LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 27: Chapter 27 Upheaval
King Henri Ednia, ruler of the eponymous kingdom, was a man many considered "average."
In his youth, he neither mastered magic nor swordsmanship and his lack of ambition made him the subject of ridicule among noble families.
They often deemed him unfit to rule, whispering that he was a king who "cared for nothing."
His favorite pastime, which drew even more criticism was cutting roses in the royal garden.
It was during one of these quiet moments that Henri fell in love with a young maid named Corinne. Their love was genuine and mutual, and despite the protests of some faction nobles he married her.
Shortly after the death of his father, the kingdom was plunged into a succession crisis.
His elder brothers fought a bloody struggle for the throne but Henri ever discreet, stayed away this prudence—or perhaps his lack of interest—allowed him to survive the intrigues and violence. To everyone's surprise he became king after his brothers fell victim to their own greed.
However, his reign began under grim circumstances. The civil war had left deep scars: corruption plagued the nobility, the kingdom's coffers were nearly empty, and the people's trust was shattered.
Aware of his limitations, Henri didn't attempt immediate reforms. Instead, he placed his hope in future generations to restore Ednia's greatness.
His marriage to Corinne bore two children: a daughter, Raelia strong and spirited 21 year old seemingly destined to lead and a young son Ben just six years old and too young to assume royal responsibilities. Yet Ben represented the hope of a stable future.
Years passed, marked by military defeats and economic crises. Confronted with repeated failures, Henri made a bold decision: to use the legendary summonary spell and summon a hero to save his kingdom.
That hero was Jonady a young man from another world.
Henri had been impressed by reports of Jonady's leadership during the battles against the enemy coalition.
Their private meeting, filled with wisdom and pragmatism, solidified the king's conviction. Henri saw in him not only a savior but also the leader capable of steering the kingdom back on course.
Back at the Castle
Jonady stood alone with King Henri in the throne room. The vast marble columns, the vibrant stained glass, and the heavy silence lent an overwhelming solemnity to the moment.
— "Are you certain of your decision?" Jonady asked, his brown eyes fixed intensely on the monarch.
Henri, seated on the throne for what might be the last time, offered a serene smile.
— "Yes, Jonady. I've made the right choice for the people of this nation . This kingdom needs a fresh perspective, a vision I can no longer provide. You are the one to lead it toward a brighter future."
Jonady nodded, but the worry in his gaze lingered. He knew the weight of this great responsibility would be immense.
Meanwhile the Katakiel Empire in the Castle Nordia
Ilyud and his forces had returned from their humiliating defeat on the island kingdom of Ednia.
Their arrival at the imperial castle caused an unusual stir. Under heavy guard, the captured and freed demons were immediately brought before the Empire's high authorities.
In a vast hall with black walls adorned with imperial banners, Ilyud stood tall, despite his exhaustion. His imposing presence—as a bull-headed demon with long horns and a massive frame—could not mask his humiliation.
The demon gave a detailed account of the disastrous forest battle. He described how Ednia, thought to be an easy target, had dealt a resounding defeat to the coalition.
He emphasized one key point: the central figure in this victory was a human named Jonady, now known as "the hero."
This revelation spread like wildfire throughout the Katakiel Empire, sparking heated debates in imperial courts. But the impact extended beyond the Empire.
News also reached neighboring nations, shaking the region's balance of power. Ednia, once seen as weakened, was now viewed as a emerging force.
On the Imperial Castle Balcony
A feminine silhouette gazed at the sky.
Dressed in a dark gown adorned with silver embroidery, Ilphina—a member of the imperial royal family—stood with a glass of wine in hand.
Her long violet hair cascaded down her back, her lips of the same hue, and her dark skin contrasted with her piercing gaze. A powerful demone among the Empire's elite, her long ears caught the faintest whispers of the night breeze.
She let out a sly smile and murmured to herself:
— "Hero Jonady… interesting."
Her bright red eyes glowed with a mischievous light as she returned to her thoughts.
It was clear she saw Jonady as more than a mere adversary. To her, he represented an opportunity—or perhaps a threat she would relish manipulating.
Back in Ednia
The king's decision had upended the established order.
In the days that followed, rumors spread across the kingdom, provoking varied reactions. Some nobles wanted to opposed to the idea of a foreigner ascending the throne, while others praised the king's wisdom decison.
Jonady, meanwhile, pondered in his quarters.
The weight of the responsibility now rested heavily on his shoulders, but a growing determination began to take root within him.
He knew that the future of the kingdom's inhabitants depended on his decisions, his alliances and his ability to unite a divided people.
Ednia was entering a period of upheaval, and every choice would be crucial all eyes were on Jonady, the hero who might change the destiny of this kingdom.