Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Under the Colorful Rain of Flowers

In the battle of Hertonmar, the Hawk Brigade achieved complete victory.

The sudden emergence of numerous Pretenders met total annihilation at the hands of high-level adventurers.

Yet none could clearly explain what truly occurred within the tree mansion of the Tree of Life. Some claimed to witness slight tremors in the sky-piercing giant tree. Others insisted they heard furious leaf-rustling and roars from the tree’s core. Still others described feeling overwhelming celestial wrath. Amidst conflicting accounts, only the Hawk Brigade’s leaders present in the hall knew the truth.

The future significance of the "Twin Trees of Belmar" Strategy would remain known only to Midi, Fina, and Alice.

What truly shocked Belmar’s nobility wasn’t the Pretenders’ appearance or the twin Trees’ coexistence, but another event –

Queen Skadi’s public beheading!

Fina acted with swift decisiveness. The day after battle concluded, as Hertonmar’s citizens awoke from comas, she distributed judgment letters across Belmar as Hamilton family’s acting head. Envoys raced to inform every noble lord – whether Queen’s faction or Senator’s faction – of Skadi’s collusion with Pretenders, while commoners learned through territory-wide proclamations.

On the third day after capturing Hertonmar, Skadi’s crowned head rolled from the guillotine.

Then came greater astonishment.

Fina declared herself Belmar’s new supreme ruler, demanding oaths of allegiance from all nobles. Her proclamation – ending civil war and unifying the nation – earned support from war-weary citizens and minor nobles, but provoked great nobles’ resistance. Neither faction desired an actual ruler above them.

Under Skadi’s reign, nobles had ruled as local kings while the royal family remained figureheads. The Hamiltons becoming true rulers meant all would answer to centralized authority – far less comfortable than the current power vacuum.

The Sais family, though weakened in the City of Rainbow Light battles, rallied anti-Hamilton nobles under "court purification" banners. But how could such hastily formed alliances oppose Midi?

Backed by the elite Hawk Brigade and twin Trees of Life, Midi crushed all resistance across the duchy within weeks. The Iron-Blood Duke personally eradicated Domingo’s Scroll branch, leaving none alive.

Thus Belmar’s civil war concluded.

On the ceremonial entry day, Fina Hamilton processed through Hertonmar’s main thoroughfare to the central palace. There she donned a new crown, becoming first monarch of the Kingdom of Belmar.

No longer a duchy, Belmar replaced its Noble Council with royal governance. This shift from fractured nobility to unified kingdom meant all would follow one ruler’s will.

Outside city gates, the broad path teemed with banners, knights, and nobles – including prominent Sais family displays. The stone-faced Duke of Canaan led his contingent astride a towering steed.

Midi had spared defeated nobles, not from mercy but necessity. Nation-building required capable minds, and Belmar’s centuries-old nobility would prove crucial in strengthening the new kingdom.

For the future of the Kingdom and to secure Belmar’s position amidst Arad’s turmoil, Midi saw no issue in employing nobility to govern. Should any scheme against him, he’d deliver swift Penalties without hesitation. Though even if rebellion occurred, it’d likely be far in the future. Under Fina Hamilton’s overwhelming presence and the dual Trees of Life spanning a hundred kilometers, even the proud Sais family had lowered their heads. What other nobles would dare plot?

Moreover, the Iron-Blood Duke’s condition kept improving. Master Norton’s artisans from Hawk Brigade combined with Alice’s remedies couldn’t cure his ailment completely, but brought significant relief. Now merely appearing in Rose Mountain City, this Arad-renowned expert could quell noble schemes.

Surveying fluttering banners and vibrant Fina beside him, Midi felt profound emotions. In his past life, this period marked the civil war’s peak before Delos Empire’s invasion – a disaster forever carved in his memory. Since reincarnation, he’d felt war’s blade hanging overhead, ready to destroy all he cherished.

Thus he’d toiled daily, racing time and battling fate to reclaim lost things. Every battle since last year aimed to prevent that catastrophe. Even with glorious victories, he never relaxed vigilance. Every step till now was his own making.

Yet achieving this still thrilled him. Belmar stood united. Fina ruled as supreme monarch. Hawk Brigade surpassed Golden Branch Legion as First Legion through demonstrated battle strength, poised for greater victories across Arad. If past triumphs felt routine, today’s success intoxicated him completely.

This was everything Midi wanted.

"Ready?" A melodious voice interrupted. Turning, Midi saw Fina’s bright smile.

An eight-horse carriage waited at the procession’s forefront. The red-haired girl and black-haired girl stood at either end, central space clearly reserved.

Midi’s eyes softened, yet he hesitated. This was Fina’s coronation as Queen of Magic – wouldn’t central position steal her spotlight?

Catching his pause, Fina teased: "We need carriage driver. By Belmar Queen’s order, you’ll take the reins. Objections?"

"Since I’m here, why wait?" Alice added mildly. The Mist Sorceress usually avoided attention but couldn’t refuse Fina this time.

"Our shared victory deserves shared celebration." Fina grasped Alice’s arm and extended her hand solemnly.

"Alright." Midi boarded decisively, taking center position.

Amid cheering crowds and Hawk Brigade warriors, beneath rose petals raining from buildings, the carriage advanced toward palace. Standing central, Midi clearly heard shouts of "Queen of Magic!" and "Mist Sorceress!" from capital adventurers and Belmar Elves. After prolonged civil war, both women had earned reputations matching their powers.

Suddenly Fina’s hand touched his shoulder. "Listen!" Her voice quivered with excitement.

"Look! Lord Midi Asreks! Genius commander! Belmar’s foremost Demon Swordman! Our Sword of Victory and Guardian!"

Midi’s heart stuttered. His past title had been Sword of Death, reflecting decisive swordsmanship and ruthless battles. Now… Victory and Guardian?

"People call you that now. Well deserved, isn’t it?" Fina’s blue eyes shone with pride.

"Suits you." Alice’s comment carried faint smile – rare for the icy sorceress.

Victory and protection? His blade now symbolized triumph and safeguarding loved ones instead of destruction. Was this the world’s judgment?

Under floral rain between Fina and Alice, Midi showed his first genuine smile in ages. The looming sword of fate above him finally dissolved, revealing a new path forward.