The assembly was silent as the hall resounded with the Vows of the Kingdom. Neither the flying columns nor stained glass windows could hide the look of pride in Prince Hugo’s face as he knelt before the Wizard of the West, who, as the late king’s Royal Vizier, took the duty of crowning the new king.

“Do you, Hugo Fritzgerald Winko Hinavere XXXXVII , take the duty of ruling your peoples with respect and fair judgement?”

“I do.”

“And do you take it upon yourself to govern with a just hand, whatever may arise?”

“I do.”

“Then, in the name of the late King Hugo, I crown you as King Hugo XXXXVII !”

The crowd erupted into cheers as the Royal Crown was placed upon Hugo’s head, flattening his curly black hair.

Once the cheers had died down, the Wizard resumed speaking. “And who shall you take as your Royal Vizier?”

“I shall follow in the footsteps of my father, and keep you.”

“Excellent. And your first proclamation as king?”

Hugo gazed at the crowd. “I am going to avenge my father!”