News Reaches Hage Village
The sun hung high over Hage Village, its warm light contrasting sharply with the heavy tension that filled the air.
Inside the village square, a crowd had gathered around the newly posted newspaper bulletins.
The headlines were bold and shocking:
"The Tyrant King Strikes Again – Noble Families Purged!"
"Solis Vermillion Declares War on Corruption!"
"Nobles Executed, Merchants Banished – A New Order Begins!"
The villagers whispered among themselves, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Is this real?" one old man muttered.
"I thought nobles were untouchable," a farmer said, rubbing his beard.
"Seems like that's no longer the case."
Asta's mother figure, Sister Lily, held the newspaper in her hands, her usual gentle expression replaced with deep concern.
Father Orsi, the head priest of the church, adjusted his glasses, reading aloud for the younger children.
"Solis Vermillion… the new King… has executed corrupt nobles and taken control of the economy…"
Asta's childhood friend, Nash, clenched his fists.
"Isn't that… good? Those nobles never helped us!"
Sister Lily sighed, her brows furrowing.
"That's true… but such sudden change could bring chaos."
The villagers murmured among themselves, torn between fear and admiration.
Asta's Reaction
At the very back of the crowd, a young man in a ragged black cloak stood with his arms crossed. His spiky white hair stood out, and his face was set in a deep frown.
Asta.
His red eyes scanned the headlines, his jaw tightening.
"Solis…" he muttered.
Asta wasn't afraid of Solis—far from it.
But this? This was something bigger than he had ever imagined.
"The guy's really doing it, huh? Changing the whole kingdom…"
Beside him, Yuno stood calmly, his usual composed expression unreadable.
"It's not surprising," Yuno said. "Solis isn't someone who waits for change—he forces it."
Asta nodded, gripping his sword's hilt.
"Still… executing nobles? I get that they're corrupt, but doesn't that make him just as ruthless as them?"
Yuno exhaled.
"Perhaps. But remember, Asta—he's a King. And kings don't have the luxury of playing fair."
Asta wasn't convinced.
But deep down, he knew Solis had a point.
Still, he had to see it for himself.
"Guess I'll have to ask him myself next time we meet!" he said, his usual grin returning.
Village Leaders' Concern
Back at the church, Father Orsi rubbed his forehead.
"If Solis keeps this up… won't the nobles try to overthrow him?"
Sister Lily nodded.
"That's what worries me. A war between the King and the nobility could destroy the kingdom."
The commoners were hopeful—but they also knew what happened when powerful men made bold moves.
Revolts. Civil wars. Bloodshed.
Was Solis truly saving the kingdom… or was he dragging it into chaos?
End of Chapter 23