Chapter 514: The Weight of a Decision

Ethan's POV

Silence hung in the air. They understood.

Chris had not come to ask for their approval—he had come to deliver a reality they could no longer ignore.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was the first to shift uncomfortably. "And if we choose neutrality?"

Chris tilted his head slightly, his smirk barely visible. "Neutrality is an illusion. You either adapt to the new order or become irrelevant."

The Chancellor of Germany frowned, trying to regain some sense of control. "And what exactly does aligning with the Blackwood Union entail?"

Christiana leaned forward this time, her tone sharp.

"It means your nations will recognize the authority of the Blackwood Empire. It means your economies will integrate with ours, your policies will align with our interests, and your military actions will require approval from our council."

The King of Spain clenched his jaw. "So you're asking us to become vassal states."

Chris exhaled, amused. "I'm not asking."

Tension surged through the room.

I watched as rulers exchanged glances, realizing the truth—resistance was not an option. The world had already been reshaped, and they were just now realizing they had no seat at the table unless Chris allowed it.

The Emir of Saudi Arabia, Amal's father, finally spoke.

"Your Majesty, the Blackwood Empire's strength is undeniable. But alliances require mutual benefit. What do we gain from this?"

Chris nodded slightly, acknowledging the legitimacy of the question.

"Prosperity. Stability. The guarantee that your rule remains unchallenged—by both internal and external threats. Align with the Blackwood Union, and your nation will thrive. Stand against it…" His gaze swept across the room. "And you will find out what happens to those who do."

Another heavy silence.

The King of France leaned forward, voice steady. "And if we agree?"

Christiana smirked. "Then your nations will be given privileged status within the Union. Your leaders will retain their thrones, your economies will benefit from Blackwood investments, and your militaries will be reinforced by our global presence. A new world order—one where you are part of the ruling class, not the opposition."

Chris tapped his fingers against the table, his patience running thin.

"You all have a choice. Make it now."

Slowly, one by one, rulers began to nod.

The King of France. The Emperor of Japan. The Tsarina of Russia. The King of Italy. The Emir of Saudi Arabia.

Even the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, despite his earlier resistance, finally exhaled and gave a small nod.

Only Germany hesitated.

Chris turned his gaze to the Chancellor.

"You look uncertain."

The Chancellor met his stare, his pride fighting against the inevitable. "Germany has always been a sovereign force. We do not submit easily."

Chris leaned back, eyes unreadable.

"Then submit the hard way."

A long pause.

Then, finally… the Chancellor lowered his head.

"Germany aligns with the Blackwood Union."

And with that, it was done.

Chris had reshaped the world.