Ian’s Declaration!

The very next morning, a single piece of news shook every newspaper office. The outcome was so unexpected that even the editors, who prepared and printed it first, were left flustered.

Nevertheless, the newspapers were promptly sent to their distributors, who in turn spread them all across the nation. Naturally, the people of the Polia Kingdom were utterly astonished when they received them.

-“Prince Ian to Inherit the Throne?!”

-“Military and High Nobility Swear Loyalty to Prince Ian, the Future King?!”

-“Processions of Nobles Flocking to the Capital to Pledge Allegiance to Prince Ian!”

-“World Leaders Send Congratulatory Messages to Prince Ian, the Next King.”

-“Even the First and Second Princes Bow Their Heads to Prince Ian?!”

-“All Eyes on the Future Path of the New King, Prince Ian.”

-“War Hero and Slayer of the Kraken — Prince Ian to Become King? A Real-Life Heroic Epic Unfolds!”

In bold headlines, black-and-white photographs captured the First and Second Princes along with many high-ranking nobles bowing their heads. From these images, the public could tell that the kingdom now had a new master.

Vroom—

Several vehicles were moving along the road, some of which were trucks filled with soldiers. Inside the central car sat two people — none other than the family of Prince Ian, the soon-to-be king.

Both held each other’s hands tightly. Through the car window, they watched the approaching royal palace grow closer. Gazing at the grand palace, Charlotte turned to her mother and spoke with a trembling voice.

“Mother, is this really happening?”

“I’m not sure either. I don’t know if this is real… or if I’m dreaming…”

Two days ago, her son had suddenly appeared with an unknown army, declaring that he was going to seize the palace. Her initial feelings had been a mix of shock and confusion. She couldn’t understand how her son had built such a powerful force.

Yet, amid her worries, came joyous news — her son Ian had completely taken the palace and even captured the First and Second Princes. Faced with such facts, she couldn’t help but feel as though she were dreaming.

A reality she had never imagined in her life was unfolding before her eyes. Her son, the king of this country? Could this be real? Or was she still lost in a dream? The thought kept returning.

But no matter how she thought about it or what she saw around her, it was clear that this was indeed reality.

“To be returning to the palace like this… this must be real, right?”

“It seems so. I thought we’d never come back…”

The moment she left the palace, she had felt liberated. Captivated by the King in her youth and made a royal consort, she had spent more than half her life inside the palace walls. The feeling of liberation had been indescribable, yet there was also a trace of regret.

The palace was filled with memories shared with her two children, and the thought of never returning had left her with a sense of loss. But to be coming back like this — and under such astonishing circumstances — was something she never could have imagined.

“Mo-Mother, look outside!”

Charlotte exclaimed, pointing to the palace guards lined up outside the car window. The two of them couldn’t help but gaze outside, their eyes trembling. Just then, a familiar steward approached and politely opened the door.

“Please step out.”

The formality, something they had never been shown before, left them flustered. But with the attendant waiting, Emily had no choice but to step out of the car with her daughter.

As they did, the guards saluted in perfect synchrony, heels striking the ground in unison.

To receive such treatment from palace guards — it was something she never thought she would experience. Then, they saw someone approaching — and recognizing him as their son and brother, their faces lit up.

Charlotte, ready to run forward, hesitated under the watchful eyes of those around her.

“Charlotte, come if you want.”

With Ian gesturing casually that she could approach anytime, she finally moved her feet, hurriedly running into her brother’s arms.

In her brother’s embrace, Charlotte finally felt at ease. Seeing his little sister like this, Ian smiled gently and said:

“Welcome. Mother, you too — welcome. How does it feel to arrive at the home where you’ll live for the rest of your life?”

Pointing toward the palace with an easy smile, Ian’s words made Emily’s expression turn mixed as she took in the magnificent palace and responded,

“I still don’t know. I don’t even know if this is real.”

“Haha, you’ll get used to it in time. It’s always awkward at first, but the more time you spend here, the more natural it’ll feel.”

“I suppose so.”

“Of course. Anyway, shall we go inside?”

“Yes, let’s.”

“Brother, where are we going?”

“First, to a place where we’ll stay temporarily. After that, you can pick any room you want to live in.”

“Really? I can choose whatever I like?”

“Of course. This palace belongs to your big brother now. So there’s no place off-limits to you.”

“Really?”

“Really and truly. Hahaha!”

Somehow, it was only now hitting Charlotte — her brother was truly becoming king. Emily, too, began to accept that this was reality.

Yes, they were no longer the forgotten consort’s family hidden in the back palace. They now had the freedom of the main palace itself.

From now on, the way servants and maids treated them would surely change. Even the behavior of the palace guards would shift. No matter what anyone said, their family was now the rightful rulers of the palace.

Everyone would now have to pay attention to them.

“Oh, and tonight there will be a grand party. Please join us.”

“A party, you say?”

“Yes, it’ll be a grand gathering of all the nobles across the country. There, I’ll reveal who I truly am — show everyone clearly who the next king will be.”

“Of course we’ll go. It’s a party for you, after all.”

“I’ll go too, for my brother!”

“Good. I’ll make sure a beautiful dress is prepared, so dress up nicely for the ball.”

“Yes! Heehee!”

