After the meticulous arrangement and preparation, we finally arrived at the capital.
Upon reaching the entrance, we encountered the others, who seemed to be orchestrating something with the knights. It is evident that they are planning a parade leading to the main square.
Both nobles and citizens will have the opportunity to gaze upon the head of the whale.
I consult the timepiece and estimate it to be around six in the evening. Here, the moon already graces the sky as the sun withdraws. As we arrive, Frey requests us to change carriages.
We ascend to a new carriage, lavishly adorned with golden details, but this time it is open to the air. The idea is for us to be at the forefront, serving as the centerpiece.
Frey also joins us, aware of the importance of focusing attention on him.
Emilia appears somewhat nervous, while Beatrice remains silent, seemingly unconcerned about her surroundings. The artillery squadron accompanies us, marching on the ground alongside the knights who were unharmed in the battle.
The wounded have been sent to Crusch's camp, no... to Frey's camp.
"Ascend, this will be brief as we have many things to organize, but undoubtedly, it is a significant event," Frey directs a smile at Emilia. "You will be the center of attention, as you contributed the most." Emilia nods, displaying a certain discomfort and nervousness.
The carriage has cushioned seats, but the idea is for us to remain standing. However, I realize that people will not view Emilia favorably.
The announcement of the candidates is still fresh, and the rejection towards her will be considerable, regardless of her actions. My presence will likely spread rumors, but hatred often lacks logic.
"Emilia, you'll have to endure," I whisper in her ear.
"Yes, I know, don't worry, Marco," she responds with a smile, clenching her fists. "I'll do my best not to disappoint them."
I have not yet recovered my mana.
Thanks to the crystal, my magical gate is not shattered, but using mana is still painful. I will have to rest or resort to simple spells that do not require much effort.
Using Beatrice's mana to appease the crowd would be impossible in this state; it will entirely depend on Emilia. Although it would be wise to avoid resorting to such measures.
As we advance, I see people starting to gather. Everyone watches in awe as the whale's head follows behind us, and we maintain our composure.
The focus is on the whale, but upon seeing us, I can perceive a certain disbelief and hostility in their eyes. The crowd opens up to make way, and the path clears as everyone watches.
Suddenly, a man exclaims from the crowd, "They defeated the whale!"
Several applauses join in a giant shout, and although we maintain our postures, I can sense how people begin to interact and react.
I look at Frey, who smiles pleased. Now I understand his plan.
"Candidate Emilia defeated the whale!" exclaims a half-human man, causing other half-humans to join the chorus.
It is an achievement that does not only belong to humans. Frey's motives for helping us remain unknown to me, but now I am clear on what is happening. Frey has mobilized people to start a wave of reactions.
Being in public, it is common for most to try to imitate what others do, it is an instinctive safety behavior. Exploiting this effect at different points to generate chain reactions.
"Mr. Frey is also here!" exclaims a child. Applause and cheers rise, but the crowd's looks are varied and confused.
There is a growing excitement about the victory over the whale, but mixed feelings are also perceived. Frey greets everyone while Emilia observes everything happening with amazement.
Beatrice remains absorbed in her book, ignoring the others.
Upon reaching the square, people begin to gather.
The carriage stops next to a water fountain. The space is vast, clearly the main square. People arrive and group in different sectors: half-humans on one side, humans on the other, and the more elegant ones distancing themselves from the rest.
The whale's head is beside us, taking up much space with its immensity, forcing some people to step back.
"I, Frey Karsten, announce that today's battle against the white whale," Frey places his hand on his chest, "in which the group of the throne candidate Emilia and my group participated, has concluded with the defeat of the white whale!"
"WOOOO!" Applause and shouts increase as expectations grow. The same people who had started the cheers before do so again. A wave of applause and cheers fills the air. "The person who made this possible was candidate Emilia! Her strength, her courage, were what accomplished this feat!" exclaims Frey, making everyone look at Emilia in disbelief.
Although I did not witness the fight, I know from what I was told that Emilia did most of the work. The whale was already nearly defeated when Wilhelm delivered the final blow.
However, Wilhelm did not want to take responsibility for that strike; he thanked Emilia and admitted that she, along with the artillery, were the ones who truly dealt the final blow.
Emilia takes a step forward, facing all the looks and whispers. Her hands tremble slightly, but she takes a deep breath and then exhales.
"The white whale will no longer pose a threat to anyone!" Emilia addresses everyone with determination. "With this, everyone can travel without fear of its presence."
People's gazes cross, some start talking, while others let out laughs. The half-humans seem divided, silent but apparently inhibited from expressing their opinions.
This is the harsh reality for Emilia; her appearance will haunt her wherever she goes.
"Who cares how she looks!" someone shouts. "She defeated the enormous white whale!" A comment thrown into the air triggers a chain reaction among the half-humans.
They begin to express words of support that irk the humans, who remain reluctant to respond.
Frey has anticipated up to this point; in reality, he had planned to do something similar, starting to spread rumors by paying people to share dubious information about the higher-ups, intending to hinder their progress.
"I am Emilia!" she shouts with determination. "My appearance is not something I chose in my life! I will prove that I am worthy of bearing the throne!"
