Chapter 203 – Succession Ceremony (5)
fcaOFor me, staying out of the public eye had always mattered more than any personal ambition.x70Fj
IRAtMI just wanted a peaceful life, doing what I enjoyed, without anyone bothering me.86s9GP
SkIYLBut this overwhelming power didn’t seem willing to let me live simply.Beh
IsEThe proof was in the crown they were trying to place on my head—a crown too heavy for someone who had always rejected ambition and desire.0zea
bQ8A spacious dressing room, with mirrors lined up like folding screens.CUEzt
SekBphd“Oh, our Geom-Ma! Maybe it’s that imposing height of yours, but anything you wear looks spectacular.”QjmY8
R5EQAMMedia examined me from every angle with meticulous attention. Then she rubbed wax between her hands and applied it to my hair.TlAY4
KQ8RVlkA cheerful smile naturally formed on her lips.jbBA
txmS“With this sleek hairstyle… don’t you look like a frustrated idol?”zIv
7t65I was abruptly reminded that the Sage Media was incapable of lying.tBlTN
kcB‘And what’s a frustrated idol even supposed to look like?’H3JxXi
2UuWas it a compliment… or not? A strange, ambiguous comparison.UnSYMI
zYL7YMedia moved closer and farther, making sure not a single fold was out of place. If she found one, she crouched to smooth it and then checked again.2ym
XouuShe repeated that process for two hours. For those two hours, I was her mannequin.7MhAD9
UoPh2O“How’s the length of the pants? Are they okay? If they’re too short, they’ll bunch up in the crotch when you walk—and that’s a pain.”P3nTxn
s1Hx1anShe asked while folding the hem of my pants on her knees. In the mirror, the scene looked dangerously suggestive.bIu1
zOGGK67“I-it’s fine.”VeeXud6
PJ4“If you say so, I’ll believe you. But if you’re just saying it out of embarrassment, that’s not okay. Imagine being uncomfortable in front of tens of thousands of people.”lSaLA
BHIec3J“I really am fine.”d6fSwQ
iYdM3Media genuinely seemed concerned. I waved my hand to show her everything was okay.NCb4o
VjT‘Why is Media even helping me get dressed in the first place?’Zi3i
uFuIt felt like a young aunt taking her nephew shopping at the mall.h4O
HsxzaThe problem was that this “aunt” looked far too young despite being nearly seventy.4IZ4w
iUbTUbKThough I tried not to judge by appearances, Media’s beauty was lethal to any man.QCT
Eml6R‘Damn it. It’s not fair that someone who looks like that is almost seventy.’k5l
kvK3XAs I thought that, the dressing room door opened.XMw
QpsmMN“How can it take two hours to dress one person?”HRX5
F6JThe one who entered was the Swordmaster. He wore the same uniform as Media and me, but with a white cloak draped over his shoulders.QWbo
Rgu“There are only two hours left before the succession ceremony begins, Media. And we still have other tasks to complete.”KNjd9l
dZL“Which is exactly why we need to spend more time getting him ready. In two hours, our Geom-Ma has to look like the most handsome man in the world.”Me1Pwg
Nd7Media spoke with her hands on her hips. The Swordmaster rubbed his forehead.nt81GY
WbXpS“Dignitaries from around the world are waiting outside right now. Geom-Ma has an obligation to make at least one appearance before the ceremony.”YQwP
wVmZ0J“Then let them wait one more hour.”SeCQ5B
3pWz8ds“Thirty minutes. Not a second more.”v1f
DBa8lwTThe Swordmaster looked at me. He scanned me from head to toe as if evaluating my overall condition.wP5
2WK9wJIn that moment, the weariness etched into his wrinkles seemed to vanish.3XTrU
RPeKsp“How are you feeling?”xFnl
3fIj5ij“To be honest… I still can’t believe it. It feels like a dream.”MuC
StvqcIV“I understand. That’s how I felt 40 years ago. This very suit was given to me back then.”OPr4kvt
u6rH3YThe Swordmaster turned slightly, showing me his white cloak, embroidered in gold thread with two large characters, 劍帝 (Swordmaster).xdBVAN
FrB78VR“White symbolizes purity. Gold, splendor. Together, they represent the title of a hero. Yours is being brought by Mura—it should arrive any moment.”mkTPw0
XeiCRDoRight—I still didn’t know what my official title would be.z4m
t1URumor had it that Chief Sung had created it personally.jm1
hPwpgtWhen I asked him by message, he said it was “Classified Level 1.”VLcfz
zVBVHe only added that it “might move me.”RxKFKIA
dCUTEKAt the time, exhausted, I didn’t think much of it. But now that the day had arrived, I was burning with curiosity… and anxiety.
