Behind the grand square that lay at the center of the city, a massive arena rose, and people were flocking to it from all directions, as doors scattered along its walls welcomed the crowds.
And in the royal palace, a young man of twenty-three stood, wearing an elegant white suit that radiated sophistication and authority. He resembled the king greatly, but his features were sharper, and his eyes did not hide their coldness. That was the fourth prince.
The prince said to the man standing before him:
— Is everything ready?
The other replied, lowering his head:
— Yes, my lord. They are among the people, mingled in, and we're only waiting for your signal to begin.
The prince said in a sharp tone:
— Good, that's fine… but remember: any mistake will cost you dearly.
The man swallowed hard and said nervously:
— Don't worry, Your Highness.
Then he bowed and hurried away.
In the arena, the crowds were flowing in without interruption, and the royal platform was filled with high-ranking figures, among them Durana and her followers, Lebran and others, while some seats remained empty.
At noon, trumpets resounded throughout the city, announcing the arrival of the king, his wife, and their five children.
The king entered with confident steps, with his black hair and brown eyes, wearing a radiant golden robe, his shoulders adorned with the royal sash, and on his head, a golden crown encrusted with red and blue jewels. Beside him walked the queen, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a crimson, puffed dress that reflected her majesty and dignity.
Behind them, their five children followed, resembling the queen in their features: blonde hair and blue eyes… except for the fourth prince, for he was a copy of the king, with his stern features and mysterious gaze.
Everyone stood upon the entrance of the royal family. The king advanced and sat on his distinguished seat at the heart of the platform, then the queen and his children followed him. After that, the knights of the kingdom entered, carrying the banner of the Union of Nations, and they spread out around the arena, surrounding it from all directions.
The king waved his hand and declared:
— Let us begin the sixty-seventh festival!
Suddenly, massive trumpets resounded, their echoes heard from five kilometers outside the city. In the center of the arena, a man appeared wearing white clothes, holding a small flower in his hand — a sunflower — which he used as a loudspeaker, and he began to speak:
— Today is a special day for the kingdom not only because it is the day of the festival… but because today His Majesty will announce his heir, who will serve his people, grant them his blessings, and stand as an unbreakable shield against his enemies.
Suddenly, the sound of a trumpet echoed from the large gate of the arena. The speaker looked toward the king:
— It seems he has arrived, Your Majesty.
The king nodded his head, and the lock was removed from the only door that had never been opened before. Through it, three men entered, carrying a massive golden chest on their heads, bearing the emblem of the Union of Nations.
The king stood up, and so did all those present… except for three individuals: Mihon and Youray, who were seated in the back rows, and Lilar, who had come specifically to witness the moment of the inheritance's transfer.
But no one noticed them, as all eyes were fixed on the king, who began to speak:
— Today… the Kingdom of Randor will witness the birth of a new king, who will continue what his ancestors began, generation after generation.
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Then he turned to his sons:
— Step forward.
The five sons stood before their father in a straight line. Each one wished to take hold of leadership.
As for the people in the stands, their breaths were held.
— Today… one of you will gain the honor of leading this kingdom.
— But… remember well: in this world, not everyone who holds this power is suited for it. You must be worthy of this role.
— The responsibility is heavy, and the role is great… and I hope that the one I choose will be worthy of my trust, and the trust of this people, and that he does not disappoint them.
The king signaled to the three men, so they stepped forward and placed the chest at his feet. They opened it slowly, and at that moment, Mihon and Youray stood up — and so did Lilar.
The king reached his hand inside the chest and pulled out a human skull, carved with mysterious symbols that no one could understand. Then he pulled out a heavy stone slab, inscribed with other symbols completely different from the writing on the skull.
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The king said:
— These two… are the legacy of this kingdom from ancient times. I do not know their exact nature, but they truly are of the distant past.
— This stone slab… is only a copy, not the original. The original copy is kept in the depths of the palace. It cannot be taken out, and no one dares to do so.
Then he lifted his head and looked toward the crowd:
— As for who will succeed me… he has been chosen after consultations with the council. It was not an individual decision.
— It was difficult for me to choose between my sons… but the throne cannot remain vacant.
— And know… that my choice of one of them does not mean I favor him in love, but rather that it is a choice for the good of the nation.
— And the others must cooperate with him, to protect the kingdom and its stability.
— My heir is… the first prince. Due to his experience in dealing with many difficult issues, and his quick analysis, he was able to take this position. You were all tested, and you all lived up to expectations—especially the first and the fourth. And since the fourth did not wish to take this position, that made the task of selection easier.
Many people were shocked, and many questions were raised: why does the fourth prince not want to take this position? Surprised expressions appeared on everyone's faces, and astonished murmurs spread among the attendees. Doubts and curiosity began to rise. Why? Why did the fourth prince refuse?
Then the king continued speaking:
— The speed and precision shown by the first made him surpass his three brothers. The choice was not random… rather, it came after real tests, and his results were swift and precise—and this is what the kingdom needs at this time.
Suddenly, inside the chest, the skull moved slightly. But no one noticed… except for Lilar, who sensed something mysterious coming from the royal platform.