One Piece: Tainted Throne

Through the Five Elders, Romantis soon learned that the Germa Kingdom had fled to the East Blue.

However, he paid little attention to this. The longer Germa remained in hiding, the more time he had to consolidate control over the Four Northern Nations.

This was an advantage rather than a problem. Compared to that, Audrey's coronation was far more important to him.

For the next week, the Heim Kingdom was abuzz with preparations for the grand ceremony.

The war-ravaged royal capital underwent extensive restoration. Of course, these tasks were handled by subordinates—Romantis merely assigned Baruch to oversee the proceedings.

Under the joint efforts of Heim Kingdom and the World Government, the day of the coronation finally arrived.

The entire kingdom was in a festive mood, not just because of the new queen's ascension but also because of the devastating war with Germa.

The battle had nearly driven Heim into despair. With the war's shadow finally lifting, the people desperately needed an occasion to vent their suppressed emotions.

Within the capital, crowds lined both sides of the grand avenue leading to the palace, eagerly awaiting the ceremony. Kingdom soldiers stood in formation along the road, maintaining order.

As Heim Kingdom's royal capital, the city housed nearly three hundred thousand people. With visitors pouring in to witness the coronation, the number had swelled to nearly four hundred thousand.

The crowd stretched from the city gates all the way to the vast plaza outside the palace.

To ensure that no citizen missed this historic event, Romantis had screening Den Den Mushi set up in every village and town across the kingdom, broadcasting the coronation ceremony live.

"St. Romantis, it's time."

In his chambers, Romantis stood before a mirror as attendants helped him into a pristine white noble's outfit, embroidered with intricate golden and silver patterns.

The attire, coupled with his regal demeanor, exuded an aura of divine majesty.

"I see. Leave me."

"Yes, my lord."

At his command, the attendants quietly withdrew from the room. Gazing at his reflection, Romantis smiled.

"Rejoice, for a new god has arrived."

.........

Throughout the capital, all eyes were locked on the palace gates, awaiting the arrival of the Celestial Dragon.

Though the nobility of the world generally despised the Celestial Dragons, centuries of World Government propaganda had deeply ingrained the belief that they were the descendants of the creators—beings beyond question or defiance.

Thus, the people came. Some out of curiosity, most out of obligation.

Among the crowd, however, some were genuinely excited—especially the hidden journalists. A Celestial Dragon appearing in public was a guaranteed front-page sensation.

If they could capture exclusive footage, it could mean a promotion, wealth, and prestige.

The vast plaza outside the palace was packed with thousands, all of whom held some level of status within the kingdom. After all, only the highest-ranking nobles had the privilege of witnessing the ceremony from within the palace itself.

As the people waited in hushed anticipation, a golden pillar of light suddenly descended from the sky, illuminating the entire capital. The dazzling radiance forced everyone to shield their eyes.

"What's happening?!"

As the brilliance faded, a figure appeared in midair.

A man in pure white robes hovered above them, suspended in the sky. Behind him, three pairs of angelic wings spread wide, their sacred glow shimmering beneath the sun's rays.

"A six-winged angel…? Do such divine beings truly exist?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Holy Light—Purification."

From the celestial figure's hands, beams of silver-white radiance descended upon the city, enveloping its inhabitants. As the light touched them, an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity washed over them, banishing all worries, all pain—leaving only serenity.

It was as though their very souls had been purified.

This ability, Holy Light Purification, was one of Romantis' Devil Fruit powers—granted by the Mythical Zoan, Human-Human Fruit, Model: Six-Winged Angel.

The ability cleansed all negative conditions, including pain, exhaustion, and even lingering doubts toward Romantis himself.

Of course, it wasn't omnipotent. It could only slightly diminish hostility, not outright brainwash people. Those who harbored deep-seated resentment would remain unaffected.

"It's Saint Romantis!"

Recognition spread quickly.

Yes, the divine being floating above them was none other than Romantis himself.

Since arriving in this world, he had made a calculated decision to claim one of its most powerful treasures—an Akuma no Mi.

Through his connections, he had obtained several formidable Devil Fruits, spanning all three classifications: Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia.

After careful deliberation, he had chosen the Mythical Zoan Human-Human Fruit, Model: Six-Winged Angel.

Beyond granting the power of holy light, the fruit significantly enhanced his physical capabilities. More importantly, it aligned perfectly with human perceptions of divinity, allowing him to further his agenda of deification.

For years, he had carefully laid the groundwork for this moment.

Since acquiring his fruit, he had orchestrated a vast propaganda campaign—disseminating stories, myths, and legends about divine angels across the world.

Through novels, folktales, and supposed "eyewitness accounts," he had ingrained the image of the Six-Winged Angel into public consciousness.

In every tale, the six-winged angel was the embodiment of holiness, wisdom, and order. A celestial being beyond mortal comprehension.

A beggar, lost in despair, received the angel's guidance—unlocking an unparalleled talent for business and rising to become the kingdom's wealthiest merchant, surrounded by wealth and servants.

A powerless commoner, cornered by ruthless pirates, was granted the angel's blessing—transforming into an unstoppable warrior and driving off the invaders, ultimately marrying a beautiful princess and ascending to the throne.

A humble soldier, guided by the angel's wisdom, discovered an ancient treasure, ate a legendary Devil Fruit, and became a renowned warrior, feared across the seas.

A struggling youth, blessed by the angel, joined the Marines—rising through the ranks to become a hero, revered across the world.

A fallen prince, whose kingdom was destroyed by pirates, found himself stranded on a deserted island—until the Six-Winged Angel descended upon him.

Under the angel's tutelage, he honed his skills, returned home, and not only avenged his fallen kin but established an even greater empire.

In every tale, the moral was the same: encountering the angel meant having one's destiny rewritten.

The themes were universal—rags to riches, heroism rewarded, justice prevailing, and dreams fulfilled. Everything people craved, Romantis had fed to them, shaping their perception through carefully crafted stories.

Over time, these narratives became more than fiction—they became beliefs. Legends. Cultural truths that spanned generations.

Now, as Romantis descended upon Heim's capital in his divine form, the people were not merely witnessing a Celestial Dragon.

They were seeing a living legend.

The crowd fell to their knees.

Not just out of fear.

But out of hope.

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