According to the Swordmaster, the character “검” (sword) had to be included.EIeUfB
dOA967nThe problem was, that severely limited the options.yLoplps
Dj7ss0“Sword” is the most common weapon, so titles using that character were already saturated—Swordmaster, Sword King, Sword Emperor, Sword Phantom.IhaRJT
EYVROLWhat name could Sung have come up with in such a restricted range?lbbeuv
YTYjVThe title had to be only two characters, so “Sashimi Saint” was out. And using my real name, Geom-Ma? No way… right?WRVJCM
4XxwIf it was, the first thing I’d do as a new Hero was pay a visit to Chief Sung in the hospital.eJF
CXwUCome on, not even taking the wrong meds would make someone come up with something that absurd.Tlm1jfk
9DRA new Hero with the name “Sword Demon”?u8HB985
grkInspiring, sure—just not if it was my nickname.SIB
NSSgED“……”oS1Iep
lc1Suddenly, I felt a bit stifled. Maybe the tailored uniform was just too tight.8Yc1
agpogJRI took a deep breath and watched the exchange between Media and the Swordmaster.WGA
jmw0zNIn the end, the Swordmaster won the argument.Fx1FFin
lsfdkNfMedia’s personal wishes weren’t enough to overrule the old man’s logic.slWE
k0jv“Ahem.”x8eG
x0J3mqAbout to smile in victory, the Swordmaster covered his mouth with his fist and cleared his throat.7Drp80
pMpMedia glared at him while biting her thumb. Clearly, she was worried about retaliation.2jDwNa
fPZic“Alright, let’s go. There are a lot of people waiting. The white cloak will arrive right before the ceremony, so for now, go out in just your uniform.”VPNiQ1
LNnKoiLThe Swordmaster marched ahead.
Media and I followed.tn0a4PX
2n6nJust before opening the door, he stopped abruptly. He turned slowly and looked me in the eye.0iCScJI
Maz70VHis gaze, which always felt above mine, now felt lower, more personal.mGL
8LyzBhm“You’ve got a bit of dust on your shoulder.”1qf
tValD4KHe said, brushing off my uniform.d3lac
dSteThough, honestly, Media had already smoothed everything. There wasn’t a speck.88tuv
7zl“It feels like just yesterday when I first saw you—and look at you now.”FqYA1
2ZzUex“That’s right.”YOt0
0j8“Just one piece of advice. Beyond this door, there are people with daggers in their hearts. They’ll pretend to support you, but the moment they get a chance, they’ll try to stab you in the back.”Ywr
sGh“I understand.”8PLH
Jro“After I hand you the title, I won’t be able to help you like before. I’ll just be a retired old man. From now on, you’ll have to make your own way.
Media will be by your side, of course, but in the end, you’ll have to prove your worth yourself. Do you understand what I’m saying?”BPlAKT
MkIgOQHis hand, brushing off imaginary dust, stopped and rested firmly on my shoulder.k1V
NB1Y8qThat heavy gaze fell on me.
I scratched my forehead. I couldn’t find the right words. So I simply nodded silently.EpaIClq
lBTSuThe Swordmaster’s smile deepened.XFv
ZST“Yeah… men are measured more by what they hold back than by what they say. Seems like I’m the only one getting sentimental. You’re calm as ever.”Pduxc
In4q3He withdrew his hand and grasped the door handle. He pushed it open forcefully.a8B9TN
YrFLight from the other side spilled in with a creak.qlhYmvM
7BpDTCreak—DjbQl
jbmNkWhat had been just a sliver now became a full stage.deMBLb
29BThere they were—those who had been waiting.w9CU
sExRKI could see clearly that they were nobles and high-ranking officials.xdIsZC
oQPaHUHigh-level representatives from all over the world, gathered in one place.y79Y
2KumuSThey were so engrossed in their conversations that they didn’t notice the door had opened.HLOdZ
KVDbPThe only one who noticed was the president of Switzerland, Gaines, who had been watching the entrance.KRj
Kv1ilFGaines raised his hand as if to greet me. But he didn’t wave.Fhggd
d3UOInstead, he placed it over his chest, near his heart, and said my name.NO6
6Lp8f“Mr. Geom-Ma.”o8AS
0YOThe murmuring that had filled the hall faded.xlDf
TAN1Dozens of eyes focused on me at once.Tae
45xcffGThe hall, filled with political monsters, stared at me with sharp, gleaming eyes.VR7miI
pBAwWXHGaines spoke again.jAbhd
jzuGz“I, Gaines, greet the new Hero of the Seven Stars.”UR6D6Z
r9CRHxGaines bowed deeply. His gesture took everyone by surprise.mEZ8MlP
xk9cThe others looked around nervously, unsure what to do.ArlBXEX
9HT5a1Their eyes darted anxiously, seeking approval from one another.e0Bw
hvW6VAIt was like they were waiting for someone to break the silence.7MvwY
AsdxC“From the Iron Family, Mao Lang sincerely congratulates Mr. Geom-Ma on his ascension as the new Hero of the Seven Stars.”FK3e7WV
x0cdEveryone’s attention immediately shifted to her.UYE
XbjB0dShe was met with looks of confusion and astonishment.8P1z
fVKItSBut Mao Lang was unfazed.
She bowed gracefully, lifting her skirt slightly in a noble gesture.2aRn
bB0rJeBeside her, All Mute Khan Elizabeth raised her arm in a formal salute.0DbU
ljDThe straight line of her hand, precisely at eyebrow level, was flawless.ePx
7ZIR“On behalf of the United States, I, Khan Elizabeth, extend my congratulations.”fwKhwU6
emQuCXUThe murmur returned to the hall.
