Chapter 9: SECOND SLAVE
Velmora — Royal Capital, Throne Hall
The grand Throne Hall of Velmora stood in its full glory — pillars carved from obsidian stone, high arches lined with golden vines, and a giant red-and-gold banner bearing the royal crest of House Zadberg fluttered gently in the breeze coming through the high stained-glass windows.
At the far end, standing tall beside his gleaming obsidian throne was King Adam Zadberg, the SS-ranked monarch of Velmora — a towering man over 7 feet, with broad shoulders, intense brown eyes, and a voice that carried power even in silence.
Before him stood the five most powerful figures after the crown — the dukes and duchesses of Velmora, each representing a major region of the kingdom.
Duke Liam Rutherford of the North — a weathered, sharp-eyed man in his late 50s, clad in a wolf-fur cloak, his region known for its harsh winters and strong ice-element mages.
Duke Elric Vane of the East — slender, silver-haired, with the elegance of a noble and the mind of a strategist.
Duke Barion Kastel of the West — muscular and loud, he was a former general, known more for brute force than diplomacy.
Duchess Helena Ravion of the Central Region — graceful yet cold, wearing a violet gown laced with magical runes, she controlled the heart of the kingdom, including the powerful Cube Academy.
Duchess Seraphine Delrose of the South — a smiling woman with sun-kissed skin and a dangerous intellect, her lands were the trade backbone of Velmora.
King Adam raised his hand slightly, and instantly, the murmurs in the hall died out.
"In three days," he began, his voice deep and commanding, "the Peasant Awakening Ceremony shall take place across the kingdom. This year, the talent detection rate among commoners has increased, and the royal magic division suspects a surge of awakened abilities, especially in elemental branches."