“Well then, Melty Melromarc . . .” Trash said.

“I present myself,” Melty offered.

“You have managed the territory ruled by the Shield Hero, aiding in maintaining the peace in his lands. I am told these deeds have turned a previously abandoned territory into a rich and successful one. This was no easy feat to achieve. All of the people of our nation of Melromarc expect even greater things from you in the future,” Trash intoned. Shouts of support from those same people could be heard from outside. “As of this day, you shall lead our nation as the queen of Melromarc. You shall henceforth be known as Melty Q. Melromarc.”

“I am humbled and overjoyed,” Melty responded.

“Now, the crown.” Trash proceeded to place the crown on Melty’s head and then take a step back. “I hereby affirm the coronation of Melty Q. Melromarc.”

More cheering and applause broke out. It was the moment in which Melromarc got a new queen, so some celebration was probably to be expected. Melty proceeded to the terrace and leaned out over the railing so the people could get a good look at her.

“Hooray for Queen Melty!”

“Hooray for the Queen!”

“Melromarc forever!”

These and other shouts rang up from the crowd. Although she was just one small girl, Melty smiled in the face of all of these expectations from her people.

“My most worthy subjects! I am Melty Q. Melromarc, the new queen of Melromarc. Will you please join me in continuing to fight, for the sake of this nation and for the sake of this world?” Melty’s request was met with a roar of agreement. “This is the time for the world to come together and face the waves! I declare here and now that I will continue to support and continue to enact the wishes and requests of my mother, the previous queen!” More cheering and applause.

With that, the coronation came to an end. I saw it more as a presentation to the people than anything.

Melty sank down into the throne with an exhausted-sounding sigh. It was to be expected—the ceremony head featured the heroes, VIPs from across the nation, and representatives of the coalition army.

“Mel-chan, that was amazing! Everyone was cheering for you!” Filo offered from Melty’s side, as just someone who was happy for the success of her close friend.

“Thank you, Filo,” Melty replied.

“You’ve gotten pretty big for your boots, Melty,” I also offered, mixing in some trademark sarcasm. “Queen of the largest nation in the world! You’ve risen a long way from when I first met you.”

“What’s with the attitude?” she retorted.

“Nothing in particular. I’m just wondering what Her Majesty Queen Melty, ruler of the vast nation of Melromarc, will get up to next?” I quipped.

“Seriously, why did this have to happen to me?” Melty muttered, definitely sounding displeased. Melty had never seemed like one who wished for personal advancement. She’d been born a princess, of course, so it hadn’t really been something she had needed to go after actively herself. She was quite the contrast from her power-hungry sister, that was for sure.