Three days had passed since Van returned from Rinmal, and the city was beginning to breathe life once more. News of the restored order spread through the cities of the Land of Peace.
But the people whispered with fear and wonder:
"Van didn't kill anyone…"
"Van spoke to us like one of our own…"
"Van came sick, yet strong."
On the fourth day, Van gathered the army commanders and city representatives and announced what no one expected.
---
In the Hall of Judgment, before everyone, Van spoke confidently:
"The Land of Peace doesn't need a new ruler… it needs its heart to beat again.
For this reason, I declare Nerin, daughter of the earth, will return as queen of her land."
Murmurs stirred in the hall, but Van raised his hand and continued:
"She will rule under my banner, under my name, as the first queen under the new kingdom I build."
Then he looked to Nerin sitting beside him and asked:
"Do you accept to rule… not as a broken hand, but as one that unites?"
---
Nerin hesitated for a moment, but there was a courage in her unlike before.
She said softly but firmly:
"I accept… with one condition."
Van stepped closer and asked:
"What is it?"
She said:
"Swear that you will never ask me to be a mere figurehead.
If I am to rule, let it be real rule — not just a mask."
Van smiled, raised his right hand before everyone, and said:
"I swear by a throne I do not yet own… that you shall be the first true ruler in my kingdom, not just a shadow."
---
A few days later, in the square of Loren, the inauguration ceremony was held.
Nerin wore a white gown embroidered with gold and black — symbols of the two realms.
Van stood beside her, not above her.
A double banner was raised on the castle — the symbol of Peace and the symbol of Valdera.
---
From that day on, the land called her:
"Queen Nerin, ruler under Van's banner, lord of the west… and king of the coming era."
And in the hearts of the people, a new idea was born:
That power is not to crush… but the strength to hold a hand that loves it.