Queen Of Adis

The massive stone bridge towards the Water Palace of Atlantis was buzzing with creatures from all walks of life. Different banners from the nobles' households were being waved and flower petals drifted in the air. Merchants took the opportunity to set up their stalls on the side to sell varieties of garlands and street food while everyone awaits for the fanfare.

Today was the knighthood ceremony of Trium Regum. It was an annual event where knight apprentices throughout the realms would be anointed and be deployed to serve one of the three great kings of this world.

To the nobles, it means great honor to work inside the palace, while to the commoners, it's an opportunity to earn more money to support their families.

However, not all apprentices could get the chance to be dubbed as a royal knight. One had to go through inhumane training and most of the candidates either lost their lives or ran home with their tails between their legs.

Nevertheless, since this would be their first-ever national celebration after years of winter and starvation, everyone was really looking forward to each palace's surprise.

The citizens stopped in their tracks when the gigantic bell at the clock tower tolled and a battle horn was blown. Finally, it was the sign that the parade had finally begun. The crowd went wild as the drums boomed through far and wide.

A loud neigh echoed across the sky and in came the immaculate winged-horse, pegasus. As it flew with ease, it also revealed its flamboyant master clad in red and gold royal suit on its back.

And when the thick clouds parted, a fleet of airsh.i.p.s entered from behind the King of Lumine. Zen showed his mischievous smile as he raised his hand and signaled to commence the *Flypast.

The crowd cheered in delight as they all craned their necks to watch the ceremonial aerial exhibitions of the colorful airsh.i.p.s while raining confetti in the air.

To heighten the momentum, the water canals on each side of the spacious road sparkled and whirled, then it spurted upward like an endless line of fountains. Lively chorus of the sirens and water nymphs halted the noise of the citizens.

The water changed its form and curved into multiple arches to give way to the King of Atlantis who was regally riding his signature horse, a *hippocamp. He was accompanied by merfolks and dolphins who were dancing and flipping from one water canals to the other, creating rainbows wherever the water splashed.

Donned in his light-colored oriental robe and a fan in his hands, ladies of all ages squealed upon seeing the gentle aura of King Aquarius.

Before anyone could react to the extravagant showcase of power by the two kings, the entire area suddenly blacked out as though evening has dawned upon them. Then, loud and synchronized thumpings of spears and drums shook the land.

Halloween seemed to suddenly visit the human realm when the road was lit up again by a heart-stopping pyro dance and fire breathing performance of the creatures of the night. As a finale, a majestic display of fireworks was set-off on the backdrop.

Subsequently, black lightning struck on the ground and an otherworldly shadow of the Demon King appeared; garbed in his intimidating yet impressive dark military ensemble while comfortably seated on his equally fierce black dragon-horse.

When the night illusion disappeared, flowers poured down out of nowhere and an ethereal beauty, wearing a lacy white long gown, materialized from within the flock of nature fairies. She elegantly stood on a golden chariot and graced the crowd with her captivating smile.

The spring goddess arrived with three adorable escorts; a good-looking vampire boy in a black tuxedo on her right, an enchanted bear standing in the front railing of the chariot wearing the same black tuxedo, and a silver wolf on her left who was sitting like an obedient prince and with a cute matching black bow tie with his big brother.

The citizens' eyes softened and their hearts gushed with sweetness upon witnessing that the demon king's future family joined the parade.

Everyone applauded, whistled and squealed at the marvelous spectacle prepared by their rulers. For the first time in many years, they would be able to celebrate until their heart's content. And the participation of the three kings and their spring goddess was an experience they would forever etch in their hearts.

When the procession reached the finish line, Zen and Aquarius walked towards the stage that was built in front of the palace's golden gates. All other elders, including Camus and influential nobles, were already seated on the stage waiting for them. The candidates to be anointed as the royal knights marched and assembled flawlessly below the stage.

Instead of joining his brothers, Adis went to help his maiden to get off from the chariot. He planted a quick but sweet kiss on her lips as soon as she was within his arms again, which earned another loud cheer from the onlookers. The crowd had gone even wilder when they saw King Adis' hand around her h.i.p.s, blatantly showing to everyone that she was already his.

The guards from the three palaces worked hand in hand to calm the mob so the ceremony could start without any delay.

The royal aide to the king of Lumine, Isaiah, spoke to get everyone's. "All hail to the three great kings of Trium Regum and to the future queen of Umbra!"

All the citizens instantly fell silent, bowed and paid their respects to the royal family.

Isaiah opened aside and gave way to his master.

Zen confidently stood up in the middle of the stage to give his speech. "To my beloved citizens of Trium Regum, today we are gathered here not just to dub our knights, but to also celebrate the several milestones we have achieved since the end of winter; the vibrant colors of spring, the warmth of the sun, the healthy harvest of our crops, reformation of the laws and many more. Our hardsh.i.p.s are slowly ending and our time for prosperity is nigh. Rest assured that the royal family shall continue to deliver a better and peaceful life for our people.

"For now, the moment you all have been waiting for has finally arrived. Let us all witness and commemorate the ascension of our sons and daughters into the knighthood. I hereby declare that the 259th knighthood ceremony of Trium Regum shall now commence. All the generals of the armies, come forth!"

As if on cue, after the king's decree, multiple gun salute and another series of drum rolls reverberated across the area. The mighty Generals stood in front to represent their own realm; Celeste for Lumine, Triton for Atlantis and Graves for Umbra.

Amidst the commotion, two will-o'-wisps were floating in the air, which no one paid attention to as it was a normal phenomenon that different species were present on that day.

Unbeknownst to everyone, those wisps were being carried by two ghosts from the future, lurking in the crowd while avoiding the prying eyes of Erebos. Despite being in their transparent form, the wisps can be seen by the n.a.k.e.d eyes. Perhaps it was because the twin flames manifested without the knowledge of a seer.

The two babies had been squealing and laughing endlessly in their parents' embrace. Their flames would stir up and grow whenever there was a colorful performance. But they would also cry and their flames would shrink when they're startled or if the noise became unbearable.

...Just like that very moment.

"Now, now, my brave Ciel, the awful noise is gone. Look, everything is just colors and lively stuff." *Haru cajoled her son while gently rocking him in her arms.

She felt as though her heart was being ripped from her c.h.e.s.t and she instantly panicked when she heard her twins' bawling.

It seemed that they hated the sound of drums and guns. They would automatically cry whenever they hear the thundering sounds.

Fortunately, her husband was earnest to give her a hand. *Adis was currently humming the song sang by the sirens earlier as he noticed that his princess liked it so much. "Don't worry my Amira, father will ban all kinds of drums and guns in the future so you and your twin brother have nothing to be afraid of."

"Boo... gaa..."

He smiled when Amira finally stopped her shrill cry and just cooed while sobbing. "Good girl! You are really like your mother."

After a brief moment of entertaining the twins to forget about their fears, *Haru noticed that *Adis was craning his neck on the small alley just below the stage. She saw his brows furrowed as though he was anxious about not seeing anyone there.

"Love, what's wrong? Are you expecting someone?" she inquired.

"...Yes," *Adis' short reply. He swallowed hard before he added, "I'm looking for Elior."