Building a Modern Nation in a Fantasy World-Chapter 110: Law and Order (Part 8)

The swearing-in ceremony was held in the Justice Courtyard, a grand space King Arthur himself had repurposed from what was once a crumbling old training yard. Now, it stood reborn—rows of marble pillars framed the square, each draped with blue-and-silver banners bearing the insignia of the Crown Guard. At every edge of the courtyard, instructors, knights, and mages stood tall in ceremonial dress, their uniforms gleaming under the morning sun. This wasn't just another event—it was history in the making.

At the center stood a raised stone platform, adorned with the symbols of law and justice. Upon it sat a long velvet-draped table. Atop the cloth lay a single leather-bound tome—the Oath Ledger—and beside it, a polished steel circlet engraved with the sigil of Keldoria's new era. Behind the table stood the tutors, officers, and key personnel responsible for training the probationary recruits, each in full regalia. Two scribes held ink quills ready, while an adjutant beside them bore a sealed case marked with Arthur's personal crest.

Below the stage, hundreds of recruits stood in organized rows—some in full uniform, others still probationary. A palpable silence settled over the crowd. This was more than a ceremony. It was the first of its kind. The birth of a new institution in Keldoria: the Crown Guard's Officer of the Law.

Then, a figure stepped onto the stage—a senior herald bearing the ceremonial colors. He raised a hand, his voice clear and solemn as it carried across the courtyard.

"To those who have endured the trials, and to those still striving—we welcome you. Today marks the first swearing-in ceremony of the Crown's new force. You stand at the dawn of something new. Let this moment inspire you, for history will remember the names written today."

A murmur rippled through the recruits, a quiet mixture of pride and awe.

The herald gestured toward the back. "Those who have completed all three levels—step forward. Make your way to the stage."

Jareth took a deep breath. Around him, the other successful candidates moved as one. Of the original seven hundred and sixty recruits, only one hundred and seventy-three had made it through all three levels. The rest remained behind—still training, still fighting to earn their place.

As Jareth and the others mounted the stairs to the raised platform, the crowd below stirred with applause. Thom was among them, cheering silently, pride glowing in his eyes.

Once the new officers stood in formation atop the dais, the herald turned again to the crowd.

"This is your rite of passage. From today onward, you will no longer be probationary recruits. You will stand as the first shield between chaos and order. You will bear not only weapons—but responsibility."

He paused, then raised his voice. "Now… please welcome His Majesty—King Arthur Tesla, sovereign of Keldoria, and architect of this great reform—who will personally bestow your badges."

The recruits below erupted into applause as Arthur ascended the platform, flanked by two elite guards. His cloak of royal midnight blue fluttered with each step, and the silver trim gleamed like forged lightning. He walked with calm authority—measured, composed, and unmistakably regal.

When Arthur stood at the front of the platform, the applause died down naturally, as if even the wind itself paused to listen.

"First," Arthur said, his voice clear and composed, carrying with the wind, "I offer my congratulations to the officers who stand before me. You have passed every trial, overcome every standard set before you, and emerged not just stronger—but ready. I thank you for giving your all. For showing this kingdom what discipline and determination can forge."

He paused briefly, allowing his words to settle, then shifted his gaze to those still standing below the platform—the recruits who had yet to earn their badge.

"And to those of you still training," Arthur continued, "know this: you are not forgotten. You are not lesser. You are the foundation of something new. This kingdom is changing—rising. And you are a part of that change. I hope—no, I expect—to see many of you up here at the next ceremony."

His tone sharpened slightly, eyes bright beneath the sun.

"Keldoria will not just be powerful. It will be just. It will be orderly. And you—each and every one of you—will help build the most advanced, unified nation this world has ever known. Take today not as a comparison, but as a motivation. Because I believe in what you can become. And I will be watching."

A wave of applause and cheers surged from below. Some recruits stood taller. Others clenched their fists in silent determination. The energy in the courtyard shifted—no longer passive admiration, but awakened ambition.

Arthur raised a hand, and silence returned. His expression became solemn once more.

"Now," he said, "for the main rite of the swearing-in ceremony."

He turned to face the officers standing in formation on the stage.

"Place your right hand over your chest—over your heart—and repeat after me."

One by one, the new officers obeyed. Their hands rested firmly over their uniforms. Arthur's voice rang out like a bell—measured, unwavering, each word a vow carved in stone.

"I, sworn officer of the Law Enforcement Division of Keldoria," Arthur began.

The line was repeated in unison.

"Do solemnly swear…"

"To serve the realm of Keldoria with unwavering loyalty."

"To protect its people, whether noble-born or commoner."

"To uphold its laws without prejudice or corruption."

"To carry out justice not with cruelty, but with courage."

"To stand in the face of fear, when others falter."

"To act with honor, even when no eyes are watching."

"And should the time come, to lay down my life so others may live."

A pause followed. The silence was deep—spiritual, sacred.

Then Arthur spoke the final line, and the officers echoed it without hesitation:

"This I swear before the gods, before my comrades, and before the banner of Keldoria."

The echo of their united voices rolled across the courtyard like thunder. Some instructors stood straighter. A few recruits below wiped silent tears from their cheeks.

Arthur gave a small nod of approval, his gaze settling on one particular young man.

"Jareth Elmar," he said, voice cutting through the reverence like a royal decree, "step forward and receive your badge."

Jareth's breath caught in his chest. He moved forward, each step steady despite the tremble in his heart. When he reached Arthur, he bowed deeply.

Arthur retrieved a polished silver badge from the velvet-lined case—an emblem bearing the scales of justice crossed with the banner of the Crown Guard—and pinned it to Jareth's chest himself.

"You've earned this," Arthur said, just loud enough for him to hear. "Wear it with pride. And with purpose."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Jareth replied, voice low and firm.

One by one, the rest of the officers were called forth to receive their badges. And when the last one had been pinned, Arthur stepped forward again to deliver his final words.

"To the officers who now stand before me—go forth, not as enforcers of fear, but as guardians of order. Let no bribe tempt you, no cruelty define you. You are not just warriors. You are the promise of a better Keldoria."

He raised his hand in the final salute.

With that, the ceremony drew to a close—but its echo would linger far beyond the Justice Courtyard. It marked not just the end of training—but the beginning of a new age.

As the crowd dispersed, Probationary Officers filed out under the watchful gaze of instructors and tutors, their spirits alight with renewed determination. The newly appointed officers, however, remained—standing in formation atop the raised platform, their badges gleaming in the late morning sun. freewebnøvel_com

Arthur stepped forward once more, his tone shifting—no longer ceremonial, but direct. Commanding.

"You have taken the oath," he began, his voice calm but resolute, "and with it comes more than just a title. You are no longer trainees. You are Officers of the Law and all of you will be assigned to Iron Hearth for now."

Arthur's expression hardened as he said, "Your first mission is to eliminate the Iron Shield gang"

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