtyard – Coronation Ceremony
A grand stage had been prepared in the courtyard.
At its center stood the royal throne, while Queen Victoria's chair had been placed beside it.
Millions of people had gathered to witness the coronation. The commoners sat on the left side of the courtyard, while the nobles occupied the right.
Kan-ki and Arthur arrived with their soldiers.
Kan-ki's Thoughts:
Most of my soldiers are deployed at the borders. For this ceremony, I only have fifty thousand troops, while Arthur commands more than three hundred thousand soldiers to manage the crowd. I hope this ceremony proceeds smoothly. Until it is completed, I cannot move against Ashoka.
Soon, Queen Victoria entered the courtyard with her royal guards.
She took her seat beside the throne.
A hundred soldiers carrying spears marched into the ceremony while chanting,
"King Rajendra's first son is entering the coronation ceremony!"
The crowd erupted with excitement.
Tangen entered the courtyard riding a magnificent white horse.
Fifty soldiers walked ahead of him, while another fifty followed behind. Tangen rode proudly in the center of the formation.
As he approached the stage, his eyes fixed upon the throne.
Tangen's Thoughts:
You are only ten steps away from me now.
Queen Victoria rose from her chair and prepared to announce Tangen as the new king.
Suddenly, a voice rang out from the crowd.
"I do not accept Tangen as king!"
The Queen's face darkened with anger.
"Who dares say such a thing?"
A man stepped forward from the crowd, accompanied by several others.
"I am not the only one," he declared. "These people also refuse to accept Tangen as king."
The Queen and Tangen were shocked when they saw his face.
"Radhagupta!" they exclaimed.
"Who dared release you?"
The man was none other than Radhagupta, the Prime Minister, accompanied by several ministers.
Radhagupta stepped forward confidently.
"Queen Victoria, we still respect you. However, we cannot accept Tangen as our king. I am the Prime Minister of this kingdom. You cannot simply imprison me and the ministers because we disagree with your decision. I warned you before that you would regret this choice."
Arthur stood near the stage, silently observing.
Tangen pointed at Radhagupta and shouted angrily,
"Arthur! Arrest this foolish Prime Minister immediately!"
Arthur folded his arms and replied coldly,
"Even if you are King Rajendra's first son, you still have no authority to command me. You have not become king yet."
Before Tangen could respond, Queen Victoria intervened.
"I am the Queen," she declared. "I order you to arrest him. He escaped from prison and is openly opposing me."
Radhagupta shook his head.
"Your Majesty, I have broken no laws. Nor did I escape from prison. As Prime Minister, I have the right to oppose any royal decision if I believe it is harmful to the kingdom."
The Queen glared at him.
"Then who had the authority to release you without my permission?"
Radhagupta smiled and slowly pointed toward the throne.
"My King."
"King Ashoka."
Everyone turned toward the stage.
Sitting upon the throne was Ashoka.
He sat like a true king, his sword resting across his lap. Magical power surged from his body, filling the courtyard with overwhelming pressure.
His eyes burned with authority as he spoke in a cold and commanding voice.
"I am the undisputed King of the Kingdom of Power."
His gaze swept across the crowd.
"If anyone has the courage to dethrone me, then come and challenge me directly."
His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword.
"There is no need to play dirty tricks behind my back."