Gospel of Blood

The capital of the Starfall Kingdom, Starfall City, is said to have a history that dates back to when the elves first set foot on the continent of Myria.

Legend has it that in that era when myths walked the earth, the elves once fought a cataclysmic battle against the Old Gods of Myria in the Star-Moon Strait.

At that time, Starfall Island was still part of the Myria continent. It wasn’t until the elves used forbidden magic that called down a meteor to defeat the opposing Old Gods. The falling meteor shattered the earth, causing seawater to flood in and create the Star-Moon Strait, separating Starfall Island from the mainland.

The term “Starfall” originates from this event.

Like the capital of Castell, Northport, Starfall City is also a port city.

As one of Starfall Island’s natural harbors, Starfall City is also the trade hub between the Starfall Kingdom and the Myria continent.

Just entering the Bay of Stars, where Starfall City is located, Charlotte saw countless ships docked at the port, densely packed. Merchant ships from all over the world gathered here, making it even more bustling than Northport.

Indeed, this is true.

As Charlotte knew, the population of Starfall City’s capital exceeds 700,000, nearly 1.5 times that of Northport, and only slightly less than the Crescent capital of Lutecia.

Compared to the Starfall Kingdom, which has only three-fifths the population of the Crescent Kingdom, the population gap between the capitals of the two kingdoms is not as significant.

Charlotte stood on the deck, curiously observing this elven-styled port city.

As the warship entered the bay, the sailors and soldiers, who had been on edge, finally relaxed completely, and the atmosphere on the entire ship became much livelier.

Even Count Stafford couldn’t help but smile as he said to Charlotte.

“Welcome to Starfall, Your Majesty.”

The warship raised its flag and slowly sailed towards the port.

Soon, the port noticed the Carrack sailing ship flying the flags of Starfall and Roman.

Apparently, Count Stafford had already sent word through Starfall Kingdom’s renowned magic crystal communication, and as the warship approached the city, Charlotte noticed several guard ships actively sailing out to escort the warship.

Moreover, as Charlotte’s warship approached the dock, thunderous booms echoed from the escort ships. Charlotte noticed white smoke rising from those ships.

“Your Majesty, those are royal navy salutes. The royal navy is welcoming and saluting you.”

Count Stafford explained with a smile.

Charlotte looked at the escort ships around her, slightly surprised.

With the Starfall Kingdom’s throne vacant, the parliament faction nobles and the Lilac family at odds, she had expected to be met with a city filled with tension. However, she hadn’t even set foot ashore yet and was already receiving such an honor.

Noticing Charlotte’s surprise, Count Stafford explained with a smile.

“Your Majesty, Starfall City is both the kingdom’s capital and the direct territory of the Roman royal family, as well as the seat of the kingdom’s parliament. This city… will only be loyal to the legitimate king of Starfall.”

“King Edward passed the throne to you, and the kingdom’s parliament supports you as the Queen of Starfall. Therefore… Starfall City naturally welcomes you, awaiting your rule.”

Charlotte nodded slightly in understanding.

She realized that Starfall City was within the sphere of influence of the kingdom’s parliament and the Roman royal family. With Edward III’s passing, the parliament’s split with the Lilac family, and the Roman royal family’s recognition of Charlotte, the city naturally became a stronghold supporting her.

As if to validate Count Stafford’s words, when the warship docked at the deep-water pier, Charlotte saw a dense crowd waiting for her arrival.

She looked towards the pier and saw knights in silver armor and red cloaks standing tall and proud, lined up on both sides, extending all the way to the end of the road connecting to the pier.

Flags representing the Starfall Kingdom fluttered in the wind, but unlike during the Star-Moon War, these flags bore the ancient white lilacs of the Roman family, not the purple lilacs of Edward III’s lineage.

At the front of the pier, nobles dressed in various luxurious attires gathered, eagerly awaiting.

In addition to the nobles, Charlotte also spotted some clergy, including a bishop of the Holy Court dressed in golden robes.

Beyond them, curious citizens crowded around, filling the port to the brim.

The grand reception genuinely surprised Charlotte.

The welcome she received here far exceeded that of her return to the Castell territory, even surpassing the Northland nobles and citizens’ greeting.

When the warship docked and Charlotte disembarked under the protection of knights, the foremost nobles stepped forward to greet her.

Led by several visibly more ornate and higher-status Starfall nobles and the bishop of the Holy Court, they respectfully saluted Charlotte.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

Charlotte’s gaze swept over these Starfall nobles and finally rested on Count Stafford beside her. Feeling her gaze, the parliament’s speaker quickly introduced.

“Your Majesty, this is Marquis Howard, the Kingdom’s Chief Steward and a staunch supporter of the parliament.”

“This is Count Greenville Roman, the kingdom’s Court Advisor and Head of the Kingdom’s Magic Academy, representing the Roman family.”

“This is Bishop Campbell, Chief Bishop of the Holy Court’s Starfall branch.”

“And this is…”

“….”

Count Stafford respectfully introduced each noble to Charlotte.

Every time he introduced someone, the introduced noble would respectfully salute Charlotte again.

This included Bishop Campbell of the Holy Court.

Perhaps because of her “saintess” status, the church representative was also very enthusiastic towards her.

As Charlotte knew, the title “Bishop Campbell” was not just for any clergy in the Starfall Kingdom. Since the Holy Court became the official faith of Starfall, every king’s coronation was performed by the “Bishop Campbell.”

After the introductions, Charlotte roughly understood the commonality among these welcoming nobles.

They were all staunch parliament faction nobles, allies of the parliament faction, or supporters of the Roman royal family.

And, of course, the Holy Court aligned with the parliament’s interests.

Charlotte couldn’t help but feel astonished at the substantial noble support she received, having braced herself for difficulties.

However, after introducing several nobles, Count Stafford’s smile gradually faded.

His gaze swept between the nobles, his brows furrowing.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at Marquis Howard, the highest-ranking noble present, and quietly asked in a low voice.

“Marquis, hasn’t Duke West and the Knights arrived?”

Upon hearing Count Stafford’s question, Marquis Howard hesitated.

He glanced at Charlotte, who was conversing with the nobles, sighed, and whispered.

“Speaker, they… haven’t come.”