Chapter X
The hero, Kaizo Dantarona, was buried on a hill, near the large tree where he once lived with his father, who had been exiled from the Kingdom. For whatever reason, Eliana ordered the grave to be made very simple: buried and marked with a stone carved with Kaizo's name and his father's name, Kaizer Dantarona. For Eliana, this was actually her form of resistance against fate; she was not yet willing to accept Kaizo's death.
All the world's great figures attended the funeral: kings, generals, heroes, conglomerates, and many people watched. The total attendance reached five hundred thousand people, including Orion. Aydir was the person entrusted with offering a prayer to release Kaizo forever. Everyone accepted, but Eliana, in her heart, refused. Who could accept the departure of a person she had just met and become so close to, more than anything? Moreover, his departure felt so forced, as if fate only wanted Kaizo's death just to destroy Eliana's life. From that moment on, Eliana always held a grudge against Vernizel, the one who created fate. Although Calabras was the ruler of fate, Vernizel was the one who set it, so he was the one to blame. Eliana even left and went home the earliest while the atmosphere was still very crowded. People considered it natural, given that Kaizo was such a meaningful person that Eliana could not contain her sadness, but clearly, that was different from the truth. On her way, Eliana met Fatih and Orion. She only threw a smile while slightly bowing her body, then continued walking, with Calabras following her.
The next night.
An event was held in the main square of Vasilia City. Almost all the residents sat in rows on the available chairs. In the middle, a path was laid out with a red carpet, adorned with small candles with dim light. All city lights were turned off; only lanterns hanging served as the light source.
The front row chairs were filled by the heroes. Zen, Bones, Fatih, and Kirito sat side-by-side in their finest clothes from their respective homelands. Likewise, Aydir, Este, and Zato sat across from them, alongside Hulako, Bones's father.
Eliana walked across the red carpet, wearing a beautiful white gown, fragrant, with white high heels, matching Eliana's white hair. This beauty was not comparable to reality. Eliana's face looked radiant, but to Fatih, it was a smile he deeply hated: a fake smile hiding deep wounds. Orion walked beside her, holding Eliana's arm. He tried to remain polite and normal. His hair was neatly styled, and he wore a new, cleaner, and better black suit. His name may have been cleared, but people, including himself, would not accept this: The engagement of Eliana and Lord Orion. Not a single state official attended, suggesting that everyone was an enemy to Eliana. We all know the world is not as good as previously narrated. Evil did not first appear when Orion arrived; it had existed long before and was always buried as a forbidden secret. A hypocritical world. Orion's presence replacing Kaizo was a problem for the traitors. Their plan could not be carried out correctly because Orion would foil it.
Eliana and Orion stood facing each other. They stared deeply into each other's eyes, trying to cultivate a sense of comfort that felt nonsensical. Desmond Sebas was the one who would officiate their pairing, because he was the only one Eliana trusted, even being appointed as Minister of Defense and the King's head butler. As Eliana's chest tightened, having to accept everything sincerely, Desmond began to speak,
> "Based on the laws and regulations of the Notton Kingdom, today is the ceremony for the transference of the engagement. Based on Article 5 of the Royal Family Marriage Chapter, which reads, 'if a king/queen has designated the person they will marry through engagement, if the chosen person cannot proceed with the marriage, due to a justifiable cause, such as death or a serious crime requiring a minimum of life imprisonment, then the king/queen must immediately transfer the engagement ring to another person chosen directly by the king/queen,' Therefore, tonight, the great Queen of the Notton Kingdom will transfer the engagement ring from the great hero of the world, Kaizo Dantarona, to a person we all know, who is not what we previously assumed: Orion, the Queen's legitimate choice."
>
Everyone remained silent. There was no reaction other than a small nod from a few people who understood the situation.
"Before proceeding, I will invite Her Majesty Queen Eliana Notton to give a word that flows from the heavens for all of us."
Eliana looked at all those present, then said, "Oh, my people, may we all always be guided by the Almighty. Today I have designated the name of someone you all know as a replacement for our hero, Kaizo Dantarona. I swear this choice is based on my desire for equal feeling with him."
In fact, there was an unwritten rule in the kingdom that a King or Queen should not make a choice based on personal desire but must consider the people, but Eliana knew her people would not be heartless.
"Orion is the best choice for us, proven by his strength, wisdom, and discipline. Therefore, this ring,"
Eliana showed the engagement ring that was previously put on Kaizo.
"belongs to our friend, Lord Orion. The marriage will be carried out based on a good and accurate estimation after a long discussion between the two of us. That day will fall exactly two years from now. If anyone objects, speak up and give your advice, but if there is no objection, then the words that come out of my mouth are truly the command of the heavens upon us all."
