BBYW Vol. 4 Chapter 55 (WN)
Chapter 55 – The Crowning Ceremony and the Two Red Boxes
“We shall now begin the Queen’s coronation ceremony!”
The head cleric announced solemnly, the bells attached to her wand ringing in response.
We were currently deep inside the shrine, in the “Hall of Queens”, a room only high clerics were allowed to enter.
The high clerics, who gathered in the room when I entered, were, for the most part, those who had served the shrine the longest, and thus occupied the top positions in the hierarchy. They were on their knees, on both sides of the red carpet that cut through the center of the room.
“………….”
My head covered in a cape made of the finest silk, I stepped on the carpet. I did not look down anymore, and proceeded straight towards the throne, located in the center of the room.
I climbed up on the seat of gold and gemstones, and quietly glanced around the room.
The room where the Queen exercised her authority was riddled with fortunes and treasures, collected from all over the world. Each piece was worth more than what a peasant could hope to accumulate throughout their life.
(But…none of it means anything…)
What was actually meaningful? What was truly worthy? I knew that already. Someone dear to me taught me.
(I won’t look down anymore. I will look to the future, and protect the people important to me, as Queen…!)
My resolve to become Queen was already firm.
I would summon the Holy Guards again, and fight for the sake of this country…for my dear sister, friends and the people I loved.
“I thus present Your Majesty…with the divine relic.”
“This is…?”
One of the high clerics brought me “something”…neatly wrapped in cloth. The head cleric undid the bundle, and a golden necklace emerged.
“This relic was bestowed upon us in ancient times by God, before they left for the world beyond. Its name is Hades.”
“Ha…des?”
“This relic embodies the divine protection that only the Queen is allowed to wear. It is the Magic Tool that summons the Holy Guards from the otherworld.”
“…I’m not sure I understand well, but I should wear it, yes?”
The head cleric nodded solemnly in response and came closer.
“The relic will teach you how to use it properly. There is nothing to worry about.”
“I…see…”
For some reason, the head cleric’s words made me feel anxious. There was no turning back anymore, though.
I let them put the relic around my neck.
“Our new Queen is born! All hail the Queen!!”
“HAIL THE QUEEN!!!”
The clerics in the room cheered in unison.
I touched the divine relic with my fingers, as their voices washed over me.
(Tep…Millia…I will be a great Queen…protect this country, and you all…)
My resolve was strengthened. Thinking that I should say something, as Queen, I opened my mouth.
Before I could utter anything, however, the head cleric struck the floor with her wand.
“Now that the ceremony is complete…hurry, all of you, and bring the offerings! Present the offerings to the Queen!!”
“Offerings…?”
I had been told how the ceremony would be carried out, but did not know anything about any “offerings”. I was taken aback by the sudden surprise when the doors of the Hall of Queens swung open and several men appeared, carrying large boxes.
The boxes were two, both crafted in gold and silver, and looked extremely expensive. Each one was carried by three men.
The boxes were placed in front of me. The head cleric kneeled down and used a key to unlock them.
“Eh…?”
The contents of the box became visible — and I froze in place.
The golden boxes were stuffed to the brim with flesh, leaking red liquids.
It was like they put freshly butchered cattle inside: as soon as the box was opened, the blood started seeping everywhere, filling the room with the smell of iron.
Inside the two boxes… were the remains of two human beings.
“N-No…No!! What is..why..!?!”
Inside the mass of blood and flesh…among the limbs and organs…there were the heads too.
The people stuffed inside the boxes were my sister Nefermillia and my childhood friend Amstrahotep.