Chapter 674 — The Coronation
Blade of Dawn · Page 2 of 4
She paused, then continued: "But given the unusual nature of this commission, I will need to confirm the specific content of the knowledge you are delivering before I can quote you a price. Rest assured, however—given the status and identity you are about to attain, the price will be entirely fair."
Gaoyan nodded. Then he glanced again at the manuscript in his hand, and a trace of hesitation and deliberation crossed his face, as though it were something truly worth agonizing over. A full minute passed before he drew a soft breath and placed the manuscript in Merys's hands. "This is the entirety of it."
"The entirety? That is less than I imagined… I thought you would hand me a library…" Merys took the manuscript and casually flipped through the first few pages. Before she had a chance to examine the contents closely, her eyebrows rose. "It seems to be about how society operates?"
"You may take some time to read it carefully and quote your price after the coronation ends," Gaodai said. "We can discuss the specific terms of the commission then as well."
Merys's tone lifted. "Oh? Then I shall have to read it thoroughly…"
……
On the ground floor of the castle, in the great hall, the masters of ceremonies were anxiously confirming every stage of the proceedings. Attendants and honor guards checked and rechecked what they were to do, and a white-haired court advisor went over the long list in his hands, beads of sweat glistening on his brow.
Hetty, having already completed one rehearsal of the ceremony, noticed the advisor's nervousness and could not help stepping forward to comfort him. "Please relax, Mr. Brunden—all the procedures are already in order."
"Ah, Your Excellency the Grand Chancellor! Thank you for your concern, but I dare not relax," the court advisor said, bowing in salute to Hetty and then speaking with a grave expression. "I served as a court scholar for most of my life and know every rule of etiquette inside out, but what I hold in my hands now is an entirely new set of procedures. His Majesty has not only abolished the kneeling and earth-kissing rites for his subjects, he has even abolished the crown—and on top of that, salutes of artillery, marching formations, and new military music have been added. I dare not let any of it go wrong by even a hair; it would disgrace my family's honor."
Hetty smiled and shook her head gently. "No one will be disgraced today. Today is a day of glory."
She turned and raised her head, gazing toward the far end of the hall, toward the deep blue drapery hanging upon the wall and cascading down from the high vault—pale golden threads worked the emblem of sword and plowshare upon that cloth, and one could not help but recall the meaning behind it: guardianship and cultivation, carving out a home for humanity with blade and fire in the dark age, and multiplying and thriving upon the land through honest toil.
It seemed only yesterday that this glorious emblem still hung in the ruined old castle of the Cecil family, the domain in decline, the house at its wit's end, while she and Rebecca struggled to keep the territory alive. Beyond rereading a faded glory in mold-scented old books, she had not even dared imagine what it would look like to light every lamp in the old castle.
How could she have dared imagine, back then, that this emblem would one day hang upon the walls of Silverhold?
Footsteps sounded behind her. Hetty turned and saw Victoria, dressed in a white court gown, her silver hair piled high—the Duchess of the North nodded to her. "Lady Hetty, you look radiant today."
It was a rather stock greeting and pleasantry, but given the Duchess of the North's usual cold demeanor, those who knew her understood that this was already the greatest warmth and goodwill she could show. Hetty smiled. "And you as well—beautiful as the winter snows."
"Today is a great day," Victoria said calmly. "Duke Baiyu and I will ensure everything proceeds smoothly."