From Ashes To Scales

Magnus slumped against the altar for a fleeting moment, finally alone after the spectacle of his wedding ceremony. His breath came out in uneven huffs, not from physical exertion but from sheer mental and emotional overload. The “nectar ritual” was not something he could’ve possibly prepared for, and the vivid memories of the event left a fiery red tinge on his cheeks.

“Never… never again,” he muttered under his breath, gripping his turquoise mana-ringed hand to steady himself. His eyes wandered over to Rose, standing a short distance away, wearing her trademark grin that was equal parts smug and composed.

As though sensing his fleeting reprieve, Rose turned to him with an exaggerated bow, her voice booming for all to hear.

“Long live the King! Long live the Queen!”

The cry was infectious, and soon the entire temple echoed with the fervent chant, bouncing off the walls in thunderous unison. Magnus jolted upright, shaking off his haze, and plastered his most regal expression on his face.

But then Rose’s next words struck him like a lightning bolt to the gut.

“And now, Your Majesty, your people eagerly await your words. It is time for your first proclamation as Ephiria's King.”

Magnus froze.

‘Words? A speech?! Why didn’t anyone warn me about this?!’

Outwardly, however, his face remained stoic, and with painstaking effort, he forced himself to stand tall and stride toward the platform. The crowd’s cheer surged louder. Inside, he was screaming.

‘I’m not ready! What am I even supposed to say?!’

As he reached the edge of the platform, Magnus's mind raced, piecing together fragments of thoughts, ideals, and hopes. When he finally raised his hand to silence the crowd, a strong, steady voice emerged, surprising even him.

“People of Ephiria,” he began, his tone commanding yet sincere, “today marks the dawn of a new era. Together, we stand not as separate races or divided clans, but as one united kingdom. A kingdom forged by the bonds of trust, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter future.

I have no intention of being hostile to any race. And I hope together we can build a nation where everyone can live together in harmony.”

The crowd hushed, hanging on his every word.

“Our strength lies not only in our swords and magic but in our unity. We have endured storms, fought battles, and overcome despair. And now, we stand poised to build a future where every citizen, be they human, elf, dwarf, lamia, or goblin, can thrive under a single banner. Ephiria is not merely my kingdom—it is our kingdom!

And it is precisely because of that, if anyone shows signs of discrimination or tries to enforce unfair treatment, I will absolutely show no mercy against those individuals!”

Magnus clenched his fist, his voice swelling with conviction.

“Everyone has the right to express themselves freely. However, you will also be held responsible for your words and actions. Only by uniting together can we move forward into a bright future. I pledge my life, my strength, and my will to see this dream realized. But I cannot do it alone. I ask for your courage, your wisdom, and your faith. Together, we will carve our place in history and create a legacy that will outshine the stars.”

The crowd erupted into cheers, their roars shaking the temple to its foundations.

Magnus exhaled a deep breath as he stepped back, his regal mask momentarily slipping to reveal a flicker of relief. Rose sidled up beside him, her smirk widening.

“That was… surprisingly good, considering you were winging it.”

Considering that he just tried mixing various scenarios from japanese manga and light novels, Magnus glared at her but said nothing, his mind already racing ahead to the challenges this day had set into motion.

As Magnus’s voice echoed across the assembly, a wave of awe and excitement swept through the crowd. For a moment, there was silence, as if the weight of his words had stunned everyone into stillness. Then, a thunderous cheer erupted, carrying with it a mix of emotions—hope, admiration, and relief.

The citizens began chanting, “Long live the king! Long live the queen!” Their voices rose in a crescendo that rivaled the roar of the ocean, a testament to their belief in the new era Magnus had promised. Among them, some wept openly, while others raised their fists or clasped their hands together in fervent prayer.

Even the elves, typically reserved, joined in, their melodic voices weaving through the cacophony. The dwarves raised their mugs in celebration, and the humans lit small lanterns that floated skyward, painting the dusk with trails of light.

From the royal dais, Magnus scanned the crowd. Despite the outward calm he projected, his heart raced at the sheer scale of their expectation. “They’re all looking at me,” he thought, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. “No pressure, right?”

---

As the cheers showed no signs of stopping, a faint, crackling hum filled the air around Magnus, barely noticeable amidst the noise. He felt an almost imperceptible nudge, like a static charge brushing against his arm. He was very familiar with this presence. A presence only he could see.

Then came the voice, soft yet unmistakably sharp, resonating in his mind.

“Well, well. Not bad for a lizard fumbling his way through his big moment.”

Magnus blinked, his jaw tightening as he whispered under his breath, careful to keep his expression neutral. “Now’s really not the time, Iseria.”

It was Iseria, the Goddess of Lightning.

“On the contrary,” she retorted, amusement evident in her tone. “This is the perfect time. You could use a little divine polish. Maybe a lightning strike or two to really drive the point home?”

He felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth and fought the urge to smirk. “Thanks, but I think I’ve got this.”

“Hmm. Fine. Just don’t embarrass me, Magnus. Remember, you’re representing me, after all.”

“To be honest, I doubt that I can do anything more embarrassing than your wedding ritual. What the hell were you thinking?”

“Fufu! Oh, you poor soul. The marriage you were used to back in your old world is so dull and boring. Isn't it better to spice things up to truly show everyone your love and connection? My ritual has very deep meaningg and a profound message.”

“The only message I got from that is that you sure are a lewd Goddess.”

“Another word like that and instead of my blessing, I'll hurl a lightning bolt right up your ass.”

“Fine, fine. My apologies.”

And just like that, the presence receded, leaving Magnus both exasperated and oddly comforted. He couldn’t help but imagine the Goddess of Lightning lounging somewhere, arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across her face.