My Free Will System: Transmigrating Into My Favorite Immersion Game

Days had passed since Elias's fierce confrontation with Acedia, and though the battle was won, the scars it left behind were still fresh. Eldoria was in a state of recovery, with the wounds of war etched into both its lands and its people. Buildings lay in ruins, charred by the fires of magic and shattered by the force of clashing powers.

Streets that once bustled with the lively chatter of merchants and townsfolk were now quiet, save for the occasional sound of hammers and saws as the citizens worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been lost. The people moved with a heaviness, not just from physical exhaustion but from the emotional toll of their beloved king's death.

King Alaric's funeral had been a somber affair that stretched over two days. The entire kingdom had gathered to pay their respects, lining the streets in a sea of mourning colors. As the grand procession moved slowly through the city, mournful hymns filled the air, their haunting melodies a tribute to the man who had once unified and protected Eldoria. Experience new stories on мѵʟ

Flowers blanketed the path, their petals crushed underfoot as the people bid farewell to their king. For those two days, the kingdom grieved as one, united in sorrow and remembrance of their fallen leader.

But the funeral had come and gone, and life in Eldoria had to move forward. The Festival of Light, an annual celebration that symbolized the love of Lira, was fast approaching. Normally a time of joy and festivity, this year's event was overshadowed by uncertainty.

Eldoria was without a king, and while the people hoped the festival might lift their spirits, the looming question of a new leadership arose.

In the grand throne room of the castle, the tension was palpable. The remaining family heads had convened to address the matter of the kingdom's governance in the absence of King Alaric's rightful heir, Oswald, who was off in the East on some unknown mission.

Lord Varric spoke first, his voice carried the weight of authority as he addressed those assembled: Lady Selene, Lady Isolde and Queen Seraphina, still grieving her husband but composed in her royal bearing; and Elias, their young saviour

"We are at a critical juncture," Lord Varric began, his voice echoing through the vast chamber. "With King Alaric gone and Prince Oswald absent, Eldoria is without its rightful leader. We cannot afford to leave the throne vacant, not even for a moment longer. We need someone to stand as an interim king until Oswald returns."

Elias, standing slightly apart from the others, raised his hand. Lord Varric glanced at him, an appreciative but firm look crossing his face. "Elias," Lord Varric said, his tone softening slightly, "we are all forever grateful for what you have done. You have shown courage and strength beyond your years. However, ruling a kingdom requires more than bravery.

It requires experience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of Eldoria's politics. You are young, Elias, and you still have much to learn about the ways of governance."

Elias nodded, not surprised by the dismissal. "I understand, Lord Varric," he replied. " But I wasn't raising my hand to nominate myself. I wanted to suggest someone else who I believe is suited for the role—Queen Seraphina."

A stunned silence fell over the room. Queen Seraphina looked at Elias, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Elias, I—" she began, but Elias cut her off gently.

"You said it yourself, Lord Varric," Elias continued, his voice steady and sure. "We need someone who has seen how King Alaric ruled, someone who knows the kingdom inside and out, someone who the people can rally behind. Queen Seraphina has all of those qualities. She has the strength and wisdom of a leader and the compassion of a queen who loves her people."

Lord Varric exchanged glances with Lady Selene and Lady Isolde. There was a moment of quiet contemplation, then Lord Varric spoke again. "What Elias says is true. Queen Seraphina is not only familiar with the workings of the kingdom, but she also carries the legacy of King Alaric. Let us vote on the matter. All in favor of Queen Seraphina acting as the interim ruler of Eldoria, say aye."

A chorus of agreements followed. It was unanimous—Queen Seraphina would stand as the kingdom's leader until Prince Oswald's return. The queen's eyes glistened with tears gratitude and resolve. She rose from her seat and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you all," she said, her voice steady. "I promise to uphold the kingdom and honor King Alaric's memory until Oswald comes back.

Eldoria will not falter under my watch."

The room's tension eased slightly, but as the discussion continued, Lady Selene raised a pressing concern. "There is still the matter of House Sullivan," she said. "Lord Thane's position as family head remains vacant, and without strong leadership, the house could fall into disarray which could snowball into a bigger problem for  Eldoria ."

Lord Varric nodded thoughtfully. "You are correct, Lady Selene. However, the members of House Sullivan have already made their decision on who will take the position. In fact, the new head is here in the castle as we speak, just outside the throne room."

Queen Seraphina gestured towards the entrance. "Then bring him in. We should meet the one who will take up Thane's mantle, I just hope he is nothing like Thane"

At her command, the heavy wooden doors of the throne room swung open with a low creak. The gathered leaders turned their attention to the entrance as a young man stepped into the room.

He was tall, with a lean but muscular build that hinted at a warrior's training. His hair was a deep chestnut brown, tousled but neatly kept, and his sharp blue eyes surveyed the room with a keen intelligence. His features were refined, almost aristocratic, with a strong jawline and a nose that spoke of noble lineage.

He wore the dark, distinguished garb of House Sullivan, the insignia proudly on his chest.

The young man walked with a confident stride, his movements fluid and purposeful. As he approached the throne, he bowed deeply, his gaze never wavering from Queen Seraphina. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady and respectful. "I am Caelum Sullivan, son of Lord Thane, and I am honored to serve as the new head of House Sullivan."

Queen Seraphina nodded, studying the young man closely. "Caelum Sullivan," she said thoughtfully, her eyes lingering on his youthful but determined face. "Your father was—"

Caelum straightened, meeting her gaze with a steady resolve. " Sorry to interrupt you, your majesty. But I know what my father was like, I promise to wipe clean the stain he brought our family name, my loyalty will be to Eldoria and the crown."

Elias watched the interaction closely, feeling a sense of respect for Caelum. Despite his youth, there was a maturity in his bearing and a fire in his eyes that spoke of a deep commitment to his family and kingdom. Elias knew what it was like to carry the weight of expectations and the burden of legacy, and he found himself silently rooting for the young lord.

"Very well," Queen Seraphina said, her voice carrying a note of finality. "Caelum Sullivan, we welcome you as the head of House Sullivan. Together, we will guide Eldoria through these uncertain times. Let us all work in unity for the good of the kingdom."

The young man nodded, taking his place among the other family heads. As the meeting continued, Elias felt a faint sense of hope. Eldoria was still reeling from its losses, but with Seraphina on the throne and new leaders like Caelum stepping forward, there was a path forward—But he couldn't help but think that this was not going to last, Acedia's last words rang in his head.