Chapter 460: The Chain of Command Is Set

Ethan Carter – Supreme Chancellor

The call had ended, but the weight of Chris Blackwood's words still lingered in the air.

The officials seated at the grand table exchanged looks, silently taking in the new power structure. Christiana sat stiffly, her hands clasped on the table, her expression unreadable—but I knew her well enough to recognize the disappointment beneath the surface.

She had expected to be my superior. Instead, she had been placed beneath me.

I shifted slightly in my seat, allowing the silence to stretch just a little longer. Let them absorb the reality.

Control Must Be Asserted

Finally, I spoke, my voice calm but firm.

"Now that the chain of command has been clarified, I expect no further discussions on it. You all heard His Majesty. My word is final."

No one dared to object. Even Christiana remained silent, though her fingers curled slightly against the polished surface of the table.

Still, she wasn't foolish enough to challenge me openly—not yet.

Instead, she turned her gaze toward me, her tone even but laced with a sharp edge.

"Then tell me, Ethan, what does this mean for my role in decision-making?"

I leaned back in my chair, studying her.

"It means you still have significant authority, Christiana, but your commands will never override mine unless the King himself orders it."

A subtle shift in the room. A few of the ministers seemed relieved. Others looked cautious.

Christiana, however, didn't react immediately. Instead, she exhaled through her nose before nodding once. "Fine."

She wouldn't fight this now. But I knew she would look for another way to exert influence.

A Test of Power

To reinforce my standing, I turned to the gathered officials.

"Each of you will be expected to report directly to me. Any major decisions must pass through my office before implementation. If any of you fail to do so, consider your positions compromised."

The weight of my words settled over them.

One of the advisors, an older man who had served for decades, cleared his throat and nodded. "Understood, Chancellor."

The others quickly followed suit. None of them would dare oppose me—not when Chris had made my position absolute.

A Warning for Christiana

I turned my gaze back to her, lowering my voice just slightly.

"I hope we won't have any conflicts regarding authority, Christiana. It would be… unfortunate."

Her lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor in it.

"Likewise, Ethan."

A silent battle of wills passed between us.

This wasn't over. Christiana was too ambitious to accept second place so easily.

But for now, she had no choice.

And that was enough.