The atmosphere that night was filled with whispers everywhere, but after a while, seeing no clear response, Desmond immediately took over, saying, "Now, Lord Orion, I invite you to kneel and declare your oath of allegiance to the Queen and the Notton Kingdom."
Orion knelt before Eliana. Loudly and firmly, he spoke, "I swear to dedicate myself to the kingdom, to carry out my duties as best as possible, and to give the best for the entire kingdom and Her Majesty the Queen as a commoner raised far up as a King."
Orion raised his head, looking at Eliana, who smiled at him. Eliana nodded and pulled Orion's hand. Both were shivering, cold and exhausted. Eliana slipped the diamond-encrusted silver ring onto Orion's ring finger, slowly and gently. After putting on the ring, Eliana stroked Orion's hand with her thumb. Orion stood up and held Eliana's hand, who looked increasingly unable to lift her head. Orion immediately hugged Eliana, who also immediately hugged him back. They protected each other. Both cried heartbreakingly, making everyone there sad too. Not a single person was able to stand upright and not shed tears except Fatih. He crossed his arms and placed his right foot over his left in a sitting position. His eyes were closed, and his mouth was held back. His head nodded continuously.
Afterward, Aydir was alone, staring at the stars adorning the night sky in Vasilia City. It was clear without clouds, displaying the beauty of the stars hanging on the horizon. From behind the window, Aydir was enjoying a warm cup of coffee when someone knocked on his door.
Aydir sensed a very large presence and immediately invited whoever came to enter.
Orion approached Aydir with a face that looked weary, unlike his usual self. Orion sat down in a chair, right in front of Aydir, separated only by a small wooden table for placing drinks.
"What should I do now? I'm confused..." he said, rubbing his head.
"Be as you wish to be, be better, and think about the continuation based on your own will. No one has the right to blame the conscience," Aydir said.
"What does that mean?" Orion asked.
"Look, I understand all your problems—how it feels to be slandered and used as an excuse for others to commit evil, even though you yourself never thought of all those things. Now everything is different. You have a responsibility: to Eliana and to your oath. And the only way to resolve it is to talk about it directly with Eliana. I hope you find the best solution. I hope all goodness is brought to you, and I hope whatever path you choose later, it will bring you back to the path of truth. The best of humans is one who is able to sincerely accept the past and step forward into a clearly brighter future."
Aydir's words had an impact on Orion. Every word he spoke felt like a hand's affectionate caress. Orion remembered why he used to maintain a close relationship with the Oruman Sultanate: not because they were a superpower, not because of their wide political reach, not because of their abundant wealth, but because of Sehzade Aydir, the old man who was appointed Sultan based on his own student's wish. He became great not because of his greatness, let alone his strength, but because of his knowledge, morality, and wisdom.
"I want to be as good as you. Is there a way?" Orion asked again.
"As I said, you should talk to Eliana. Calm her down. She needs warmth in the midst of the cold. After that, start finding a way out together. I am sure that in her heart, Eliana has a good way and has thought of everything. Your problem this time is not with our Creator, but with His creation, who also has a big problem at the same time. Therefore, the authority I have is nothing more than an advisor who should not interfere further. May what I convey be the truth."
Orion stood up and immediately said goodbye. Finally, he found the right reason to act.
"Orion, I think you should find a way to clear your mind. Then you will begin to find a way to always obey your conscience, and that will make you better," Aydir said to Orion, who was just holding the doorknob.
Orion nodded. A fleeting smile was beautifully etched on his face. Orion walked calmly, ready to start a new step in his life. For Orion, the ten previous years were not something worth desiring or caring about. Let it be the ashes of the furnace that appear only to be blown away and gone forever. Step by step, he walked from the inn to the great palace of the Notton Kingdom.
Blue and white banners fluttered. Some were held by the gate guards that night. Others were tied to poles. Others were draped over the fortress. Orion was immediately invited inside without inspection. That was the queen's order. Because Orion was Kaizo's replacement, all his rights were the rights Kaizo previously held. Orion quickly walked past hundreds of guards, entering through the stone door that felt truly cold, walking straight along the red carpet, until he arrived in a large room full of pillars and luxurious decorative lamps, the ceramic floor being whitish-gray, while dozens of paintings hung on the walls. From the ballroom, Orion ascended the large, bifurcating staircase, full of beautiful ornaments. Eliana, who looked annoyed, immediately hugged Orion very tightly, stating that she felt lonely. Eliana immediately pulled Orion and ran toward the top floor. A sweet scene.
