I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain-Chapter 600

At his cry, the nobles raised their arms one by one.

"Long live the King—"

"Long live His Majesty!"

The square roared with fervent shouts. Some were even shedding hot tears. Tears were now streaming down Martin’s cheeks as well.

"Long live His Majesty!"

"Glory eternal to the kingdom!"

Cries of praise spread like wildfire among the residents surrounding the square. It was only natural; even those standing far away could clearly see the light pouring down upon it.

"Glory to the Radiant Light!"

"Long live His Majesty—"

Fervor swept through the city. The residents rejoiced, believing the heavens were watching over their kingdom. The nobles rejoiced that their king was receiving a blessing.

Before long, however, their shouts began to fade.

Woosh—

Declan, who had been on one knee, slowly rose. The steam had fully seeped into him, and now a halo of light shimmered around. It was as if droplets of brilliance were scattering from his very skin.

"Oh… ooh…"

"The light…"

Awe whispered through the ranks of nobles. Though the same radiance wreathed Ian and the red-haired priestess beside him, no one’s eyes left their king.

Martin, too, gazed captivated at Declan’s back, as though it were being baptized in light. At that moment, Declan nodded to Ian and then turned around.

"Your Majesty…" Martin finally breathed.

Light shimmered in Declan’s eyes as he gazed upon them. Though it was already fading as if seeping into him, it was undeniable proof that divinity had descended upon their king.

The next moment, Declan placed his left hand on his chest and said, "The heavens have bestowed their revelation. So long as I do not betray my vows, the heavens shall guard the kingdom’s path."

Martin’s eyes widened, brimming as if about to tear. It could only mean that Orendel had been freed from chaos and madness. Just as the other nobles, who seemed to have realized the same, were about to freeze in shock, a shout rang out beside Martin.

"G-Glory to the radiant heavens!" Wizzle, his face a mess of tears and snot, raised both arms.

Yet Martin, for once, didn’t roll his eyes as he usually would.

"Long live His Majesty!"

He simply raised his own arms and let out a cry of emotion. As the nobles chanted the names of their king and the heavens, Declan glanced back at Ian and lifted one arm to point across the road.

When Ian gave a nod, Declan smiled and headed toward the carriage. Ian followed with the priest carrying the red cloth, while the silver-haired elder fairy descended the steps and slipped in naturally behind them.

Only a few noticed the blond Imperial noble, who had intended to follow, being drawn aside by the dark-skinned boy.

"Long live the King—"

They were too busy watching the king and the Agent of the Saint climb into the carriage. Finally, the silver-haired elder, the last to get in, closed the door.

The waiting knights mounted their horses, and the carriage rolled forward at a slow pace. It was clearly bound for the royal castle, retracing the road it had come. The ceremony would not be complete until the king took his throne.

"Did you see? I told you we should put our faith in His Majesty!" Wizzle’s voice pierced Martin’s ears.

When Martin turned to look at his tear and snot-streaked face, he suddenly burst into laughter. "So you did! You were right, sir!"

"The recognition of the Empire and the Order no longer matters. And more than that, soon, the false kings of the frontier will bow, one by one, and swear their allegiance to His Majesty!"

Eyes alight with joy and exhilaration, Wizzle’s lips curled into a broad smile.

"How could they dare to stand against His Majesty, who receives the protection of the heavens!"

Martin, smiling back, wiped his tear-streaked face with his sleeve and looked up. The light that had filled the square was now shimmering faintly, spreading throughout the entire city. And above it all, the sky appeared.

"Radiant light…"

It was a blue sky, one he had rarely laid eyes on. No—he couldn’t even recall the last time he had seen it.

Just as Martin’s eyes welled up again, Wizzle caught his arm. "This is no time to be standing around in a daze! The carriage is entering the main road. Before we are left behind, let us also follow His Majesty!"

Dragged forward, Martin glanced back once more. The witnesses, who had already descended on the other side, were boarding their waiting carriages.

"Once we behold His Majesty taking his seat upon the throne, we’ll drink until we can’t stand straight. Today, you mustn’t refuse!"

At Wizzle’s words, Martin finally looked forward. The carriage carrying the king and the Agent of the Saint, along with the guard knights, was entering the main road.

