Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 128-129 - Returning Home in Glory
The behemoth let out a deafening shriek that seemed to tear the sky apart, and Renn felt the ground beneath his feet tremble slightly.

This is normal; for a long time in the past, this cry has been regarded as an ominous sign of impending death and destruction.

Renn quickly grabbed the cape on his shoulders to prevent it from being blown away by the strong wind.

He steadied himself, straightened his slightly weak legs, and continued up the steps leading to the top of the temple, trying to banish the bizarre and terrifying image of the Dexon War Beast from his mind.

The massive body covered in a hard carapace, and four small, cold eyes peeking out from between the gaps in the carapace.

War Beasts possess a magical power that makes them unforgettable once seen, and they will reappear in one's deepest nightmares.

Renn thought to himself, "Perhaps this is why those beast lords are so obsessed with them."

Fortunately, this disturbing scene did not last long.

Soon, his gaze was drawn to the magnificent and solemn attire of the Royal Guard and the Paladins.

Clad in ceremonial armor that gleamed with metallic sheen, they stood ramrod straight like sculptures, bowing in unison as Raine approached the grand colonnade leading to the Royal Court, which was rapidly filling with people.

Their gleaming shoulder armor reflected a flickering light under the glow of the artificial torches.

A squad of paladins followed behind him with steady steps, their armor clattering rhythmically.

Clearly, in his eagerness to display Ondron's "glory" to the galaxy, King Sanjay Rush dressed the entire court in the most magnificent attire available in his territory.

The massive bronze doors slowly opened inward with the heavy creak of hinges, and the waiting crowd surged into the courtroom like a tidal wave.

Before my eyes, it seemed as if a vast expanse of purple imperial crown flowers had suddenly bloomed.

This is one of the most famous specialties of the planet Ondron. The gorgeous pale purple silk is made into cloaks and dresses in large quantities, with intricate family crests embroidered on it with gold and silver threads.

This stands in stark contrast to the simple life of Sanjay's predecessor, King Ramses Dendup.

At that time, the nobles wore only the Dundup family's signature white and gold attire, and the palace walls were not adorned with these giant murals depicting heroic deeds or dazzling brocade curtains; instead, they appeared simple and dignified.

The royal court was once a sacred hall of the dynasty, so nobles had to strictly adhere to the rule that they could only wear colors designated by the ruling family.

But now, everything is for the sake of showcasing so-called "cultural brilliance".

If they could temporarily forget that they were in the midst of a galactic war, the scene before them wasn't so bad.

The paladins only signaled that Raine could proceed once the courtroom was packed with elegantly dressed nobles and officials.

They wore barrel-shaped helmets that completely covered their faces and gripped old-fashioned laser guns tightly in their hands.

As Ryan walked among them, he felt more like a prisoner being escorted than a returning nobleman.

As he walked, he looked around the interior of the building.

Here, towering vaulted ceilings are supported by walls made of massive stones, with beams made of precious decantium wood, hanging from huge crystal chandeliers, and baskets filled with purple imperial crown flowers placed all around.

Colorful, rainbow-like flags and silk ribbons hung down from above, fluttering in the cold wind that seemed to come from nowhere.

A loud bugle call suddenly sounded, announcing his arrival.

Immediately following was the announcement from the Grand Eunuch in a loud, drawn-out voice: "Please welcome Rear Admiral Rein of the Bontri family...!"

Rear Admiral...

Ryan had to admit that the title did sound much more impressive than "Captain." Just then, a sudden gust of wind, carrying the chill of the mountains, swept into the courtroom, causing the flags to flutter and tumble wildly, instantly catching Ryan's attention.

The flags of the Rush family, the Dendup family, the Kaya family, the Tilly family, the Petrif family, the Tandin family, the Oar family... all representing the major noble families are there.

However, there was no Bontri family flag—in fact, just as he passed under the flagpole, he glimpsed two servants frantically trying to unfurl a pale purple and blue-green flag, which was the Bontri family coat of arms.

This means that, somewhat surprisingly, neither his sister Mina nor his brother Lux were among the crowd in the stands.

The only family that was equally absent and ignored the royal summons was the Kira family.

However, no one would easily question or provoke this special family.

Renn stopped a few steps away from the throne. He did not kneel, but bowed slightly, performing a standard noble greeting.

This gesture, though silent, clearly indicated that he had come as a Confederate envoy, not as an ordinary nobleman of Ondron.

In addition, it's also because he does have a little bit of a grudge in his heart.

He didn't really want to kneel, and given his special status this time, he wouldn't be punished for doing so.

King Sanjay Rush paused briefly on his throne before rising to his feet.

He wore a magnificent robe in gold and black, his ceremonial armor inlaid with jewels that shone brightly under the chandelier, and the golden crown on his head was dazzling.

He gracefully descended the steps of the throne.

"Welcome home, son of Ondron!" The king's voice boomed, echoing throughout the spacious courtroom. "You have demonstrated the power and loyalty of our world to the galaxy, returning in glory to be the pride of Ondron! In this solemn court, who can deny the honor this man deserves?"

His response was the rhythmic, heavy thud of the paladins' steel boots on the ground, and the howling wind blowing in from the open colonnade behind the throne.

If someone listens closely, they might faintly hear the orderly howls of Lupinmon in the distance, as well as the more ferocious shrieks of Drexmon and Skreefmon.

Amidst the hustle and bustle and the play of light and shadow, the king maintained a calm and amiable expression through his meticulously manicured beard.

He paused for a moment, seemingly waiting for a more enthusiastic response, but only received silence.

He finally turned slowly and ascended his throne once more.

“Your Majesty, I have returned when the situation allows,” Renn said, his voice slightly stiff and his words cautious, “but I have something on my mind before our battle is finally won, and I dare not accept any reward.”

He slightly raised his gaze to meet the eyes of the person on the throne.

“Don’t be so modest, Rear Admiral,” King Rush’s smile faded slightly. This subtle change was a clear warning, reminding him that for the sake of both sides’ face, it was best not to refuse his “generosity.” “You must have something to ask for. Speak.”

His eyes seemed to be screaming silently.

Tell me you want the position of lord of the Bontley family!

I will give it to you!
With Mina and Lux ​​absent, this may be the closest Ryan has ever come to seizing control of the family.

Renn was certain that at least half the nobles in the courtroom were holding their breath, waiting for him to make this request.

After all, compared to the current Lord of Bontri, who should theoretically be his mother's regent, he was actually his younger brother Lux.

He was much older than Lux, and he was certain that he could reclaim the title through some long-forgotten, obscure inheritance law.

(End of this chapter)