The true king has returned

"Marshal Wu," Councilor Valerius' voice cut through the air, amplified by the hall's acoustics, "you have held this declaration for far too long. The Republic has chosen its path. Relinquish your claim and hand it over to the current Marshal. It is the will of the people."

Marshal Wu's jaw tightened. He clenched his fist tighter determination etched across his face. He couldn't, wouldn't, surrender it. Not until Han Xin returned. Not until the rightful heir claimed his birthright.

"Speak, Marshal," another Councilor urged, the word echoed by several others. The pressure mounted. The Republic watched, their hopes and fears hanging in the balance. To refuse was to invite chaos, to be branded a traitor.

Marshal Wu met their gazes, his own unwavering. "I cannot," he said, his voice resonating with conviction. "I cannot hand over this declaration until the true heir to the crown, the son of the stars, ascends to his rightful place."