Following behind it with the other nobles, Martin smiled. "Indeed. Tonight, I’ll drink until I can’t see straight."

Cheers from the crowds lining the road rose up on both sides. And even after their procession entered the castle, the cheering did not cease.

***

"Despite the rushed preparations, I thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence."

In the great banquet hall, Declan rose from the seat at the head of the long table. Having just concluded the coronation upon the throne, he had wasted no time in moving to the feast that awaited.

What a burden this is.

Ian, who was sitting to Declan’s right, smacked his lips subtly

With king, guests, and nobles all strung out along the same endless table, the weight of every gaze in the hall pressed squarely on him.

Maybe I shouldn’t have recited those lines.

Not that it had been completely unexpected, but a miracle had occurred. And this time, it wasn't Lu Solar, but the grace of the heavens. All the gods had recognized Declan as king.

It didn’t matter now that the quest was complete, but the outcome was baffling for someone who had only been reciting lines. Of course, he was probably the only one who saw it that way.

"Also, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the witnesses who have graciously accepted my request," Declan said, looking to his left and right.

As the group members expressed their humility in their own ways, Declan’s gaze returned to Ian, who was sitting right beside him. "Especially to the Agent of the Saint."

Ian gave only a nod, while Declan, unbothered, turned to the hall and said, "As you all know, the reason I arranged this schedule in such haste was the Agent of the Saint’s visit—and his gracious acceptance of my unreasonable request."

He took a breath and looked around the assembly. "The goddesses granted their blessing not solely because I was deemed worthy, but because the Agent of the Saint himself presided over the ceremony. Therefore, we must all never forget our gratitude for the rest of our lives. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"We shall never forget!"

"Glory and victory to the Agent of the Saint!"

Nobles and officials shouted in unison.

Ian exhaled quietly through his nose while Declan, smiling broadly, raised his cup. "Now! Let us raise our cups in thanks to the goddesses! You have all worked hard, so today, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"

"Long live His Majesty, the King!"

"Long live—"

The nobles raised their goblets high with cheers. In the corner, musicians struck their drums, blew their flutes, and plucked their lutes. The hall soon grew lively, and even as the feast went on, shouts praising the king and the Agent of the Saint rose again and again.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. You are now an official king," Thesaya said, lifting her pewter cup and propping an elbow on the table. Seated at Declan’s left, she looked almost like a queen or a consort. She had even sat at his side in the carriage, waving to the people.

"I am merely grateful. Though this crown still feels awkward," Declan said with a smile, lightly touching the crown on his head.

Thesaya smiled mischievously as she swirled her cup. "For someone who feels awkward, you look quite natural. As if you have been waiting for this day for a long time."

"Haha… I cannot say that I have not dreamed of it. And with the goddesses watching, how could I dare lie?"

At Declan’s slick reply, Thesaya giggled and brought the cup to her lips.

Just then, Declan turned his head the other way. Looking at Ian, who was putting a piece of meat in his mouth, Declan bowed his head.

"Thank you, Agent of the Saint. I was actually quite worried, but you performed it so perfectly that my worries were for naught."

"You should thank Master Simon and Priestess Lucifer. The two of them told me everything I needed to do."

"Especially Master Simon. I merely added a few words," added Lucia, who was sitting to Ian’s right.

Declan’s gaze shifted to the other side, to Thesaya’s left. Simon wore an awkward smile. "I am glad that I could be of some small help."

"It was more than that."

Simon, his eyes shining, added, "Do not worry at all, Your Majesty. Everything I have seen and heard today, I will personally and without omission inform the Great Church and the high society of the capital. Including the fact that the light of the heavens shone down upon Your Majesty and the city!"

"Thank you. That is most reassuring."

Reassuring?

Just as Ian was about to smirk, Declan glanced back at him. "I’ll admit this only now, but I never once expected the goddesses to grant me their blessing. In fact, I spent my life believing the gods had abandoned me. When I realized that wasn’t true, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and joy."

"I’m sure you did," Ian replied, chewing his meat. The sense of elation at being enveloped in divinity was something he knew very well.

"You’ve managed your city well. Not a single corrupted one has appeared, even with such a downpour of divinity."

"That was thanks to Sir Mev and Naser. Especially Naser, who has a remarkable gift for uncovering those hiding their corruption."

