Chapter 501: The Weight of a Throne

Ethan's POV

The room remained frozen, every ruler waiting, calculating. Then Chris spoke again, his voice steady, absolute.

"I ask all of you here to support this transition."

A ripple of surprise passed through the room. Support? Chris Blackwood had never asked for support before. He had taken, commanded, dictated. Yet here he was, putting forth a request in a room filled with some of the most dangerous minds on the planet.

Of course, it wasn't truly a request.

It was a move.

Chris turned slightly toward Classic, not breaking eye contact with the rulers before him.

"For years, the Blackwood Empire has stood unchallenged. Its influence woven into the foundation of global economies, politics, and security. But power is not static. It evolves. It must be tested, proven."

His words were deliberate, pressing the weight of expectation onto Classic's shoulders.

"And so, I present to you—Classic Blackwood, the acting ruler of this empire."

Silence.

Then the murmurs started. Whispers exchanged between monarchs, advisors leaning in toward their sovereigns. Some skeptical. Some intrigued. Others… waiting.

The Emir of Saudi Arabia remained unreadable, but his gaze flickered toward Classic, assessing. The Queen of Spain was the first to break the silence, sipping her wine before tilting her head.

"You ask for our support, Your Imperial Majesty," she said, her voice laced with curiosity. "But what exactly does that entail?"

Chris smirked.

"A ruler is not made in isolation. To lead an empire is to manage alliances, to balance power, to prove one's worth before those who hold their own thrones." He gestured slightly toward Classic. "I do not expect blind loyalty. I expect scrutiny. Watch him. Test him. If he fails, the throne remains mine. But if he succeeds… you will have witnessed the rise of the next era."

Classic's jaw tightened slightly, but he did not falter. He understood exactly what was happening.

Chris wasn't handing him power. He was forcing him to fight for it—under the watchful eyes of the world's most powerful rulers.

"And if we refuse?" The King of England's voice was casual, but there was steel beneath it.

Chris's smirk deepened, his eyes flashing.

"Then you're betting against a Blackwood."

Silence. A heavy, suffocating silence.

The meaning was clear. Betting against a Blackwood had never ended well for anyone.

I glanced at Classic. His expression was unreadable, but I knew this moment would define him.

Would he stand? Would he rise?

The world was watching.

And Chris… Chris was waiting.