(Jarvan IV - PoV)
Due to my actions, Demacia was unable to offer a team for the match and so forfeited. Thus, Noxus is now legally in control of the city. The war is finished.
Technically we could have filled the team with allies, mercenaries, etcetera. It is what the smaller factions and independents tend to do, but, well. First off, such deals are generally made in advance, not when it is literally time for the match to start. Secondly, with recent events, not many were willing to step forward to aid a dying cause. Not when even its own Champions refuse to. The League also refused to allow the use of its creatures given how the Council arranged the match in the first place.
And thus, here we are. Preparing the official transfer of power. The Council, or perhaps Laurent in particular, just so happened to have a ceremony prepared for just this eventuality. I am not sure if I should be annoyed at the expectation or surprised at the mild competence.
We stand on a great white podium, the Champions of Demacia and various notables, including the Council, of course, Laurent at their forefront. Waiting at the end of the Grand Avenue at the heart of Demacia, its white flagstones scoured of every imperfection. The Dauntless Vanguard, their armor now properly shined and in parade condition, stand at rest along the edge of the street, keeping the nervous crowds at bay.
The people are not exactly enthused with the handover but recent events have managed to shake their trust in the old ways enough that they are willing to at least listen to me. We have been at war with Noxus for generations, to see their faith, our faith, shattered in such a short time...Well, I suppose that tends to happen when crazed men storm your homes at random, making wild accusations at the slightest provocation.
I carry father's crown in my hands. That one took...some discussion. I...know what they will do to it. My family were not petty tyrant kings, abusing the people and our power. We have done our best to uphold our duties to our people, to carry our crown as a burden, not to wield its power for our own gain.
But in the end, we failed, did we not? Looking at the results, were we really so much better than those tyrants we looked upon with such scorn? Perhaps it is for the best, I certainly don't want to wear the damn thing. I just hate to destroy another memento of him...
...
Eventually, a glint of sunlight off armor at the open gates catches my attention. They have arrived...
The distance is such that I can barely make them out and they are approaching at a parade march. This is going to take a while, isn't it? Standing here in the sun. Waiting.
The urge to slap Laurent off of this platform is near overwhelming for a short moment. I doubt the Noxians would object.
No, I am really not fit for all of this political bullshit, I am a warrior.
...
Ok, I can deal with this. This is the last time I have to put up with this bullshit, then I can run off with Shyvana and possibly Xin, if he agrees to give us some actual privacy on occasion, and we can just go adventuring. Fight monsters, save villages, kill smug assholes, whatever. No more responsibilities. No more people counting on me, demanding that I do tasks so far beyond me...Yes, that sounds wonderful. No more Prince Jarvan...Just...Jarvan.
A smile crosses my face as, looking at Shyvana and thinking about it. Just spending the rest of our days, adventuring. She returns my look, though I have no idea if she knows what I am thinking.
That is what I was made for.
Looking back, the Noxians have advanced a fair bit. They are led by a number of Champions and Luxanna. Swain seems to have decided to actually leave Noxus for this ceremony. Darius, Leblanc, Katarina, Morgana, Annie, and of course, Garen.
Garen...my friend. I want to welcome him home but from the looks he is giving the city...
Perhaps it would be better to say former friend. I don't know if he will ever forgive me.
Does it matter? I am...so tired.
So very tired of just, everything.
I will continue to do my best to do good in the world. If that is enough? Great. If not?
Well, I did everything I could. So to hell with you.
...
I can feel the weight lifting from my shoulders at the thought.
Yes, today...is a very good day.
For the first time in...days? Weeks? I feel I can stand tall.
I have failed. I admit that. But I did everything in my power to rule well and justly. Now? Now it will be someone else's turn.
Swain and Darius, as the leader of Noxus, are the ones to stand directly before me, as the Champions climb the podium, their army waiting at the base of the steps, but my eyes focus on Garen. We make eye contact, locking our gazes.
Well? Your move.
...
He gives a small nod before looking away.
Agreement.
We have changed, perhaps too much. We will most likely never have the bond we once did. But he no longer holds a grudge against me and agrees I have done my best to keep my promise. Good...good.
Turning my attention back towards the ceremony I step forward.
Ok. It is almost over.
"Swain. Darius. As per the agreement with the League of Legends, Demacia formally surrenders all lands, territories, and possessions to Noxus. The war is over. All hail Noxus."
"All hail Noxus!" The troops call out loudly, as planned.
That took a bit of practice, but there is no hint of hesitation in their voices. Their faith in Garen and I is sufficient to at least give Noxus a chance. I do hope we are right...
Darius at least smiles at the call, Swain simply nods.
I gesture to the crown I carry. A signal from Darius, and it is brought forth. The cauldron.
Swain and Darius step aside, allowing me to descend the steps.
Darius speaks. "For too long, Demacia has been ruled by kings. Unlike so many, the Demacian kings at least tried to rule well. They believed they ruled with wisdom and honor. But in the end, the very foundations of their kingdom were corrupted. Their ideals a lie. There will be no more kings here."
I toss the crown away and watch it melt.
...
Goodbye, Demacia. Goodbye, father. Goodbye, responsibility.
Freedom, at last.
"A prince, on the other hand? That, we may be able to live with," Darius continues.
Wait, what?
I turn around and look up at the two figures now looming over me.
Swain speaks up now. "This, Council, that dares to stand up on this podium, has been an utter disgrace to this kingdom. The kings may have been a flawed institution, and they may have failed in their duty, but they at least attempted to rule well. These nobles? Disgraceful, miserable, wretched creatures, responsible for most of the woes and corruption that have befallen this nation since its inception."
Darius looks at the Dauntless Vanguard nearest to the podium.
"Well? What are you waiting for, men? Arrest these traitors."
They hesitate for only a fraction before storming up the steps and grabbing the suddenly protesting councilors.
The expression of shock and incomprehension on Laurent's face in particular...yes, this will be a treasured memory.
That said...what was that about a prince being acceptable? Please tell me they don't mean to...
The pair remain silent until the nobles are all dragged off the podium and Swain continues.
"Demacia is now a part of Noxus, now and forever. But it will need a strong governor to rule it. There are a great number of our people who will be installed in various offices over the coming days, to help with the transition, but the position of governor is a particularly important one. In the end, however, there is no need for us to bring in a foreign face when you already have a strong, worthy, and trusted leader, right here at home."
Please no...
"While he has certainly made mistakes, and has had his share of failures, he has shown great wisdom in admitting them. With a core of actual competent advisors to back him? We have full confidence in the abilities of Jarvan the Fourth in his role as Prince of the Noxian province of Demacia," Swain announces, to wildly cheering crowds.
Swain...you absolute bastard. I hate you so very, very much.
There really is no escape, is there?