I watched the seven people gather around me, kneeling on the ground and giving me their respect. In that moment, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was such an unordinary experience for someone like me. Still, it wasn't a bad feeling—far from it. Having someone's utmost trust in you was unique, almost foreign. Coming from a family that hadn't trusted me in the end… well, I didn't want to think about that now. It wasn't worth the emotional turmoil.
Instead, I chose to savor this moment here, with people who truly mattered.
Soon, everyone's eyes fell on the last person who had yet to submit to me. The silence was deafening as I stood from my throne, walking slowly toward the man still kneeling on the ground.
"I haven't asked your name yet," I said, my voice low and intimidating.
"Han Seungho," he spat out between sobs and tears. His entire body trembled, and I wasn't sure if he was preparing for death or simply overwhelmed by fear.