The Four Directions Avenue.
Accompanied by the sound of cavalry hooves, the great King of Britain - Duncan - arrived at his loyal Paris.
Under the fluttering flags, Duncan's gallant and towering figure appeared surrounded by hundreds of Personal Guard Cavalry. A majestic black warhorse proudly raised its head, and all the people along the way couldn't help but cheer thunderously. Nobles and commoners alike bowed to show their respect, while enthusiastic Frankish maidens scattered petals on the streets. Even with the guards' attempts to drive them away, many vibrant Barbarian Race maidens gathered to catch a glimpse, unabashed in displaying their youthful and lively beauty.
Everyone knew that King of Britain - Duncan had yet to have any offspring. Though he was still quite young, the ever-growing empire required a legitimate heir.
Now it was a matter of whose womb was most fortuitous.
The Franks were the most Romanized branch of the Germanic tribes. They later established the church as the state religion, gaining support from the church, which played a significant role in the rise of the Frankish Kingdom.
The current situation was beyond what Anya's favor could suppress. Among those welcoming Duncan's victorious return were not only the local Frankish nobles with their wives and daughters, all dolled up, but also individuals from the British Province, who brought along many young and beautiful female family members.
Not far away, Crow Queen - Triss looked somewhat helpless, as the Polytheism Priestess beside her seemed eager to move. Yet, intimidated by her authority, they could only secretly send covetous glances.
Young, valiant, handsome, with a record of victory, vast wealth, a powerful army, unparalleled authority, and a future likely involving ascension as Emperor of an empire.
With all these elements combined, Duncan was indeed restrained, otherwise, he would have been overwhelmed by noble women and maidens. At the last victory banquet, dozens of self-assured beauties crowded around him, yet couldn't even get a chance to speak.
When you possess supreme royal power, beauty is just a seasoning in life.
The Governor's Residence.
Queen Lysiniya voluntarily greeted the triumphantly returning Duncan. As she looked at the cheering crowds in the distance, she was momentarily dazed, because these were all things her former husband, Valentinian III, could only long for but never attain.
Whenever Protector of the Realm Aetius returned victorious, the Roman people would cheer and celebrate his welcome, and Valentinian III would always show a hint of longing and envy.
She didn't quite understand it before, but amid these turbulent times, Queen Lysiniya suddenly understood.
She even somewhat wished to stand beside that man, to enjoy this moment in the limelight and welcome the cheers of thousands of people.
To use a phrase from later generations.
It doesn't matter who becomes the Emperor of the empire, but she wanted to be the queen. If nothing else, she wanted her daughters to ascend.
Thinking of this, Queen Lysiniya couldn't help but glance behind her; the Eldest Princess Eudoxia's eyes sparkled. Such grand scenes seemed to excite her, and her gaze towards that man revealed a hint of admiration and reverence. Although she was the Eldest Princess, she never enjoyed such spectacle because Valentinian III had no military achievements and was almost impossible to be cheered on by the Roman populace.
Next to her, Princess Praxidica appeared quieter. She was a serene lady, and although her eyes gleamed slightly, she wasn't as excited and didn't have such great ambitions.
The three of them, mother and daughters, had been in Paris for a while now.
Clearly, Queen Lysiniya herself had no chance because she had tried before but undoubtedly was dismissed due to the age difference and other reasons. From all aspects and factors, it was indisputable that her daughters were more suitable, as both daughters carried the royal bloodline of the Eastern and Western Roman Empire.
Compared to the quiet Praxidica Princess, the Eldest Princess Eudoxia was more proactive.
But being proactive was useless.
The opportunities she had to see Duncan were scarce, even actively requesting a meeting would often be rejected due to busy official duties. Contrarily, the quietly uncompetitive Praxidica Princess was quite valued, with Anya showing care for her daily life, and even Crow Queen - Triss taking the time to see her a few times.
Queen Lysiniya also possessed a political instinct. She knew her younger daughter actually had a better chance, and she appeared less threatening.
At this moment, Duncan had already reached the Governor's Residence surrounded by the masses.
Queen Lysiniya had just intended to step forward to greet him, but someone was already ahead of her. Today, Crow Queen - Triss didn't appear and quietly watched from a distance, while Anya actively advanced to the forefront, Queen Lysiniya was half a step behind, followed by the two young princesses.
Instantly, many gazes fell on the alluring Anya, who proudly held her head high like a peacock, radiating with splendor, soaking in the masses' attention until she reached Duncan, where she knelt and bowed to welcome the King of Britain back.
Duncan looked at the proud Anya, smiled, his gaze gentle, with a hint of indulgence. He turned and nodded toward Crow Queen - Triss's direction, then reached out to hold Anya's fair and slender hand.
In that instant!
Thunderous cheers erupted.
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