Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

"First, let me acknowledge another hero of the battle at the Silent Lake Plains, whose contributions are no less significant than our Demacian exemplar, Li Lin"

As soon as these words left the king's mouth, the nobles present broke into murmurs of surprise, unsure of the king's intent.

Based on the information they had, they only knew that Prince Jarvan IV had faced numerous dangers in the border campaign, ultimately defeating a Noxian warband and capturing their general along with over a hundred surrendering soldiers.

Aside from the capture of General Prescott of Noxus' 37th warband, who was sent back to the capital for interrogation, the rest of the prisoners were detained in Terbisia, under the guard of Sword Captain Pardek of the Dauntless Vanguard.

Additionally, rumors suggested that a woman with the bloodline of an elemental dragon had aided the prince in the battle.

However, the nobles were not privy to the full details.

Though everyone knew that elemental dragons could wield magic, and that those with dragon bloodlines were also likely to possess magical abilities, the nobles mostly regarded this woman with suspicion, fear, and disdain.

Among them, Li Lin—who stood with Prince Jarvan and Garen—was equally surprised, not expecting the king to reveal his contributions so openly.

The king provided a brief introduction of Li Lin's identity to those present, but tactfully omitted the mention of his mechanical army, instead stating that he had used his mechanical armor invention to defeat a powerful vampire.

"So, I have decided to appoint Li Lin as the honorary lord of Sasangri Town. He will not be responsible for governance but will enjoy all the privileges of a noble in that region."

The enfeoffment of a foreigner as the lord of Demacian land was extremely rare, with only a handful of such instances in the kingdom's history.

Nevertheless, no noble dared voice opposition at this juncture, much to King Jarvan III's satisfaction.

"In addition to Li Lin, another courageous warrior aided my son in his triumphant return. She is Shyvana, who bears the bloodline of the Flame Dragon!"

King Jarvan III spoke with passion, and before any noble could object, he continued, "Her bravery helped my son break through Noxian lines. She is the second greatest contributor to this victory!"

"As such, I have decided to assign her to Edessa Town, where she will lead the local guard. I also bestow upon her the title of Demacian Knight, to be known as the 'Dragonborn Warrior.'"

Shyvana's appearance was far too distinct—anyone could see the magic flowing within her. Most nobles already knew who she was.

Edessa Town, located to the northwest of the capital, served as the first line of defense against northern barbarian invaders. It was a fortress of great strategic importance.

Entrusting this critical town to a magic-wielding "heretic" was seen as putting the capital at considerable risk.

Most nobles opposed this decision, including members of the Shield Council, especially Tiyana.

Even though they were opposed in their hearts, they exchanged glances, none daring to openly challenge the king at this moment.

However, there is never a shortage of people who lack patience.

"Your Majesty!"

A portly, balding middle-aged man, his face slick with oil, stood up.

Prince Jarvan immediately recognized him as Viscount Mukern of Edessa Town. He whispered a quick introduction of him to Li Lin and Shyvana.

As the overseer of this critical stronghold, Viscount Mukern had long enriched himself through corruption and embezzlement.

Not only did he impose hefty taxes on passing merchant caravans, but he also delayed crucial supplies meant for the front lines under various pretexts, profiting in the meantime.

King Jarvan III had long been displeased with this viscount, but due to the past glories of Mukern's ancestors, he had been reluctant to strip him of his noble title.

Assigning Shyvana to Edessa and reclaiming the military authority of the Mukern family carried a clear warning.

What Jarvan III hadn't anticipated was that Mukern, who had recently been invited to the capital to attend the victory banquet, would still dare to voice his dissent.

He couldn't help but furrow his brow, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. "What is it you want?"

"I just feel… entrusting the leadership of the fortress's defense to a foreigner who uses magic—isn't that a bit improper?"

The surrounding nobles cast him sympathetic yet amused glances. Even if they truly believed the king's decision was questionable, none would dare challenge him in such a setting. Doing so would be akin to publicly disgracing the Crownguard royalty.

Who would've thought? There was actually someone foolish enough to risk losing his title!

Sure enough, Jarvan III's face darkened as soon as the words left the man's mouth. "Are you questioning my decision?" His voice grew cold.

Viscount Muken swallowed hard, hastily bowing his head and kneeling. "I wouldn't dare… I only meant that our Anti-Magic Codex shouldn't be treated as a mere ornament."

The mention of the codex struck a nerve—Jarvan III had always regarded it as a sore point. For Muken to bring it up now...

The nobles around him edged away from the foolish viscount, fearing they might get caught in the aftermath.

Jarvan III's expression grew even more forbidding, his tone dripping with menace. "Hmph! Viscount Muken, I had no intention of making an example out of you, but it seems you've chosen to challenge my authority as king."

Beads of sweat began to roll down Muken's cheeks. Horrified, he glanced to his left, where the members of the Crownguard Council stood.

It was at this moment that Eldred, his face stern, suddenly stepped forward and barked, "The Anti-Magic Codex is indeed important, but no one may challenge the authority of our king!"

"Viscount Muken, you have not only been corrupt and self-serving during your time in Edessa Town, but now you even dare question the will of our great King Jarvan III. Who gave you the audacity?"

"You… You…" Muken's eyes bulged in disbelief as he stared at Eldred, the man accusing him, too shocked to form coherent words.

"Guards! Seize this insolent traitor and throw him into the dungeon!" Jarvan III commanded.

"No, wait—!" Muken's plea was cut off as several heavily armed guards stormed in from the grand hall's entrance. One struck him with a swift blow, knocking him unconscious before dragging him away.

Jarvan III glanced at Eldred with a look that carried no warmth. "Well done."

Eldred gave a practiced smile, clasping his hands and bowing slightly. "It is my honor. All for Demacia."

"Very well," Jarvan III announced. "I hereby strip Viscount Muken of his title. As for the now-vacant position of Edessa's governor, I shall consider who is most suitable."

With that, Jarvan III took a deep breath, regaining his composure. Then he made one final, and most astonishing, decree—one that left nearly all the nobles in shock:

"I also announce that one of Demacia's legendary Winged Guardians—Morgana—has returned as of today!

"In one week, I will gather the citizens of the capital at Grand Plaza and proclaim to all of Demacia that one of our Winged Guardians has returned!" 

[End of Chapter]

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