Chris sat on the throne, his gaze sweeping across the hall, his presence heavier than ever. Silence reigned as every official, every ruler, and every enforcer stood in unwavering attention.
Then, his voice rang out, calm yet absolute.
"From this day forth, I will never interfere in Ethan's rule unless absolutely necessary. My will has already been passed down, and it shall remain unchallenged."
Ethan stood firm, his posture unshaken, yet there was no denying the shift in power. He was no longer just the ruler—he was now the unquestionable authority.
Chris continued, his tone carrying the finality of a divine command.
"No one shall come to me to report him, to seek my intervention, or to question his decisions. Ethan's word is law. If he acts, he does so with my full approval. Let this be understood—any who defy him defy me."
The weight of those words settled over the gathered assembly. There was no room for doubt, no space for rebellion. Ethan was absolute.
Christiana stood beside her father, watching, listening. A small smirk played at the corners of her lips. This was the beginning of something irreversible.
Skylar's expression remained unreadable, though her eyes flickered with thought. She knew what this meant. This was not just power being handed over—this was the cementing of an unshakable dynasty.
Ethan stepped forward, his voice strong and unwavering.
"Then let it be known—The Blackwood Empire and the Blackwood Union will move forward under my rule. The foundations have been laid, and now, I will build upon them."
A single nod from Chris sealed it.
The hall erupted in a synchronized bow.
The new era had begun.