When the plot-skips players into the game world-Chapter 952 - 317: Triumphal Palace of Lionheart City

Chapter 952: Chapter 317: Triumphal Palace of Lionheart City

The capital of Star Antimony is called Lionheart City.

The most central building in Lionheart City is the castle handcrafted by the greatest Monarch of Stibium — Valentine I, “Bashir Valentine”, the Triumphal Palace.

According to the customs of Avalon, Iris Flower, and the Helasal Empire, such a Monarch should be called “Bashir I”, and later Monarchs with the same name could be called “Bashir II,” just like “Tudor III”, The Execution King of Avalon.

But the rules of Star Antimony alone are different.

Because initially, as a commoner-born Alchemist, the romantic and free-spirited Bashir Valentine had a special idea —

The surname “Valentine” means “strong and powerful”, which is what Bashir’s grandfather told him. It was also his wish for him.

For commoners, their surnames are not important, and they can even change or replace them at any time. For example, Bashir’s father and grandfather’s surname was “Fabre,” which indicates that their ancestors were Blacksmiths. Believing in the possibility of a different future rather than inheriting the family business, his grandfather changed his surname for him.

And thus, his family lineage began here.

In other words, the world’s first “Valentine” was indeed Valentine I.

It was because of the divine inspiration that the surname itself provided to Bashir that he was able to write the esoteric work “Triumphal Chariot of Antimony”.

This book guided Alchemists towards another path — the possibility that “even the wildest antimony can sublimate into the holiest Star Antimony.”

Given the right method, any mortal could become divine.

This theory extends further, suggesting another possibility.

That is, “anyone can become a King.”

Because Bashir himself was of common origin, he led a group of followers out of the chaotic late Helasal Empire and established his own nation. He knew the power and potential of commoners and valued the continuity of Stibium more than the survival of his own bloodline.

Therefore, the founding King left behind a rule that seemed incredible, chaotic, and has still not been used to this day…

— The heir to the throne does not necessarily have to have Valentine’s blood flowing in their veins.

Because “Valentine” is a surname inherited through strength— the true title of the Monarch of Stibium is “Strong and Powerful” or as known as “Valentine”, “Lion King”. Each generation’s Valentine would be titled as “The -th generation Lion King.”

As long as one is recognized by both the Red Chancellor and the Black Chancellor, even someone from outside of Stibium can inherit the surname “Valentine”. Regardless of previous surname, it can be discarded to adopt that of Valentine.

This is why the most fundamental principle of Stibium is to promote the wise and capable.

In theory, anyone could become the Monarch of Stibium and become a “Valentine”. Conversely, if an heir is too incompetent, they might be stripped of the surname “Valentine” by the Red and Black Chancellors, and their right of succession as well.

This is something all Valentines dare not neglect.

They must compete with their brothers and sisters, as well as particularly outstanding outsiders.

If no heir gains approval from the two ancient Prime Ministers and the previous King has not determined an heir before passing away… it is very possible that an outsider might obtain the throne.

As “Valentines” of the same generation, they are doomed to be labeled in the history books of Stibium as “unprecedented incompetents” in the future.

The tremendous pressure Xiyaldo Valentine is carrying comes exactly from this.

At this moment, his father is inquiring about him to another person in the Triumphal Palace.

“So, what do you think of Xiyaldo?”

The white-haired old man, sitting in his dark-gold colored study, frowned deeply.

He held a pen, writing and drawing on a piece of white paper.

Standing before him was a jester in a clown’s garb.

His face covered with thick white makeup, exaggerated red eyeliner drawn under his eyes. His hair was dyed a shade like an olive green, fluffy and exploded outwards, resembling a head of broccoli. He wore garments that only court nobles would wear, however, they were patched with a multitude of colorful patches, and on his back, written in a child-like font, was the word “Genius.”

“Ah, my dear Your Majesty.”

The jester replied cheerfully, his voice rising and falling rhythmically, like reciting poetry or singing a song: “That all depends on your standard of evaluation;

“If you’re asking about his muscle, he cannot be deemed a proper man, even a female hyena could pin him down on the ground;

“But if you ask about his Alchemy skills—oh, forgive my bluntness, he can by no means be called a genius;

“However, if you are talking about his level as a King, then I think he might be a good King, for he is compassionate and fond of old acquaintances, perhaps he would give Old Laro a nice retirement job… Oh my, when Old Laro is too old to stand, he might even assign slaves to take care of Laro’s excretion needs.”

