"The Sun's Covenant." Three words came out of Henry's mouth, entering the ears of those present in the meeting room.
"Sun's Covenant…" Both Maximus and Frederick repeated the name under their breaths. They found the name fitting. Not only because the Sun would most of the time represent the pinnacle force of nature but also because their respective Kingdoms represent or at least symbolize the power of the Sun.
In this current world and age, people are still curious about things beyond the sky. The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.
Unlike in Henry's previous world that has already formed a scientific definition of those mentioned above, the current world he's in is the opposite.
The people of today are still stuck as religious believers where some are borderline fanatical. They see the Sun and the Moon as either their gods and goddesses or part of their beliefs.
Though having encountered the literal god of the Sun and even receiving his blessing, Henry had long abandoned his previous belief that everything can be explained and dissected with science.
For now, he's in the middle. He still believes that science can reign supreme in this world especially to the common folk while on the other hand, he now believes that somewhere out there are a bunch of higher powers that can't be explained with mere science alone.
"I take it that you two like the name then? If so, then we'll settle it at that. In the meantime, let us address the elephant in the room. How long are you going to hide behind that curtain, Master Elias?" As soon as Henry let go of those words, the two Kings and Advisors suddenly snapped their heads to the only window in the room.
True to his words, Master Elias swiped the curtain, revealing himself while wearing an awkward smile, "Your senses have grown sharp, Henry boy. I see you've been drinking lots of prescribed milk."
Without waiting for Henry's response, Master Elias already shifted his attention elsewhere, "I see the Federation just gained a new member. Welcome to the club, King Frederick of Corona."
"I appreciate the welcome but if I may ask, how long have you been hiding behind that curtain? No one could've entered this room without my steward's Key." There was a frown on both the advisor's faces.
Master Elias may be a guest of the kingdom and the trusted sorcerer of the Lioncrest Kingdom, but entering a highly secured room is something to be frowned upon.
"Don't worry King Frederic. I didn't enter unannounced. Last night, you gave me permission to wander the halls and enter the castle's rooms as I please, so long as it's not your room and other people's rooms." His words made not only Frederic confused but also Maximus.
"Elias, are you sure? Even I don't remember that encounter last night…" Facing the curious and suspicious looks, Master Elias remained unfazed.
"…I'm not sure if you remember but you specifically told me while you're dead drunk."The old man's face contorted into something similar to Frederick's drunken face, "'Of course, you're welcome anywhere in my brilliant castle, so long its not any of my personal rooms.' and then you passed out there and then."
Seeing Master Elias's face recovering as if he didn't just perfectly imitate the drunken King, Frederic rubbed his forehead, "Those are the words of a drunk person, Master Elias. As far as I know, a drunk's words are not supposed to be reliable."
Master Elias simply shrugged his shoulders in response, "A King's word is a word. And besides, no harm was done anyway. You can say I kept this room safe from any possible spies. You never know."
"…How about we just let it go. Not like Master Elias has anything to know that he doesn't already know. Am I right?" Henry turned to defend his teacher. The latter nodded his head in confirmation.
Deciding to drop the matter, especially since he just signed a very important ally and probably an extremely long-term one at that, King Frederick gestured for one of the chairs, "Since you've been standing there all this time, your old knees are probably bent already, take a seat, Master Elias."
The old man gave a smile and took the chair beside Henry.
"Now that the Federation has officially been established and it already has two members and possibly another one in the future, let us commemorate this day." He turned his head to Henry and took out a golden sword that magically appeared out of his robes.
Why magically you might ask? Well, the longsword was in no way possible of being hidden by the old master's robe. So the conclusion left is magic.
When Henry's eyes settled on the sword, the image of it was immediately imprinted in his mind. The sword may look good, but only the middle part between the double-edged blades is actually coated in gold, along with its hilt.
There was a shiny red gemstone attached to the middle of the crossguard. And the lower end of the hilt or otherwise called the butt of the sword, had a globe-like shape of the sun. It was small but the details were enough to tell anyone it was the miniature version of the sun.
"I've been meaning to give you this since forever, my dear student. This is a sword I made a few years ago. It never found its owner, or suffice to say, the owner never got his hands on it." Henry's eyes turned into glitters the moment he laid his eyes on the golden sword with its obvious intricate craftsmanship.
He returned his attention to Master Elias, "Does it have a name?"
"It doesn't have one yet. Only its rightful owner shall have the right to give it a proper name." As if to make a dramatic scene, Master Elias pointed the tip of the sword at Henry, "A name defines the sword's status and its future legend. It should be something epic and a name that rolls off the tongue."
Henry's breath took a hitch. Giving it a name right now all of a sudden took him by surprise. He of all people knows how crucial it is for knights to give their weapons their name.
