(Jericho Swain - PoV)
A perfect day.
The sun is high in the sky, but not overwhelming. Crowds fill the streets, buzzing in excitement, rumors having swept the populace at the upcoming announcement. Lines of soldiers in well-maintained armor stand in orderly ranks, keeping the main road clear.
Darius stands patiently at my side, understanding the value of appearing strong.
Presentation is important, and it is good I can find no fault as my gaze sweeps the city. Reporters from the League shall broadcast the event on their network across the whole of Valoran.
This is a momentous day, the start of a bigger picture.
I have long toiled to lift Noxus above its petty, brutal past. To raise it to become more than the short-sighted fool Darkwill could ever imagine, to prepare it for what I know is coming. But it has been a slow, tiring slog. I have been lucky to take two steps forward before taking another back. It had gotten to the point I feared we may not be ready in time, and more desperate measures may be needed, but now? Now we have a chance.
New figures to light the fire in men's hearts and the perfect tools to finally break one of our most persistent foes, the blight upon the world that is Demacia.
It won't be quick, or easy. This entire event, this show, will just be the first step of many. Demacia is old and stubborn, we would have crushed them long ago otherwise. But they have long since rotten deep in their false, corrupt foundations, and now between might of arms and righteousness of truth, we can pull the whole false edifice down, revealing the filth they try to hide with white marble and shining gold.
Without that menace threatening us, Noxus will finally be able to exert its will on the world once more, and I can safely justify the expansion and expeditions so desperately needed. At that point, given years to accumulate resources, knowledge, power, everything we need? Let that old monster wake. We broke him once, and we will do it again. We just cannot do it in a world filled with enemies. Not without getting torn apart by vultures after our victory.
Like a lion, weakened after a hard-fought battle, finally going to enjoy its reward only to be set upon by hyenas. Disgusting.
I show nothing of my thoughts or feelings outwardly with ease of long practice, my face remaining impassive. Never let potential enemies know what you think.
The Noxian anthem ends and the gates of the city are ceremoniously opened.
"...after betrayal from those he served, from the very people he spent his life defending, they traveled across all of Valoran and now offer their service to the people of Noxus! I give you the Might of Demacia, Garen Crownguard and his sister Luxanna Crownguard!"
I can see who amongst the crowd has heard the rumors, and who has not, from those who are shocked and surprised, and those who skip straight to cheering madly.
It is amusing. A Noxian seeking sanctuary in Demacia would get a frigid reception at best, and likely never be forgiven for their previous actions no matter how hard they strive to "atone." While a Demacian famous for inflicting crushing defeat after crushing defeat upon us is welcomed with cheers and open arms after one short story. One that doesn't even touch on the most convincing reasons for his change of heart.
Power always finds a home here.
The two of them march down the main street proudly. Garen cuts his usual imposing figure, even without his famed armor, but his sister surprises me. She radiates tendrils of light magic behind her, like luminescent wings of energy, giving her an almost "angelic" figure.
Oh yes, this will play out beautifully for the cameras, Demacia's reaction should be most delightful.
I must say, I continuously underestimate the girl. Garen may be the bigger prize at the moment, but it is quickly appearing she may be the greater catch in the long term. I will have to find her a suitable teacher. How I wish I had the time to offer to train her myself...
They approach the platform we stand upon and Garen unwraps the second sword upon his back, revealing the famed one he wielded for so long in service to Demacia. A gesture from Darius and his cauldron is brought forth, bubbling with liquid metal and magic.
Garen stands tall and lifts the sword above his head, rotating and displaying it for all the crowd to see. Then plunges it into the cauldron dramatically, as we rehearsed.
The people love it.
I had intended to keep it as a trophy, but Darius wanted to melt it down, as he tends to with the crowns of undeserved petty kings. In his logic, Demacia never deserved Garen's loyalty, so the sword should share the same fate. A bit short-term, but a show like this is quite a valuable symbol, so I agreed.
Sword destroyed, the cauldron is moved away, and the two step forward in its place before us.
"Luxanna Crownguard. Citizen of Demacia, member of the noble and famed Crownguard family. Do you renounce your Demacian citizenship, and request to join Noxus as a citizen, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails?" I formally ask, magic carrying my voice across the city.
"I do." No hesitation, her voice strong, determined, and more than a little bit spiteful. Perfect.
I nod and turn to her brother.
"Garen Crownguard. Citizen of Demacia, member of the noble and famed Crownguard family. Famed member of the Demacian military. Companion of Prince Jarvan the IV. Champion of Demacia in the League of Legends. The Might of Demacia."
Quite the mouthful. I pause a moment to let it sink in exactly who is standing before me. Exactly who wants to switch sides.
"Do you renounce your Demacian citizenship, and request to join Noxus as a citizen, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails? Do you formally refute your position in Demacia's military? Do you disavow your association with Prince Jarvan the IV, and swear to inform him of no Noxian secrets, military or otherwise? Do you formally declare your intention to fight for Noxus in the League of Legends, instead of Demacia?"
Pompous. I feel so pompous, like one of the many pointless, arrogant nobles I had to remove after my ascension.
I hate it.
So many useless words. None of this means anything to the boy. If I help keep his sister safe, he will fight for me. If I betray that? He will try to kill me. Words or no words. Simple. But the show must go on.
"I do." His answer is solemn, with the weight of duty, and determination. Every bit the Might of Demacia, but playing for the other team. Again, perfect.
I look to Darius, who nods. Turning back towards the two of them, I announce. "Then as Trifarix of Vision, and with the agreement of Might and Guile, I welcome Garen and Luxanna Crownguard as Noxus two latest citizens!"
The crowd cheers wildly, the youths before me smile and wave at their new countrymen. Yes, this is a good day. The first step towards breaking Demacia, securing Noxus future, and dealing with that cursed corpse in the heart of my country.