The door was locked, as were the windows. Only the two of them. Eliana actually only wanted to feel the beautiful feeling she felt when she was with Kaizo, until finally she was cornered by Orion against the wall. Orion said, "We need to talk, Eliana."
Eliana's expression immediately changed. Her smile faded, and her gaze was cold. "What is it?"
"Will you be okay if I leave?"
Eliana immediately shed tears. "It turns out to be true. Only Kaizo cared," she said.
"Forgive my words, but don't you think this is wrong and something needs to be corrected?"
"It's true. I am actually preparing myself to start a journey to bring Kaizo back."
Eliana's words immediately surprised Orion. "How can a dead person return?" he thought, but with full awareness, Orion asked, "How?"
Eliana smiled, her eyes narrowing, clearly indicating that she had millions of hidden secrets ready to be executed.
"You don't need to know. I also suspected you would leave us soon. What is clear is that this plan may sound hurtful and not good. It is not at all justified for a queen like me to do it, but this is what I have to do. And I am sure that even if you go to another world, we will meet again. Go. No need to miss me. We can definitely gather again."
Once again, Orion was surprised and very curious about her intention, but at this moment, it was not his concern. Orion then delivered his last message.
"I want to find out what love is, Eliana. When we meet, I believe you will be surprised to see how much I have changed. And no matter how crazy your plan is, as long as I can see Kaizo again, it's not a problem. Most importantly, if you fall, you can find me. The universe will show the way."
Eliana laughed, wiping away her tears. "Now you're trying to imitate the Master Teacher. It seems you just met him," she said.
Orion just smiled and jumped out the window. His right hand clenched toward the sky. Instantly, Orion flew into space, much higher until he finally disappeared from view, piercing the stars and becoming a galactic legend.
"If Kaizo had never been created, then Orion might be the best choice, surpassing Fatih and Zen. I like him."
Eliana smiled, looking up at the sky. Suddenly, she panicked and patted her cheeks. "Hush, what thought is that? Snap out of it, Eliana!" she said to herself.
The Oruman Sultanate that morning was the most festive place because today was the re-inauguration of Sultan Fatih. His duty was finished, and Aydir only wanted to temporarily replace Fatih and not take any more advantage of his throne. He even immediately refused all the wealth promised to him as a pension and suggested that expenditures should be re-examined, as it rightfully belonged to the people. Aydir also packed his own belongings and handed them over to a courier hired directly by Fatih to help bring everything Aydir owned back to his residence. Before leaving, he did not forget to witness the return of the Sultanate's throne to his favorite student.
People cheered while hugging Aydir. The Sultanate during Aydir's leadership was truly unforgettable. Although many external problems threatened it, none of the people protested to him. How could they not? He defended the country from enemy attacks repeatedly without significant damage, solved all construction problems, provided direct aid funds to victims of the Turkan regime, and accelerated the plan for efficiency in Fatih's mining output—all in less than ten years. The happiest people were the residents of the Oruman Sultanate. Their lives were truly the dream of many people in the world, who only wanted to live and work appropriately. Difficulties or ease were all due to their own choices, not because of disturbances experienced by the state.
Fatih wore the Sultanate robe. It was dark red with beautiful plant motifs, and the collar was made of wolf fur. Fatih sheathed the sword, whose hilt was shaped like a wolf's head. Slowly and precisely, he read the inscription carved on the curved iron blade:
> "A leader is a servant to his people."
>
Fatih stepped out of the palace. In front of him was a magnificent stage surrounded by the Sultanate banners, which were dark yellow and symbolized by a white crescent moon in the center.
Right below him were all his people who eagerly awaited his arrival. Everyone cheered for their leader. Fatih walked to the end of the stage and drew his sword, pointing it at the sky. Immediately, the cheers of happiness grew louder. Fatih gave a speech,
"Today a bright light has opened for us and for mankind. There is no anxiety as long as everyone is together and holding hands. Surely until the end of time, the sovereignty of the land of our ancestors will be maintained by our successors. May the red apple be the food of all mankind!!!!!"
A short, thundering speech, in a land with no significant sadness, a happiness formed from mutual understanding and comprehension without anyone feeling superior to the others.
Several months passed. Eliana gave birth. Two children came into the world, with cries that sounded like songs from heaven to Eliana. She could not hold back her tears of happiness when she saw Vernizel holding both of them, trying to stop their crying. How noble those two children were, born into the world with the help of Vernizel.
