The Staff Attend:
The Hidden Backbone of the Empire
As the evening continued, the ball moved into its most glamorous and anticipated phase—the entrance of the Blackwood Union staff. The whispers around the ballroom began to grow, as many of the elite guests had only ever seen the staff from a distance, in their formal roles as servants or security. But tonight, Chris Blackwood had chosen to treat them differently, and the staff were about to become part of the night's spectacle.
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"And now," the master of ceremonies announced, his voice carrying across the ballroom, "we recognize those who work behind the scenes to ensure the Blackwood Union continues to thrive—the dedicated and loyal staff of the Blackwood Palace."
The guests looked toward the entrance with curiosity. For most, this was a rare occasion. The staff—comprised of guards, butlers, attendants, and secretaries—had long been the unsung heroes of the empire. Tonight, however, they were about to be acknowledged in a way they had never been before.
The staff began to enter in a procession, each individual meticulously dressed in formal attire. While their roles were often hidden, Chris had ensured that they looked their finest for the evening. Each staff member, from the highest-ranking to the lowest, was given a custom-tailored outfit. The women wore gowns in hues of emerald, sapphire, and gold, while the men donned suits and tuxedos of deep blacks and silvers, befitting the grandeur of the night.
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The First to Enter:
"General Marcus Holt, Head of Security and Chief of the Blackwood Guard."
General Holt stepped forward first. His broad frame and no-nonsense demeanor immediately commanded attention. He was the backbone of the Blackwood security apparatus, the man responsible for overseeing the protection of the Blackwood family and their interests. As he made his way across the ballroom, a wave of admiration followed. The elite guests had often seen him in his uniform, stern-faced, never a hint of vulnerability. Tonight, however, he looked polished and refined, every inch a figure of authority.
The crowd stood in respectful silence as he walked past, the light from the chandeliers reflecting off his perfectly tailored black suit.
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Next:
"Lydia Blackwood, the Chief Secretary of the Blackwood Empire."
Lydia, an intellectual force within the Blackwood Union, was the next to be introduced. A close confidante of Chris, Lydia had handled much of the empire's correspondence, planning, and logistics. She was an unseen pillar, responsible for keeping the wheels of the Union running smoothly. Tonight, she wore a sleek, floor-length gown of deep purple velvet, her dark hair pulled back in a chic updo. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room as she entered.
The applause for Lydia was polite but respectful. Her work had allowed Chris and his family to focus on what truly mattered—building the empire—while she handled the day-to-day operations.
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Then Came:
"Simon Welles, Head of Household Affairs."
Simon Welles was the one responsible for ensuring the Blackwood Palace itself ran like clockwork—from managing the staff, to coordinating events, to maintaining the household's extraordinary standards. He entered with a cool confidence, his perfectly tailored suit showcasing his attention to detail. His role was often underestimated by outsiders, but anyone who had spent any time in the palace knew the immense amount of power he wielded.
The applause for Simon was muted, but the respect was palpable. He gave a slight bow in acknowledgment, before heading toward his designated place within the ballroom.
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"And now," the master of ceremonies continued, "we have the honored staff from the lower ranks—those whose faces you rarely see, but whose efforts are just as essential to the success of our Empire."
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One by one, the staff members came forward. They were the butlers, the attendants, the chefs, the cleaners, the gatekeepers. For most of the elite guests, these individuals were merely a backdrop to the empire's grandeur. But tonight, Chris made it clear that they were to be recognized—not only for their roles but for their loyalty, dedication, and hard work.
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As the last of the staff filed in, a wave of applause echoed through the room, breaking the initial silence. The staff had been seen, honored in front of the very people they served. Their presence, their commitment to the Blackwood Union, was no longer hidden in the shadows. It was a powerful statement—a symbol that, under Chris's rule, all were valued, no matter their rank.
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The Surprising Gesture:
At that moment, as the staff took their places, an unexpected announcement came.
"And now," the master of ceremonies said, with a subtle smile, "our esteemed leader, Chris Blackwood, has a special announcement."
The entire room turned their attention to the stage, where Chris stood once again, a look of pride on his face.
"Tonight," he began, his voice strong but kind, "I want to do something special. To show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of my staff. Each of them is a vital part of this empire. From the top of the chain to the bottom, we are united."
There was a brief pause as the crowd absorbed his words.
"I've decided that, as a token of my gratitude, I will personally deposit one million Blackwood credits into the accounts of each and every one of my staff. No exceptions."
The crowd fell silent, stunned at the generosity.
"These individuals have given their best to ensure the success of the Blackwood Union," Chris continued, "and I see no reason why their contributions should go unrecognized."
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The room was in shock, whispers quickly spreading among the guests. For some, this was a gesture of generosity beyond comprehension. For others, it was another reminder of Chris Blackwood's unmatched power and control.
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The Staff's Reaction:
Back in the crowd, the staff exchanged glances, their faces a mix of disbelief and awe. The announcement wasn't just a financial reward—it was a message. They were valued. They were not invisible.
For the first time in a long time, those who had served tirelessly behind the scenes felt a deep sense of pride. They had been seen, and now, they would be rewarded for their loyalty and service.
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The Ball Continues:
As the evening wore on, the guests—still recovering from the shock—returned to their conversations. Music played in the background, and the dancers took their place on the floor. But for the staff, tonight was a moment of recognition that would never be forgotten.
And for Chris, it was more than just a birthday celebration—it was a reminder to everyone that under his rule, the Blackwood Union was not just a place of power and wealth. It was a family, bound by loyalty, respect, and an unshakable commitment to each other.