“Enough, Laro. Enough. I get what you mean.”

The old King sighed and put down his pen: “Weak, silent, soft in character, and most importantly lacking talent in Alchemy… Indeed, he is not suitable either.”

The paper in front of him was still blank, without a single character on it.

Because the King’s pen had not touched any ink at all.

“No need for further tests, Your Majesty?”

“Mm, no need. Mediocre talents will always be mediocre, and Stibium needs a genius who can solve all problems. However, that girl he knows…”

The old King pondered seriously: “From that description, she’s exactly like the ‘Aleister’ we fabricated. Could she be the glove of His Holiness?”

“Possibly, or maybe the rumors have come to life! How terrifying, a Demon from rumors popping up to kill us, woo woo woo…”

Jester Laro made a grimace, his movements comic and exaggerated.

A barely noticeable smile flickered across the old King’s lips, but it quickly returned to calmness.

“Go leak this piece of news to the Rose Cross Society. Tell them Aleister has appeared in Leipzig and see how they react—my intuition tells me that the ceremony of raising the Banquet Master was completed by her.”

“Are you suggesting a traitor within the Rose Cross Society? How terrifying, hee hee hee…”

The Jester couldn’t help but break into laughter: “My guess is Lady Kingsford?”

“Most likely. Otherwise how would ‘Aleister’ know that the ‘Fool’ Dionysus’s liver, which was left in the world, is in Count Dorn’s hands? Apart from me, the Principal and Jacob, only some high-ranking members of the society know its whereabouts—it’s been less than twenty years since it has appeared in the world. Jacob originally retrieved it from the Empire’s secret store in gratitude for the help of the Rose Cross Society.

“As far as I’m aware, Pengbonazi has been coveting that liver for a long time… His initial intention of sending Heinrich to join the Rose Cross Society was to obtain it.

“—After all, without a liver to ‘sober up’, the ‘Fool’ will never become a complete ‘God of Wine’; and Zagreus, who is one with the God of Wine, will forever only be the ‘Banquet Master’ and never the ‘Banquet Celestial Marshal’ or the ‘Wine Celestial Marshal’…”

The old King said this with a content smile at the corner of his mouth, an irrepressible amusement present.

Although the Banquet Master’s power has long surpassed the Shadowy Celestial Marshal… If he wants to raise Dionysus along with himself, he must unleash the seal on this liver.

Although the former Fool had failed his Challenge against the Supreme Heaven, his body torn apart, his heart was still preserved as a gift by the Supreme Heaven.

And the Banqueter stole and consumed the Fool’s heart, thereby allowing Dionysus to resurrect within himself… However, it’s without a doubt, Dionysus, once refused to become a Pillar God Apostle, did not wish to exist in such a way. So he hid the whereabouts of his last piece of corpse to force the Banquet Master who ascended as an Angel Envoy to regurgitate it.

—It was the Fool’s final prank.

Long before the decisive battle, he had cut out his liver while in his Elf form and preserved it, tossing it into the sea.

The deep sea, which even the Nine Pillar Gods cannot peer into.

If he were defeated—and he was bound to be defeated—if the Supreme Heaven decided to devour him, it would find his most delicious liver missing, and his soul permanently lacking a vital part, which might enrage the Supreme Heaven…

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That was his “last joke and defiance”.

In fact, even if Dionysus did not hide his corpse piece, he had no idea where it had drifted to.

“Pengbonazi was originally a follower of the Banquet Master, and as the first-generation Blood Celestial Marshal, a Son of the Moon and child of the Banquet Master. If he can shatter the seal, he could enable the Banquet Master to sense the location of this liver, allowing the Banquet Master to snatch the last piece of the Fool’s soul remaining in the world and ascend completely to a Banquet Celestial.

“Undoubtedly, this achievement would suffice to elevate him to an Angel Envoy. But… Hahaha…”

The old King laughed heartily, clearly in an excellent mood: “Hmm… Although I do not know what ritual Count Dorn intended to use to steal its power, now he is already dead.

“Aleister completely ruined Pengbonazi’s plans—I think this is likely that lady’s strategy. Since Count Dorn has been exposed, might as well destroy him directly.

“—Judging by what I know of Pengbonazi, he’s probably smashing things and cursing right now.”