"…Since we have already taken the symbol of the sun. We might as well name it Sunshine. A sword that represents hope to its allies and fiery flames to those against it." There was a grin on Henry's face as he finished his words.
Unbeknownst to him and everyone in this room, there was a flicker of flames that briefly flashed in his eyes. It faded away just as fast as it appeared.
Frederic snorted, "Sunshine? What a cute name. Are you sure about it? No backing out now. Honestly, I was thinking of something like 'The Fiery Wrath of the Primal Sun.' " The man even dared to shrug his shoulders, "No need to take it if you don't want to, just saying what you're about to lose."
'How shameless.' Was everyone's thought on his casual suggestion.
"I think I'll stick with Sunshine. It fits the sword just fine." Henry gave a smile of appreciation.
Frederic's shoulders deflated, indicating his disappointment that he tried to hide, "Suit yourself."
"Now Henry. Do you understand the weight of this sword? Not just its physical one but also its symbol?" Master Elias then clarified after seeing the look of confusion, "This sword represents the unity of this Federation. I'm sure everyone here can collectively agree that you're the chosen head of this alliance."
The two kings nodded their heads in agreement. Though the advisors were a bit reluctant but still agreed.
"With this sword, you must swear an oath to protect the Federation, the members, the interests, and purge all who dares to block your path." The old master waved his hand and cast a spell. Two new swords appeared out of mid-air and softly landed in front of Maximus and Frederic.
"This is my family's sword?" Frederic instantly recognized the longsword sitting on the table in front.
The same goes for Maximus. The sword in front of him was his father's, which he inherited and used during the bloody civil war.
"Everyone. Please point your swords at the table." Master Elias loudly declared. Albeit confused, they still held their swords and pointed them at the center of the table.
That was when Henry finally realized what Master Elias was trying to do, 'This scene looks familiar. Like King Arthur's round table…'
Master Elias soon turned to Henry.
"Henry my boy." This time, it was Henry's turn. It would be a lie to say he's not excited. Who isn't?
This isn't something that can just be described as 'It's like seeing Mona Lisa get painted.' But more like being Mona Lisa herself as she gets painted.
He followed the same stretch of the arm and placed Sunshine's blade above the others.
"Take the oath, my Prince."
'Shit! I did not prepare for this. I don't know which oath to make!' On the surface, Henry looks calm and ready but he's nervous.
If he knew he would be forced to make an oath, he would've stayed up late at night to come up with one.
Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Henry knew he had no choice. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them back up.
"I, Henry of Lioncrest. Swear on my honor to…"
———
"Is there…anything else you need from us, Prince Alex?" Stefan, King of a small Kingdom called Ironmere, sat on his throne with a forced smile on his face.
As to why. It's because of the man in front of him. Prince Alexander, the 2nd Prince of the Great Kingdom of Lioncrest.
He's not scared of the boy himself. No. He's not that cowardly. What he fears is what the boy represents.
Prince Alexander came to his Kingdom with a signed letter from King Maximus of Lioncrest, stating that Stefan was to assist Prince Alexanded of everything he needed and use all his power to help the prince in whatever matters he's handling in the Kingdom.
Stefan is not an idiot. He may have usurped his throne through bloodshed and betrayal, made a grave mistake that caused his daughter to be cursed, and put the entire livelihood of his Kingdom under the fearful grasp of Maleficent at risk, but he knows when to bend the knee and act submissive for the sake of his own life.
The boy in front of him only needed a single word that could absolutely obliterate him and everything he had ever done.
Of course, due to the lack of fast traveling of news, King Stefan is currently unaware of the matters happening in Lioncrest, a rumor circulating throughout the Lioncrest Kingdom of how Prince Alexander is colluding against the crown and its heir, and how his status as a prince is on the verge of being stripped.
Perhaps if Stefan knew this first-hand, he wouldn't have been this submissive to the boy these past few days. But alas, perhaps fate has been working against him and the news hasn't yet reached the ears of the future Mad King.
Especially Alex himself. If he knew he was no longer the prince of Lioncrest once he got back? Perhaps he wouldn't have been arrogant and dominant against Stefan in the first place.
Unfortunately for the two, fate seemed to have abandoned them for the sake of favouring the Crown Prince of Lioncrest.
Drinking from a glass of wine, Prince Alex pretended to like it. After tasting his eldest brother's invention, the Whiskey, the rest of the alcohol in the entire world became bland to his taste.
'A drink favoured by all nobles and Kings. Yet all those profits are being solely monopolized by my brother. How unacceptable.' The thought alone almost made Alex break the glass with his bare hand.
After enduring and finishing the entire glass, he finally replied.
"Of course, I need something else. The Moors forest. Tell me everything you know about it, especially the one they call Maleficent."