Chapter 47 - The Trial of Fire
In the audience chamber, Lespar knelt before Queen Laevateinn III. As a Knight Commander and the Queen’s nephew, he is one of the candidates for the throne in the absence of her direct children. Suppapan, the other candidate, had been arrested for the (staged) attempted assassination of the Queen, leaving Lespar as the only one left to be officially recognized as the heir to the throne. ...That was the summary of events up until now. However, the Queen was not generous enough to hand over the right of succession for free! She declared a trial!! "The Spirit of Fire, residing in the scorched land of death...!?" "Indeed. Napalm, the Fire Spirit, takes a liking to humans and wishes to test their mettle. If you are acknowledged by him, you will surely be granted the 'Pyro-Stigma.'" The story had suddenly taken a turn toward high fantasy. Lately, it had been all power struggles, investigations, and cabaret clubs—mostly modern-style drama—so this felt rather fresh....