Chris’s Conversation with Baron Elias
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The atmosphere in the grand ballroom was electric, and the guests had already started mingling, laughing, and exchanging pleasantries. Chris Blackwood stood near the center of the room, his gaze now fixed on the Baron Elias, who had approached him after the announcement of the suitors.
Baron Elias was a respected noble in the Blackwood Empire, one with vast wealth, influence, and a network of connections that spanned across the Union. His posture was straight, his words polite, and his presence commanding. Yet, despite his many strengths, Chris's eyes scrutinized him carefully as they began their conversation.
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Chris Blackwood: "Baron Elias, I trust you've been enjoying the evening so far?"
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Baron Elias: "It has been nothing short of magnificent, my lord. The grandeur of your empire is truly unmatched."
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Chris nodded, his expression neutral. There was a certain politeness to Elias, but Chris had his reservations. The Empire was vast, and any potential ally had to be assessed carefully. The Baron's ambition was obvious, but Chris had yet to see if he could truly be trusted.
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Chris Blackwood: "I trust that you understand the responsibility that comes with being chosen as a suitor for Christiana. It is not just a matter of family—it's about power, influence, and allegiance to the Blackwood legacy."
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The Baron nodded solemnly, his face betraying no sign of doubt.
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Baron Elias: "I understand fully, my lord. I have no intentions other than to uphold the strength of this family and contribute to its future."
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Chris's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing Elias's every word. But before he could respond, a loud slap echoed across the room, followed by a collective gasp from the attendees. The sudden noise broke the flow of the conversation, and all eyes turned toward the scene unfolding near the entrance.
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Empress Kai's Fury
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Empress Kai, a woman of unparalleled beauty and power, stood at the center of the commotion. She had been a guest at the event, a rare attendee from a distant kingdom. But now, the regal composure that she was known for had shattered, and in its place was a fury that sent shockwaves through the room.
The staff member she had slapped stood stunned, hand to his cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. The slap had been so sudden, so fierce, that no one had even had time to react before it happened.
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Empress Kai: "How dare you, you filthy worm!"
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Her voice rang out, the venom in her words making everyone in the room freeze. The staff member, a young man, looked as though he might crumble under her glare, but he didn't speak, too terrified to utter a word in his own defense.
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Chris Blackwood: "Empress Kai, what is this?"
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Chris's voice was calm, yet there was an undercurrent of authority that demanded an explanation. He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he approached the scene, his powerful presence causing everyone to take a step back.
Empress Kai's eyes met his, and for a brief moment, there was tension in the air. She seemed unfazed by the scene she had caused, still radiating an icy confidence. It was clear that she didn't think she needed to explain herself, but the atmosphere in the room was quickly turning hostile, and Chris wasn't one to let disrespect go unchallenged—especially not in his own home.
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Chris Blackwood: "Empress, I expect every guest to behave with respect, regardless of their station. What happened here?"
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Empress Kai's gaze softened, but only slightly. She was a woman who held immense power, and she wasn't one to be easily intimidated, but there was a certain edge to Chris's tone that even she couldn't ignore.
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Empress Kai: "This servant was rude to me, and I will not tolerate disrespect from anyone in my presence, no matter how low their position is."
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Her words were biting, and it was clear that the staff member had done something that had angered her deeply. Still, Chris wasn't one to let such displays of aggression slide without consequences. The Blackwood Empire was built on control and order, not chaos.
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Chris Blackwood: "We have laws here, Empress. Actions like this cannot go unchecked."
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The room fell silent, all eyes on the two of them, waiting for what would happen next. The tension was palpable. Empress Kai, however, seemed almost unbothered by Chris's words. Her posture remained regal, but there was something dangerous in her calm demeanor.
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Empress Kai: "Perhaps you are right, Chris. But understand this—no one disrespects me. Not even your staff."
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Chris's expression hardened. He had tolerated Empress Kai's power because of her value in the broader geopolitical landscape, but now his patience was wearing thin. His Empire would not be ruled by anyone else's whims.
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Chris Blackwood: "The law does not bend for anyone, Empress. If a punishment is to be handed out, it must be done through the proper channels."
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Empress Kai stood still for a long moment, eyes locked on Chris's. She clearly didn't appreciate his interference, but the power behind his words was undeniable. Slowly, her anger seemed to fade, replaced by a more calculating look.
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Empress Kai: "Very well. I will not make a scene. But understand that this servant will not be treated the same as the others. I will see to it that he knows his place."
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With that, she turned, motioning for her guards to follow her. The staff member, who had been caught in the middle of this escalating power struggle, was left to stand alone, his face still red from the slap. The room remained still, the tension lingering like an unspoken threat.
Chris watched her leave, his mind racing. The Empress had just tested his authority in front of all these people, and though she had conceded in the end, it was a reminder that not everyone in the Blackwood Empire would follow his rules easily. He turned back to Baron Elias, who had been watching the scene unfold with curiosity.
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Chris Blackwood: "As I was saying, Baron Elias, the Blackwood legacy requires strength from all of us. I expect you to be no exception."
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Baron Elias nodded, clearly trying to regain his composure after the interruption.
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Baron Elias: "Of course, my lord. I will do whatever is necessary to honor the Blackwood name."
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Chris gave a slight nod, his eyes now scanning the room, the situation with Empress Kai still on his mind. This was just the beginning. Power was always in flux, and one small mistake could cause it all to come crashing down.
He was prepared for whatever was to come next.