Ancient Empire Calendar, Year 1835
The 19th century had witnessed the bloodiest wars in human history.
The Second Great Kislavein-Ashbrum War had triggered a domino effect. Together with the wars that took place in the following years, a total of two hundred million people lost their lives.
In the year 1800, the Five Ancient Dynasties had conducted censuses: one hundred million people lived in each Land, a total of five hundred million people.
All the wars and massacres that took place had caused the death of as many people as the population of two Lands—that is, 40% of the human population had been slaughtered.
Ricardo was responsible for at least half of all these massacres. He was aware of this fact, but his heart had hardened.
"I don't even remember the number of people I've killed anymore. When did I become like this? Is it because of the memories of my ancestor Harloumen VIII? Was it when I committed my first genocide? Or was I always this kind of person? If I can even call myself human anymore..."
Marilin pitied Ricardo's sorrowful state.
"Ricardo, pull yourself together. You united the Five Lands. Thanks to you, in the distant future, there will be no more wars and massacres. You may have saved more than you killed. Think of it that way."
Ricardo forced a fake smile.
"Thank you, my love."
Marilin brought her hands to her womb.
"I'm pregnant. The doctors said they expect twins."
Ricardo jumped up with joy.
"Really?"
Marilin slowly stood up.
"Yes."
Ricardo hugged and kissed Marilin. All his sorrow had vanished.
Time flowed swiftly.
Preparations for Darius's ascension to the throne continued.
Around this time, Ricardo learned that his concubine Freya had given birth to a daughter.
Before setting out on the campaign, while with Freya, they had decided on the name of their future child.
If it was a boy, they would name him Roberto; if a girl, Aria. And they had a girl.
Due to the great distance, Ricardo received the news of his daughter Aria's birth months later.
"This news belongs to the year 1834. It arrives only now, months later. I should really address these communication issues sometime."
Weeks followed one another, and finally, all preparations were complete.
Dynasties from the South, North, and Central Lands that had not been destroyed in the war, as well as Western and Eastern Dynasties, also attended this ceremony.
The ceremony began. The doors of the Throne Hall were opened wide.
Ricardo was the first to enter the hall. Behind him was Darius, and behind him came the important figures of the Arfas Dynasty.
The important figures lined up in two rows before the throne. Darius ascended the steps and sat on his throne.
Ricardo came before Darius, took the crown in his hand, and raised it high.
"I, Krael II Kislavein, the 66th Dynasty Lord of the Kislavein Dynasty, in your presence, will crown the first Dynasty Lord of the Cyrus Dynasty, the new ruling dynasty of the Southern Lands. Long live Darius I Cyrus!"
As Ricardo placed the crown on Darius's head, the hall resounded with a mighty voice.
"LONG LIVE DYNASTY LORD DARIUS! LONG LIVE! LONG LIVE! LONG LIVE!"
That evening, everyone celebrated, trying to shake off the ashes of war.
Conversations were held, new friendships were forged over feasts and drinks, and marriage alliances were made.
People from different Lands ate at the same table, as if they hadn't been trying to slaughter each other just a short time ago.
Ricardo and Darius sat at the head of the table, conversing privately.
No Lord or Lady at the table dared to join this conversation.
"Cyrus Dynasty Lord Darius, I hear you have a son."
Darius confirmed.
"Yes, Krael II Kislavein, Dynasty Lord of Kislavein. I have a son named Mahendera. Why do you ask?"
Ricardo made his intention clear.
"My eldest daughter from my wife Lady Marilin, Ashilde, has turned 11. What I mean is, let's betroth my daughter Ashilde to your son Mahendera. Let them marry when they both turn 18."
Darius was quite pleased with this offer.
"I accept. This will both create a blood tie between our Dynasties and end the blood feud between our peoples."
The two Dynasty Lords began to laugh. At that moment, one person dared to intrude upon their conversation: Darius's father, Arash.
"I greet the Kislavein Dynasty Lord."
"What do you want, Lord Arash?" asked Ricardo.
Arash replied.
"Kislavein Dynasty Lord, with your approval, shall we begin preparations for your wedding with my daughter Parisa starting tomorrow?"
Ricardo approved.
"Very well. You handle these matters."
Arash bowed and withdrew. The celebrations continued throughout the night.