When the plot-skips players into the game world

Chapter 136: Chapter 88 The Principles of Transcendence Path

Today's White Ballet Shoes Club had a slightly different layout than usual.

All tables on the first floor had been pushed to the corners, and the counter where Arlen and the bartender usually stood was empty. The chairs were arranged into three groups, neatly lined up in front of and to the left and right sides of the stage.

Several groups of journalists gathered in small clusters in the gaps between the sets of chairs, whispering among themselves, with several flash lamps standing by. The largest camera, almost as tall as a person and resembling a giant accordion, stood on the ground; there were also smaller cameras mounted on tripods that could be held in the hand.

There were not many guests seated at the moment, and sitting in the most central spot in the front row was a fully armored knight, helmet included. No one was sitting beside him; the circle of chairs around him remained empty. Nonetheless, he sat upright and motionless in his place.

The knight occupied two seats by himself. On the seat next to his right hand lay a two-handed, silver-white sword. Its handle was very long, constituting over a third of its length, with a long, narrow, but thick blade. The blade was not flat, but rather a thin hexagon—looking less like a "sword" and more like a lance with a sharpened edge.

This was a weapon that favored thrusting over slashing. Clearly unsuited for urban combat... it was one of the most commonly used weapons by the Sky Cavalry when mounted on Gryphons.

It rested in a thick leather scabbard, its surface plated with silver-grey, inlaid with numerous tiny diamonds that formed the cursive word "Honor" under the lights.

This was the "Sword of Honor," temporarily bestowed upon Sky Cavalry retirees who had participated in wars and achieved at least three major victories. The word "Honor" on the sword was personally designed and inscribed by Queen Sofia, the diamonds meticulously embedded one by one by the royal craftspeople.

This sword, granted by the Queen herself, encapsulated a potent force of authority. If its inheritor didn't become a member of the Sky Cavalry, the sword would be reclaimed after seventy years; if a descendant chose to join the military, they could directly enter the Avalon Royal Air Force Academy with this sword—signifying an honor passed down through generations.

Although his face was not visible from behind, the sword had already revealed the identity of the silver-armored knight. He was Director Gordon, who had just been transferred.

Under Aiwass's signal, Lily pushed Aiwass's wheelchair slowly over.

If they were caught snapping photos of Isabel, they probably wouldn't make it to tomorrow... Their doors might receive a knock tonight from a pair of white gloves in a black suit.

Those present either knelt and placed a hand on their chest in a knightly salute or bowed while touching their chests to Isabel. The greetings, while not in unison and each unique, sounded one after another.

If it had been in the past, Isabel would now be so nervous she'd freeze up.

But now, she simply took a deep breath, mustering courage.

Giving the crowd a gentle smile, mimicking Aiwass, she waved her hand gracefully, "Good afternoon, everyone. Please rise. May the Dragon of the Silver Crown bless you all."

"When the ceremony begins, you may take photographs," she said in her crisp, pleasant voice. With that, the salutes ended.

A somewhat strange thought popped into their minds.

Perhaps... the princess who seldom ventured out wasn't as shy and inarticulate as the legends suggested?

She was actually quite poised, wasn't she?

At that moment, Aiden, who had been sticking close behind Aiwass, ran forward under everyone's gaze and boldly took the chair away from Gordon's left-hand side.

Lily gracefully reversed Aiwass's wheelchair into the cleared space, and Isabel sat to Aiwass's left. This prevented those who had wanted to come over to schmooze from daring to take the seats.