The Restoration of Sight, and the First Knight of the Astral Age
After many months of convalescence following the delicate surgery upon her eyes, Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors opened her gaze fully once more on the morning of 9th March.
The first ray of light that seeped through her newly-healed pupils wove itself into colors and shapes, assembling the world before her as though creation itself were being painted anew.
And the first image she beheld—was Aerys Vilozyver.
A boy of merely thirteen years, yet already standing 180 centimeters tall, nearly her equal in height, for she herself measured 181 centimeters tall.And when she looked upon him with true, restored clarity, she saw unmistakably the stature of his father—Marshal Vito Viloyver, who towered at 190 centimeters tall.The resemblance struck her with a warm, quiet pride.
For many months she had seen nothing—Aerys's face had faded into the darkness of her failing vision.Now, as she beheld him again, she found a young man transformed, and her heart softened with a warmth she had nearly forgotten.
"He has grown… and he is ready,"she thought silently.
During the months she lay in the Imperial Medical Wing, it had been Aerys who carried her burden: attending councils, commanding state affairs, and rendering decisions with precision and restraint. His deeds earned the praise of Regent General Aelaera von Escheinsen and nearly every minister of the Empire.
Thus, when she returned to the Grand Parliament in late March, restored yet still fragile, the ministers spoke with one voice:
"Aerys Vilozyver has proven himself a true leader."
The Fifth Anniversary of the Centory Empire.
On 15th July, Space Era Year 105, the capital of Berlyn was illuminated with banners and astral lights as the people of Centory—more than one hundred million strong—gathered to celebrate the grandest festival in the history of the Astral Age.The ceremony was broadcast across all seven continents and the moon territories.
The Great Parliament Hall was opened and transformed into a ceremonial plaza.At its center stood the silver throne of Lord Aelyzabeth.And when she stepped upon her dais for the first time in months, the fanfare of trumpets shook the very heavens.
Yet the highlight of the ceremonywas not her return—but the proclamation that followed.
Aerys entered the plaza in a deep navy suit, a matching tie, and a pristine white overcoat.His presence was calm, sharp, and regal beyond his years.The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers as his figure appeared beneath the lights.
With a voice firm as forged iron, Aelyzabeth declared:
"I hereby appoint Aerys Vilozyveras Sir — the First Knight of Centory in the Astral Age."
The uproar that followed shook the very stars.
She bestowed upon him:
The Iron Cross of Centory, Knight's First Class — the Empire's highest honor
The Viloyver Family Shield
The Banner of His House
Two hundred acres of sovereign land near the capital of Berlyn, designated "Eternal Possession" — immune to all claims, even after a century of occupation
This was her tribute for the unwavering duty Aerys had rendered in her stead during the long darkness of her recovery.
1st October, Space Era Year 105 — The Second Knight of the Year.
Lord Aelyzabeth later received a report from George Sergisther, Governor of Tiraxinosys, the Special Economic Region.His governance had been exemplary—efficient, transparent, unsullied by corruption.Thus she appointed him as a Knight as well, joining Aerys in honor.
To him she also granted authority to establish the Loyalist Bank—the most secure financial institution in the known universe, guarded by elite military security,a Switzerland of the Astral Age, yet without asset-seizure policies.
Thus leaders, ministers, and nobles entrusted their wealth to its vaults with absolute peace of mind.
For Aelyzabeth intended it to be"the Eternal Vault of the Empire,"a foundation no age could ever shake.
Thus ends Chapter C-XXVI.