Whispers in the Court
In the days following the coronation of King Solis Vermillion, the kingdom buzzed not only with hope and fear but also with one nagging question: where was the queen?
In the opulent halls of the Royal Palace, high-ranking nobles gathered in hushed corners. Their conversations, laced with both disbelief and apprehension, revolved around the striking absence of a queen at the coronation.
"A king without a queen is like a ship without a rudder," murmured Duke Albrecht, his voice low and tinged with discontent.
"It defies tradition," countered Countess Maribel, an influential noble known for her conservative views. "How will Solis maintain balance in his rule without a queen to share the burden?"
Their eyes darted suspiciously toward portraits of past monarchs—images of regal couples standing side by side—reminders of an era long gone. To them, the absence was not just a break in protocol but an unsettling sign of an unconventional reign that could disrupt the established order.
The Commoners' Perspective
In the bustling streets and village squares across the Clover Kingdom, commoners had their own theories. At Hage Village, for instance, groups of people discussed the matter openly.
A weathered farmer leaned against a stone wall, gesturing with his calloused hands.
"Our new king promised reform and justice. But what of a queen? They say a queen softens a ruler's iron fist, making him more just."
Others nodded in agreement, though a few declared,
"Maybe a queen would mean more nobles trying to claim power. A solitary king could be free to act without the old restrictions."
Still, the balance of power was a familiar concept to these people, and many wondered if the absence of a queen might leave the throne—and the kingdom—more vulnerable to the machinations of corrupt aristocrats.
Magic Knights and the Military
Even among the ranks of the Magic Knights, the topic stirred mixed emotions. At a late-night meeting in the barracks, Captain Fuegoleon Vermillion discussed the matter with his fellow knights.
"A queen can be a stabilizing force," one knight remarked, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
Another replied,
"Or she might just complicate things with political baggage. Solis chose to rule alone for a reason—he wants to keep his focus on reform."
Yet, despite his pragmatic stance, even some of the knights couldn't help but wonder if a royal partner might lend additional legitimacy to his radical measures.
Julius Novachrono's Perspective
In the quieter corners of the palace, Julius Novachrono observed these discussions with a mixture of amusement and concern. During a private conversation with one of his advisors in his study, he mused softly:
"A queen would indeed provide balance and tradition. Yet, Solis has always been a maverick. He seems determined to rewrite the rules entirely. Perhaps he believes that by ruling alone, he can avoid the compromises that come with sharing power."
His eyes twinkled with a hint of foresight.
"Time will tell if this solitary path strengthens his resolve or leaves him isolated in a kingdom rife with dissent."
The Queen's Question
Rumors soon spread that influential factions within the court were already considering potential candidates to fill the vacant role. Some whispered of noblewomen with proven administrative acumen and a reputation for fairness, while others speculated about alliances that might be forged with commoner leaders. One persistent rumor even hinted at a secret meeting among reform-minded nobles planning to propose an unconventional candidate—a woman whose background bridged the gap between nobility and the common folk.
At the same time, Queen Lavinia—Solis's mother—watched the unfolding discussions with a heavy heart. In a private moment with her closest confidante, she admitted,
"I worry for my son. He carries the weight of this kingdom alone. A queen might not only share that burden but also help temper his relentless ambition."
Yet she also recognized Solis's desire for independence.
"He is determined to forge his own path, even if it means challenging centuries of tradition," she whispered, conflicted by maternal concern and respect for his unwavering resolve.
A King's Response
During his public address, when asked about the absence of a queen, Solis had replied with measured certainty,
"I choose to stand alone until fate deems it necessary to share this burden. My focus now is on reform and justice. When the time is right, a queen may join me—but until then, I shall rule for the people alone."
This declaration, while resolute, did little to quell the rising tide of speculation. Instead, it ignited further debate among scholars, courtiers, and citizens alike about the future of the monarchy and the balance of power in the Clover Kingdom.
End of Chapter 37