At that, Ian gave a quiet snort. He hadn’t expected such talent. Then again, the man had once been a Purifier. It seemed Declan did not know that part.

"Don’t you feel something stirring inside you, Your Majesty?" Lucia asked then, leaning forward.

To her right, Shahin and Mukapa, their heads bowed low, were attacking their food. "It’s likely a stigma has been carved into your very soul."

"Well, for now, I can only say I feel a fullness I’ve never known before." Declan placed a hand on his chest, then tilted his head and smiled.

"Hmm, is that so?" Lucia tilted her head.

Thesaya, who had been watching the lively hall, said, "Perhaps the divinity took root in your body, not your soul."

Just as Declan turned to look at her, Simon leaned forward. "You mean, like His Majesty, the First Emperor?"

"The First Emperor—"

"The founder of the Empire," Lucia finished for Declan.

Her gaze, which had been on the wide-eyed Simon, returned to Declan. "The one said to have borne the blessing of all seven goddesses."

"I do recall hearing that story. However, how could I possibly compare to such a great figure? To be spoken of in the same breath is honor enough," Declan said with a hearty laugh and picked up his cup.

"Well, as you heard earlier, Sir Ian bears the Sacred Blood of that very emperor." Lucia glanced at Ian.

"The Sacred Blood of the First Emperor? Is that what that meant? My goodness! How is that possible?" Simon, his eyes wide with shock, turned to Ian.

"Just, well." Ian raised his cup and took a slow sip before sparing Simon a sidelong glance. "If you don’t want to lose your head, you’d do well to watch your mouth."

"Pardon? Ah, haha. Of course. You’ve seen me run my mouth quite a bit, but I will keep it a secret."

"I wasn’t talking about me. Start babbling about it in the capital, and the Great Church will be after your neck. Or they might just cut out that tongue of yours first."

Simon’s smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "I see how that could… happen. I will keep that in mind."

Ian turned his gaze to Declan. "That warning applies to you as well, Your Majesty. The Empire will hardly welcome such a thing. As you said yourself, break your oath and the blessing may vanish."

"I know. It may even become my shackle. But I don’t mind. From the moment the revelation came, I had already resolved myself." Declan nodded, his gaze turning to the boisterous hall. "Of course, I can’t say I’m fond of them just yet… but I intend to cherish them from here on, sincerely, as best I can. It won’t be easy, but I’ll try."

"Well. If a man keeps his mask on until his dying day, who’s to say it was ever a mask?"

At Ian’s indifferent comment, Declan looked at him as if surprised. Soon, his smile became more pronounced. "As expected, the Agent of the Saint always has a lesson for me."

"Lessons? Hardly. In any case, this isn’t the time for that." Ian shrugged and raised his cup. "For now, let us enjoy ourselves. It’s a day of celebration, isn’t it?"

"Of course, Agent of the Saint. However, today is not the only joyous day. The feast has only just begun," Declan added with a strange smile on his lips.

Ian, about to take another drink, froze. "You don’t mean this goes on after tonight."

"Why wouldn’t it be? The goddesses themselves have given their blessing—I can’t be stingy with food and drink." Declan smiled, glancing to either side. "For them, it ends today. But for the people, the celebration will last three more days. I’ll be touring the whole city, including the shantytown beyond the walls."

As Ian frowned and chugged his drink, Simon nodded his head with an admiring expression. "Truly, it is no wonder the people love you so, Your Majesty. If you walk among them, it will be the honor of their lives."

"And if the Agent of the Saint were to accompany me, it would surely be an even greater joy, would it not?"

I knew it. Damn it.

Ian set his cup down with a sigh as Declan turned an expectant gaze his way. "Will you not join me? If you do, my people would give their very lives in devotion to you."

Ian, who had been about to refuse immediately, paused. A moment later, his brow furrowed. A quest window had appeared in front of him.

[Hope of the Frontier.]

Another priest quest?

All it required was accompanying the king’s progress through the city. The reward was a full skill point. He closed the window, then glanced at Simon’s eager eyes, Thesaya’s teasing smile, and Lucia’s solemn face before letting out a long sigh.

"Very well. Just make sure my cup never runs dry."