Ashen Dragon-Chapter 387 - 310 Grace (Part 1)
Chapter 387: Chapter 310 Grace (Part 1)
“Roar——”
Cassius slightly lowered his head and let out a roar that echoed across the wasteland, flapping his broad wings as he hovered high in the sky.
“No, it can’t be…”
“Could it be…”
The thought was extremely audacious.
Dayev raised his head and couldn’t help but shield his eyes with his hand. Through the gaps between his fingers, he barely saw the scene in the sky—
He saw the Red Dragon’s mouth overflowing with scorching white smoke, brilliant flames bursting from the vents on its neck and tail. The dragon crystal on its chest radiated blinding light, and every scale on its body shimmered with the ripples of magma.
At this moment, he was like a second sun rising in the sky, making it almost impossible for anyone present to keep their eyes open.
Cassius’s thunderous voice came from the sky, sounding like an oracle in people’s ears.
“As the Emperor of the Ashen Empire, at this solemn moment…”
“I will confer blessings…”
“Remember, the empire will not mistreat any retainer who is loyal to and has contributed to the empire.”
This time, not only the people in the venue, but even the retainers on the altar were extremely excited.
Basking in this golden radiance, the humans and Monster Kin from the former Ashen Kingdom all started to breathe heavily, their faces flushed, and their hearts pounding.
They knew what this meant.
The last conferment ceremony had produced two hundred and thirty-seven Dragonblood Nobles, who had become the elites of the Ashen Kingdom at the time, shining in various fields across the nation and reaping unimaginable benefits.
And this time, with the Coronation of the Emperor of the Crimson Dragon, the reborn Ashen Empire occupying all of Anzeta, and emissaries gathering from all over Fianso, the scale of the conferment was bound to be grander than before, and the number of those fortunate enough to receive blessings would undoubtedly be greater.
Indeed, a dozen Half-Dragons in luxurious ceremonial robes, holding name registers, appeared on the altar. They were the heralds for this conferment.
The conferment ceremony no longer required Ramp to worry because the now vast empire had become highly specialized, with every detail handled by designated personnel.
“By His Majesty Cassius’s approval, Duke Dolores is promoted to a second-class duke.”
Amid the enthusiastic cheers of the Great Goblins and Bugbears, Dolores, on the high platform, kneeled with excitement.
“Your Majesty!”
Dolores displayed a tearful gratitude, his head lowered.
However, deep within his eyes, there was a glow of ambition, his gaze inadvertently falling on Ramp beside him.
“Just a first-class duke by seniority…soon.”
“I will catch up to you soon.”
Dolores thought as he kneeled on the ground.
And the Half-Dragon attendant respectfully stepped forward to pin an imperial medal with a pair of Dragon Wings on Dolores.
Ramp also seemed to sense the long-lost, provocative gaze, and a slight smile appeared on his lips—he had sensed the original sin of jealousy, the familiar formula, the familiar taste.
One name after another, well-known within the nation, was read out by the heralds.
“Marquis Jin Ya is promoted to second-class marquis.”
“Marquis Dailenna is promoted to second-class marquis.”
“Marquess Alger is promoted to…”
“Marquess Xial…”
One High-ranking Dragonblood Marquess after another waved to the crowd before turning to face Cassius, kneeling on the altar platform.
However, these were still too far removed from ordinary citizens, and those who paid close attention to imperial politics could guess these conferrals.
But then, finally, there was a blessing that leapfrogged several ranks.
“Viscount Anthony is promoted to marquis.”
After the herald spoke, the crowd erupted with astonishment.
“What? Leapt two ranks!”
“Isn’t that a Judgment Knight of the Dragon Oath Sanctuary?”
“Tsk tsk, such a young marquis.”
“Indeed, it is said he comes from a particularly humble origin, rescued from a noble’s basement, amazingly lucky to catch the eye of His Majesty.”
Under the gaze of the crowd, Anthony, filled with excitement, ascended the marble steps step by step, climbing two levels to finally reach the marquis platform.
He kneeled before Cassius, tears streaming down his Semi-Dragon Form face.
“Thank Your Majesty…”
A scorching tear fell on the altar.
Anthony was a complete beneficiary of the imperial system.
If not for the empire’s rise, he might have spent his life as a noble’s plaything, dying in a dark, sunless basement.
But now, he possessed great strength, high status, and was a standout new star of the empire.
Thinking of this, Anthony gritted his teeth and his resolve to die for the empire grew stronger, the power of the “Oath of the Dragon” within him growing ever more potent.
In fact, internally within the Empire, Anthony’s leap to marquis was not unexpected—at the level of marquis, one’s personal power was secondary, as nearly every marquis represented a significant imperial faction, and as the Dragon Oath Sanctuary’s representative, Anthony naturally had the qualifications to become a marquis.
The previous title of viscount was due to his late joining of the kingdom, lacking seniority and notable achievements, making it hard to convince the public.
However, after the unification war of Anzeta, his promotion to marquis was naturally deserved.
“Promote…”
“Promote Count Acker to marquis.”
When the herald read this name, the top titles of duke and marquis were finally all bestowed.
The empire still only had three great dukes, but the number of marquises had increased to twenty-four, expanded several times compared to before.
“Confer the title of Earl to Iron Madman.”
“Confer the title of Earl to Tian Xingjian.”
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“Confer the title of Earl to Tyrant.”
The herald read out three stylistically distinct names in succession, causing yet another uproar.
They were all players, directly granted titles due to their faction prestige points reaching ten thousand, without any behind-the-scenes manipulation.
“Those Starfallen can directly become earls?”
“Those… madmen.”
Some were dissatisfied, but others remembered the players’ reckless combat style and couldn’t help but swallow nervously.
“Guild Master!”
“Praise Ohm Messiah! Ring the bell three times!”
“Glory to Royalty, immortality to heroes!”
“Aaaahhhh!”
On the players’ side, members of these powerful guilds began to cheer, knowing that the title of earl would grant them many privileges, helping them get ahead in resource competition.
Meanwhile, Charlotte’s face darkened as she mumbled:
“Damn it… if it weren’t for bad luck in monster hunting, I’d be an earl too.”
Amid the envious gaze of the imperial citizens, one native earl after another emerged, mostly promoted from first- and second-class viscounts, earning their titles through military merits.
“Joining the army is truly beneficial—”
“Indeed, noble status, great strength, long life… there’s nothing much more worthwhile in this world.”
In the venue, some people gazed at the unprecedented spectacle on the altar, muttering enviously, their faces full of jealousy and admiration.