Eliana, still weak, smiled while looking out the window. The sun warmed her heart, blooming again like a beautiful sunflower. But for a moment, she was stunned, realizing that danger awaited her family if she didn't plan something immediately. Sooner or later, the traitors would find out that Orion had left the Kingdom. Her throne might not last long.
Vernizel approached and handed the two small Kaizos to Eliana, asking, "What are their names?"
Eliana smiled and answered, "The boy will sound quite similar to his father's name, Kaizo. His name is Kaitzer. And this girl, I will call her Lylia."
The two babies seemed to smile at their mother. Unfortunately, their father was not with them that day. He had left, leaving wounds in the hearts of all mankind.
Desmond burst in. "Your Majesty, why did you summon me—ah, you've given birth."
Eliana smiled at Desmond's arrival. "Look, your grandchildren!" Eliana joked.
Desmond laughed, although tears began to fall from his face. Although he was not Eliana's biological father, he had cared for Eliana from when she was helpless until she became who she was now. For him, Eliana's happiness was the most beautiful thing he had ever felt. Desmond walked closer, then carried Kaitzer. Slowly, he lifted him and looked at the innocent face. For a moment, he felt the greatness of the child, the feeling that he was looking at a great and respected ruler.
Secretly, Eliana brought the two children to meet Aydir. She went with Vernizel.
Aydir heard a knock on the door and immediately opened it. Aydir was surprised to see Eliana coming with two children.
"Twins?" Aydir asked.
"Yes, but not identical. One boy, one girl," Eliana replied.
"Praise and gratitude be to God. This is a miracle. Come in!" Aydir invited Eliana and Vernizel into his house. A house made of stone, looking simple without any luxury, even though Aydir had once been a Sultan in this country.
Eliana sat in a chair, holding her two children, while Vernizel looked at Aydir's pottery. Everything looked like a work of art, beautiful and clearly not for the lower class, because indeed, Aydir's customers were nobles.
"To survive, I sell pottery. I can't deliver it anymore, so I ask my students for help," said Aydir, who was mixing a cup of coffee.
"What about the profit?" Vernizel asked.
"I hand over some to my student whom I ordered to deliver. I take the rest for food money and capital." Aydir replied.
Vernizel accepted the coffee made by Aydir. After just one sip, he was immediately addicted. With a snap of his fingers, he created a perfect replica: one for Aydir and one for Eliana.
"Thank you for visiting me. Now, may I know the purpose of your visit? Because it doesn't seem likely that your long journey was just to meet an old man like me," Aydir asked, slowly sitting down on the bench.
"Actually, we could have come just to meet you, Master Teacher, but now there is a purpose. I want to ask," Eliana replied.
"Ask, my child!" Aydir asked.
"Can I allow the rebellion to successfully overthrow my rule and give Fatih the opportunity to conquer the Notton Kingdom?" A heavy question came out of Eliana's mouth.
Aydir, hearing this, immediately pondered how he should answer this question. No leader had ever dared to do this in his lifetime, so he asked back, "Why do you want to do it?"
"Because sooner or later, the rebellion will happen. My children will be in danger, and also I am planning many ways to bring their father back," Eliana replied, looking into Kaitzer's and Lylia's eyes.
"Will your enemies treat the people well?" Aydir asked.
"I'm not sure. That's why I will design it very neatly so that Fatih can carry out the conquest and take over the entire kingdom," Eliana answered.
"My child, from the fall of your throne until the arrival of the conquest, how many do you think will become victims? Can you bear their sins?" Aydir moved his face closer and softened his voice.
"How about I surrender our sovereignty to Fatih, so Notton becomes a state territory?"
"Why are you so sure you can bring Kaizo back? Is there any evidence?" Aydir asked.
"No. That's why I plan to give custody of these two children to the Sultanate. Besides, no one knows and no one believes I was pregnant out of wedlock. Because I will go wandering and find the way, and let them hate me later. At least they don't grow up under the shadow of cruelty and political turmoil. I want them to be good children." Eliana explained.
"Are you sure? I can't force you, but know that the feeling of being hated by your own flesh and blood is painful, because you are not like your father. I believe that, Eliana. I will allow it if you are sure. Think about it again!" Aydir advised.
"I am one hundred percent sure. I will not let them not know their father. I will not leave them forever. Even if it means defying nature itself, I will do anything for my two children," Eliana replied.
"Then talk to Fatih. Tonight, you should rest. Don't be too exhausted, it's not good. As for the children, I will educate them as well as possible," Aydir finished his coffee.
"Thank you, Master Teacher," Eliana said, bidding farewell.
Eliana returned home with Vernizel.