After Emilia's words, her gaze turns to me, urging me to speak. When I am about to step forward, Frey stops me, smiles, and asks me to allow him to say something.
"People of Lugunica, the person who made this entire strategy possible, the individual who has tirelessly worked for a better future, the one who emerges as a new hero," Frey points at me. "The one whom the kingdom of Lugunica bestowed the initial title of baron."
My eyes widen at his words, and Emilia shoots me a look as I clenched my fists.
How did he find out about this? I never revealed it to Crusch, nor did I take any action in that direction.
Then...
Why?
My stomach churns as my heart begins to beat forcefully. I had never discussed this with anyone.
How can he know?
"The one who became the main enemy of the Witch's Cult," Frey continues with a smile, as if he had already planned this. "The one who defeated the Archbishop of Sloth, the creator of the now famous steam engine."
People look amazed towards me. I stand tall, trying to conceal my surprise and confusion. Beatrice takes my hand and stares at me.
"Maintain composure, indeed," Beatrice begins to use magic on me.
Revealing my status publicly was something I had already planned, but not in this way. Frey has given an unexpected twist to the situation.
"I am Marco Luz!" I intervene, looking determinedly at everyone and raising my rifle. "My lady is candidate Emilia; all my achievements belong to her, and so will my future accomplishments."
Humans start to smile slightly, while half-humans show astonishment.
"We will revolutionize this world!" I shout, striving to convey my message. "We will make it a prosperous place for all races. Regardless of status, race, or ethnicity, everyone deserves respect. In Irlam, that is already possible, and I know we can achieve it elsewhere too."
I fill my throat with mana.
"I am Marco Luz! Remember that name!"
I step back, and the shouts and applause intensify, focusing on me. Humans show their support by shouting my name, while half-humans support Emilia.
Uniting both factions is possible, and though things may become challenging, I will not miss this opportunity.
I look at Frey with a determined gaze. I have to be cautious; Crusch's elimination could have altered the dialogues. If I said something wrong at any point, if he believes I am unaffected, he will understand that everything is in motion.
But I must also be careful, as it could be a trap.
If I say nothing, it will be equally suspicious.
"I didn't expect you to say it that way," I tell Frey seriously. "Mentioning the title in that manner was surprising."
Expressing it this way, I focus on how I use my words, trying to stay alert and calculate every move.
Frey watches my response with interest, as if evaluating my reaction. His smile seems more satisfied now, as if he has achieved his goal. However, his words do not indicate that he has noticed my distrust or doubts.
"The occasion warranted a proper acknowledgment," Frey responds with a nonchalant expression. "Your ability to hold people's attention is impressive, Marco."
I nod seriously, not taking my eyes off him.
My mind works at full speed, trying to analyze every word he says and every gesture he makes. I cannot underestimate his cunning or his ability to manipulate situations in his favor.
"Now, allow me to congratulate you personally," Frey extends his hand toward me. "Once again, we have shown that our alliance is formidable and capable of achieving great things."
I take his hand in a firm handshake, trying to maintain a neutral expression as I weigh my next moves.
"Thank you, Frey. Your support has been crucial in this victory," I respond courteously but cautiously.
While I engage in conversation with Frey, I remain attentive to any hint of his real intentions. I cannot let my guard down or allow his words to cloud my judgment.
"Mr. Marco is not in the best condition," Felix states, observing me with curiosity. Emilia and I bow in a sign of respect.
"We regret the situation, but we must rest. In Irlam, people await our attention." As we stand up, I notice the knights seem somewhat dejected.
It was my promise that was at stake; my word must count. But at this moment, being with Frey is dangerous.
Setting an expectation for a new future seems to be the answer.
"However, do not worry, celebrate, and when you wish to visit Irlam, you will be welcomed with open arms. There you can do business, buy a home, or whatever you desire."
They nod and begin to comment that they will check if what I said is true, creating a friendly atmosphere.
"About the horn..." Frey begins as he stands up. "You can take it now; the carriage is prepared. It only needs to be cut."
Frey exits the room and heads towards the whale's head.
"Although it's a difficult task now that its mana is disappearing..."
The carriage is positioned behind the horn, a sturdy and resistant vehicle.
Frey unsheathes his sword, taking me by surprise. He raises his weapon with strength and makes a horizontal cut that produces a sound similar to the wind being split.
His sword moves like a whip along the horn.
The cut is so clean it seems to cut through butter, and the horn detaches, falling into the carriage.
Everyone present watches in astonishment. I look at the scene seriously, impressed by Frey's ability to cut the horn without any difficulty.
Its thickness and hardness are not common things, as it has even withstood cannon impacts, something normal steel would not have achieved.
The horn is placed in the carriage by two earth dragons that carry it with ease. Although I am still not clear about what kind of statue to create, I know I will have to think about it carefully later.
With all preparations ready, we head towards the capital. Crusch chose to wait in our carriage on the outskirts of the city, so she has been alone all this time.
Without major setbacks, we embark on the journey, longing for a well-deserved rest and the anticipation of witnessing the dawn of a new day.