kscans

Chapter 278 - The Golden Glow Never Fades

Thirty-five years ago, portals known as Gates appeared all over the world. Passing through them led to another planet, or so it seemed, delighting many. That was said to be the turning point when the world changed.

Then, five years ago, after thirty years had passed, another turning point arrived. A mysterious witch appeared in the world and threw it into chaos.

This witch, called the Golden Witch, sold countless potions and Item Bags across the globe. In the end, she committed the outrageous act of auctioning off areas of Frontier.

Afterward, the witch vanished from the public stage, but she is said to still be active, influencing nations around the world.

Now, another five years have passed, and yet another turning point was upon us.

The King of Frontier had abdicated the throne, and the king’s son, the prince, became the new ruler. And this new king announced that he would engage in relations with the nations of Earth, albeit on a limited basis.

The new king’s name is apparently Arc.

…I’ve heard that name somewhere before…

"Minister, the one over there is the Frontier King, Arc-dono, correct?"

We were currently seated in the WGO auditorium, watching the king and queen on the stage.

"I suppose so… Shall I make a guess? The Queen’s name is Lydia."

Just as I thought…

"Minister, you attended that briefing session back then, didn’t you?"

"Yes, five years ago. That’s more than enough time for the kids from back then to become adults."

Children grow up fast. A fifteen-year-old becomes twenty.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"Look at the others. There are a few with similar expressions."

As the Minister said, I looked around at the representatives from other countries and saw a number of people with troubled faces.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for gathering here today. I am also grateful for this opportunity."

While the Minister and I were talking, a beautiful woman who appeared to be the Queen, seated at the end of the stage, stood up and began to give her address from the center of the stage.

"The Queen is speaking…"

"Perhaps it’s their culture? Not just a foreign country, but a different world."

Their fundamentals are different, so it can’t be helped.

"I hope that today will be a day that leads to the further development of both our worlds, for myself and for all of you."

I felt the same way. The people of Frontier, who we’d had no contact with before, had changed their policy with the changing of their king. We couldn’t let this chance slip away.

"Forgive my late introduction. My name is Lydia, and I am the wife of King Arc, who stands over there."

The moment the Queen introduced herself, the people who had looked troubled before now had even more conflicted expressions.

"I was right!"

"I’m not happy about it."

If he was right, then it must mean what I think it means.

"From now on, we wish to gradually begin relations. Today is for that greeting, but first, we wanted the people of this world to get to know us, which is why we had this venue prepared."

That’s right. There are cameras here, and people all over the world are watching. This is truly a moment when history is changing.

"Now, I would like to have my husband, King Arc, give his address… However, before that, a word from our country’s Supreme Advisor."

Supreme Advisor?

"What’s a Supreme Advisor?"

"Who knows? Perhaps something like a prime minister?"

Maybe that’s what they call a prime minister or chancellor in Frontier.

"Well then, Master, if you please."

The Queen said this as she bowed toward the right side of the stage, then moved aside to where the king was seated.

"Master…"

The Minister looked up at the ceiling. ‘Master’ meant the Queen was her disciple.

We all looked to the right side of the stage where the Queen had bowed, and a woman began to walk from the edge. The moment she appeared, a stir went through the venue. The same was likely happening on the other side of the television screens.

The woman wore a pitch-black robe, and her beautifully shining golden hair flowed down to her waist. I only knew of one woman like that.

Five years ago, the Golden Witch who had shattered the world’s common sense and thrown it into chaos was now standing in the middle of the stage.

"As I was introduced, I am Eleanor Ocean, Supreme Advisor of the Frontier Kingdom, or rather, the Ocean Kingdom."

So this witch was a big shot in Frontier… No, it must be because the king has changed. Her disciples became king and queen, so she gained power. Also, what the hell is the Ocean Kingdom…

The murmuring wouldn’t stop. I understood why. Something similar had happened five years ago.

"Still as noisy as ever. Do you want me to silence you?"

The witch’s words brought the murmuring to a sudden halt.

"Excellent. You be quiet when someone is speaking. This is common sense. Oh, but you people are all about heckling, aren’t you."

Every politician here probably came to hate the witch at that moment. No, they already hated her.

"Now, to resume my greeting. With Arc as the new king, I am delighted that relations between the Ocean Kingdom and this world will begin. As the Supreme Advisor of the Ocean Kingdom, I believe I must make this exchange a better one and ensure its success."

No, you’re the biggest obstacle. You do nothing but stir up trouble. Do you have any idea how much America and our country were criticized because of that auction?

"Therefore, in order to proceed smoothly with these relations, I have a proposal."

It won’t be a decent proposal. I’m absolutely sure of it. Probably everyone in this room thinks so too.

"No matter how brilliant a king Arc may be, he cannot engage in relations and meetings with every country in the world at once."

Hey, wait a minute…

"This feels familiar…"

The Minister pressed his hand to his temple.

"Thus, I have come up with a groundbreaking idea."

Stop… You, stop thinking. Look, look at the Frontier King. He has a completely exasperated look on his face. The Queen, however, is smiling and nodding.

"I would like to auction off the negotiation rights with the Ocean Kingdom and its king, Arc."

Drop dead! Perish, you witch!

"Details will be provided once the auction is decided. We look forward to your participation. Fufufu, well then, good day…"

The witch said, then walked toward the right side of the stage. As everyone stood there in stunned silence, only the sound of the Queen’s applause echoed through the vast hall. Then, the witch stopped in her tracks.

"Oh, that’s right. I don’t need money anymore, so please pay in diamonds."

The witch left with those parting words and disappeared.

Is this witch planning on becoming the Diamond Witch next?

Once the witch was out of sight, the Frontier King stood up and walked to the center of the stage.

"To everyone around the world, I am Arc, the king of Frontier, not the Ocean Kingdom. Before I begin my address, one word… I apologize for our damn witch."

You’re damn right!! That damn witch has taken over your country!

~Golden Fixer End~