As her brother patted her head, Charlotte’s heart fluttered with joy. She imagined everyone already looking up to him with admiration. Seeing his sister like this, Ian also found himself full of anticipation.

And so, the family entered the royal palace.

Everyone they passed stood and bowed their heads in respect.

Ian had arranged this scene on purpose — to make sure everyone in the palace clearly understood who their new masters were.

Walking confidently, with his mother and sister beside him, Ian and his family began to truly believe this surreal situation was now their reality.

Around 6:10 p.m.

With gentle orchestral music flowing through the hall, countless dishes and drinks were laid out. Normally, the nobles would be laughing and chatting away, but today, they avoided even touching their drinks just to keep their composure. In the grand Hall of Waves, thousands of nobles were seated.

All of them had arrived by train within a day, and every one of them had come hoping to win Prince Ian’s favor. The most excited among them were the lower nobles—those frequently encountered at parties—who believed that with Ian becoming king, they too might secure a post.

Of course, they had no idea this was a futile hope. Ian had only mingled with them as part of a diversion tactic.

While everyone murmured cautiously about Prince Ian, there was one man standing off to the side—Count Nudelria. To him, this seat felt like a throne of thorns. Already, whispers from nearby filled his ears.

“Poor Count Nudelria. If things had gone right, he could have become the King’s father-in-law.”

“Exactly. Losing the chance to marry into royalty—I’d be furious if it were me.”

“Even if his daughter is engaged to the Third Prince of the Magnia Empire, it’s just an engagement. Who knows when a prince might change his mind? And if he doesn’t become Emperor, wouldn’t her life be in danger?”

“Besides, I hear Prince Ian still doesn’t have a bride-to-be.”

“Right. Because of that, many noble ladies are now eyeing the chance to become queen. Their families are throwing their full support behind them.”

“Oh my, whoever it ends up being, becoming queen would be a dream come true.”

From murmurs about Count Nudelria, the topic quickly shifted to speculations on who the future queen might be. The atmosphere of the party was steeped in tension and watchfulness.

Then, just as everyone was waiting, the orchestra suddenly stopped, signaling that the long-awaited figure had arrived. At that moment, the voice of the Chief Steward echoed through the speakers.

[All rise and greet him with respect. Prince Ian di Polia, the great sovereign of the Polia Kingdom, is entering!]

At the announcement, all activity ceased, and eyes turned to one place. There, walking in slowly, was Ian himself.

He wore a far more splendid formal outfit than before. Everyone admired his appearance—not just because he was already known to be handsome, but because of what he had now become.

Did power shape the man? Without realizing it, people began to think Prince Ian looked far more majestic than ever. Behind him appeared his mother Emily and sister Charlotte, both dressed in extravagant gowns.

Their entrance drew even more admiration. Clearly, status reshaped perception. Many nobles at the party saw Ian’s family, now elevated overnight, as brighter, greater figures.

Ian, now standing among the nobles who filled his view, looked out over them all. They had gathered in force—those at the very top of this nation. And to them, he would now declare his kingship.

‘This is truly the end.’

Though the coronation ceremony was still to come, this was indeed the final step in declaring victory in the succession war.

With every gaze upon him, Ian calmly stepped up to the microphone and spoke with a voice firm and full of power.

[Some of you may be confused about how I came to stand here. But the situation has changed. I, Ian di Polia, hereby declare to all that I have triumphed in the succession race and will inherit the throne.]

Clap clap clap clap clap—!

Applause erupted from the crowd. Sincere or not, the nobles responded fervently to his words. Ian slowly raised his hand, and like clockwork, the applause stopped.

‘So this is why power matters.’

Seeing how even a single gesture could move everyone gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.

Ian continued, addressing the crowd of nobles:

[Having claimed the throne through legitimate succession, I will now begin to reform this nation. Let me declare it here and now—there shall be no more extravagance. Luxury goods will be restricted, and the number of parties reduced. I’m not saying celebrations are banned, only that the excessive waste must end.]

He was making this declaration here to send a clear message: he intended to reform the nation—and drastically. Many laws and regulations would change. So would the economic structure. Of course, Ian didn’t believe he could do this alone.

‘I’ll summon capable financiers and bank presidents. If someone truly skilled appears, I’ll have them design a system that helps our economy grow more efficiently.’

It was a simplistic thought, almost naive. But Ian was aware that he didn’t possess the talent to singlehandedly develop a nation. He just had a rough idea of the direction things should go. So he would employ those with ability. He also planned to use his psychic power.

Among the effects of his mental manipulation ability were not just behavioral and personality changes, but also enhancements to ability.

Granted, it didn’t make someone a genius overnight. But it could substantially elevate an individual’s capacity based on what they already had.

They said one great genius could surpass a hundred prodigies. But what if there were hundreds, or thousands, of such enhanced individuals? Then perhaps, they could achieve things a single genius never could.

[Excessively high taxes will be reduced, and anyone found to have embezzled national funds through corruption will be hunted down and punished. Their stolen wealth will be reclaimed and used solely for the benefit of the nation—I promise you that.]

Many listening were likely stunned by Ian’s words. But no one dared speak against them.

The Polia monarchy had always been close to absolute power. And now that Ian had full control of the military, there was no one who had the strength to oppose him.