The politicians began sweating, foreheads beaded with cold sweat.c3m
iZOTheir eyes rolled like marbles without direction.c0m9
l4EThe unspoken pact between them had been broken.e82KyVc
yDhA young man bit his lip gently. He closed his eyes tightly and finally spoke.Nbl1o
YWkU“I am Beharn, eldest son of the Orland family. May glory accompany the new Hero of the Seven Stars.”lR7
RlVkLJ“……!”f88Hx
KIMLCSThat noble youth, surrendering his pride, created a new current in the room.nbt
r8RExAnd as if waiting for that moment, they began introducing themselves one by one.Tuk4X
S757oP“I am Toyoyev Kurin, Prime Minister of Russia. Russia promises full cooperation to Mr. Geom-Ma.”zhDL2w
xSW“I-I am the second daughter of the Buona family from Italy. We too…”LaGwrJ
wM4NOne after another, they all began to speak.tLCWbQZ
71wmuLAt that point, they preferred to swallow their pride rather than stand out for their indifference.l262
7zLAs I watched in silence, the Swordmaster murmured beside me.7UhNFur
HcpGqaU“So, how do you feel now?”baw
uzCW“……”Ovx7
do9hgUnBefore answering, I glanced once more at everyone present.xtz
4T6WAnd sincerely, I replied.inBZy
77ns“Not bad at all.”6ZnwOl
JOkQwl***1w3yD
V0D…After nearly two hours of introductions alone had passed.ra6
m5qHQThump, thump.iGv
SJwnA rumble, like a synchronized stampede, shook the marble floor. At the faint vibrations, the Swordmaster furrowed his brow.Ck0
wrZUC“At least he’s punctual. Exactly five minutes before the ceremony begins.”oGvM
uiDYLChangseong pushed his way through the crowd, shoulders first.6NnIwsR
KbTThose who collided with him hit the ground without mercy, and even those he merely brushed aside were sent flying several meters.sByJ
N1OJrOaStill, not a single complaint was heard.xO7tLf
YErPAfter all, anyone who dared raise their voice at that monster in human form would likely lose their teeth.XLM5Nb
g8EBaring his teeth like a bandit, Changseong spoke.NNmH
8P9A0“Kuhahaha! Isn’t just being on time enough? Don’t be such a sourpuss, Nibelung.”V1ed1
cveV53“You brought the most important thing, didn’t you?”P2B
ajBPSoE“Of course.”Y7Kk
nVyXvvChangseong stopped in front of me.vca0w4T
2FuIzWith a satisfied grin, he handed me the white bundle he held in his hand.frsV
QNQ“Your white cloak. It might sound like boss pride, but Chief Sung really poured his heart into this. Once you read the inscription, I guarantee you’ll be surprised.”HcI
k6liLViI received the white cloak with a tense expression.gM8
ULfPuhThe rough fabric felt coarse against my palms.t8y9Rlb
PgOFZKII swallowed and unfolded it carefully, nervous about what might be embroidered on it.voDvU
aQRkI6“Ah…”19H
uIjH7My eyes, full of disbelief, locked onto the two large characters stitched into the fabric.wgiN8qy
XlDvOUcMedia, standing beside me, chimed in.ukVRJzh
vxJ“Wow! This is amazing! Isn’t it? Someone like our Geom-Ma needed a title like this. What do you think, Sieg?”CXy
gPG“It’s fine.”dGLo
10z1“Don’t say ‘it’s fine’ with that grumpy face. Be honest. You’re jealous because the title is too cool, right?”8obgwbo
ELj“You think so little of me?”LlmC
UHeFWo“Yes.”VnINng
C4raz5X“……”7HqiB
dYqlkB2The Swordmaster sighed deeply. Just then, Saki Kojima also entered the hall.4TxUmT
9nUHKla“It’s time. Everyone, bow.”RBtS
jKmCn6uAt a small nod from the Swordmaster, the crowd stepped aside to open a path.Juc4ouC
Z0FAThey were all nobles or high-ranking officials.nOHVh
St0Boom, boom.uPJ
4AzmRThe drums from outside pounded their way indoors.anu
VF5I17For a moment, they sounded like a heartbeat.cKFCL
JyyBThe Swordmaster stepped back and placed the white cloak on my shoulders.qLhOS93
psPThe weight of the epaulets exerted a subtle but firm pressure.Xzh
csLAll eyes turned to me—not to those behind me, but to me alone.Rs6QZy
zDq7xWThe Swordmaster spoke.PX7K9
f2mX9aH“Lead the march.”Hihs
YpurHis voice, soft but resolute, echoed once more through the silence.LCw
mc5“We’ll follow you.”oZQQbsO
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Haimiya_cutie.
MahayanaAt least tell us the title.
Haimiya_cutie.
MahayanaBro is becoming men of culture.
Haimiya_cutie.
MahayanaOho you finally noticed our media mommy beauty.
Santiago. Bernal
MortalMi gallo ya creció 😁