Choi San

San's coronation has been the most anticipated event in Wonderland. Nobles and citizens alike have been waiting for this day. They can't wait to see their beloved prince declared as the Crown Prince, the one who'd inherit the empire.

The preparation for his coronation started a month ago. The servants were busy decorating the palace, moving here and there, sometimes even bumping into the prince himself in a hurry. San always had to remind them to take it slow and rest.

San's father, the King's health had been deteriorating, hence, he was in a hurry to declare San as the Crown Prince.

He could see the head servant, Lee Yeonjin—a loyal servant of the palace for at least four consecutive reigns—approaching him. She asked him for the hundredth time about the decoration for the dining hall. He internally wanted to throw her into the river. However, he couldn't possibly do that as Prince San was known to be the epitome of calm and composure. He simply complied with her request.

During a coronation, the forthcoming king goes to the Sky Temple—the main temple of Wonderland—to ask for the Spirits' Blessings in public. One can only become a king if the Spirits deem one worthy.

That means San would have to go there as well. He wished that the Spirits would think that he was worthy to rule Wonderland and give him their blessings. He did not have any ulterior motive other than helping his kingdom flourish, except for the fact that he hated the corrupt ministers and nobles.

---

The day of the coronation was here. The palace was hectic—had been hectic.

San took a bath and freshened up. He wore the robe his maidservants had chosen for him. They always had a good taste.

He met up with his father and departed for the Sky Temple along with the General, the Royal Guard, and several other guards.

The Head Priest guided them inside the temple. He could tell that the Priest loved his job as he couldn't stop talking about the Spirits.

Entering the main hall, San's eyes landed on the people present. Ministers. Nobles. Commoners. His people. He climbed the raised platform, sitting in front of the priest. His heart raced. Will the Spirits accept him?

The Priest kept a glass stone in his hand, which contained the Spirits of the entire Wonderland. Its color resembled that of the sky. After he accepted the first promise to the Air Spirits, he felt like he entered a different dimension. When he opened his eyes, he was standing on a mountain from where he could see the entire Wonderland.

Protect it.

San was hurled back to the moment, the glass shattering in his hand. Similarly, he picked up the Water stone, the Earth stone, and then the Fire stone.

"Congratulations. The Spirits have deemed you worthy," the Head Priest said, his voice slightly shaky. He stood up slowly. The hall roared as everyone in the room clapped.

Later, he kneeled down on one knee in front of his father, his head down. The King carefully placed the crown on his head.

"I declare my son, Choi San, as the Crown Prince of Wonderland."

His father spoke, his voice thundering around the hall. There was a mix of pride and hope in his voice—a hope that his son would be a better king than him.

San stood up and bowed to the people, a hand on his heart.

The nobles followed San and the King to the palace for a banquet—a celebration for San's coronation. As much as San hated to invite them to his home, it was necessary as a way to please the nobles. However, no matter what one does, they are never pleased.

After the end of all the festivities, the King let the nobles stay in the palace for a week. San knew he would try his best to avoid them, not wanting to talk to them.

At night, San and his father stood on the balcony, quietly drinking wine.

An urgent knock on the door interrupted the serene moment between the father and son.

"Enter," San's father muttered.

A servant entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty. Crown Prince San," she said, breathing heavily. She probably ran here. "T-There's an e-emergency," she stammered, clearly panicking and nervous.

San's brows furrowed; there was no other reaction on his face. His father's face was even harder to read.

"Calm down and tell us properly," San said, his voice steady and low. "What happened?"

"The Crescent B-Blades attacked the palace of Minister of V-Velan, Lee Hyojong," the servant said, still stammering slightly. "All the nobles are demanding an audience."

San looked at his father, but his face showed no reaction, so San spoke. "Crescent Blades? Why would a band of mercenaries attack a noble's house?"

"We'll have to see," his father said, his voice low.

They reached the meeting room. San followed behind his father as he mounted the platform. His father sat on his throne, and San sat on his, beside his father's. All the nobles in the room bowed deeply.

"Hyojong," the King spoke. "What is the issue?"

"Your Majesty," Hyojong stood up, wearing a blue robe. His hair was starting to turn grey above his forehead. "The Crescent Blades attacked my palace while I was here. This is not acceptable."

The Crescent Blades were an infamous mercenary group. They were highly trained in combat. The citizens considered them heroes, for they had stood up against these corrupt nobles multiple times, including Lee Hyojong.

Among the ministers, Lee Hyojong had the worst reputation, filled with endless corruption and disregard for the people. He even had the worst possible personality.

"How did you know?" The King asked calmly. "What did they do?"

"I found out from my right-hand man, Your Majesty," Lee Hyojong said, anger simmering beneath his composure. "They invaded my palace and killed a few of my guards."

"Father," San spoke, keeping his voice steady. "They are mercenaries. They only do things for pay. Possibly, someone hired them to orchestrate this attack."

"San is right," his father spoke. "Rather than catching the mercenaries, we should catch the person who paid them to do this."

"But-" Lee Hyojong interrupted, but the King paid him no heed.

"I will send San to investigate the case, alright?" The King declared. "Any objections?"

No one objected, and the meeting ended then and there.

The next day, San prepared to go outside, wearing a cream-beige outer robe with wide sleeves that drape loosely, a black sleeveless vest over it, and a black belt pulling at his waist with detailed gold carvings (same as the picture).

The problems of a noble didn't matter to him. This was similar to a morning stroll for him.