"Many others have made their contributions. Without their support, would I have been able to help this empire stand on its own feet and become more prosperous than ever before?
"While I led our forces in battle, many capable ministers and subordinates took it upon themselves to manage the internal affairs of the empire and share my burdens. And the wars were not fought by me alone. Without our skilled generals and our brave armies, would I have succeeded in destroying those filthy ancient families who, like vampires, drained the vitality of our empire alongside our external enemies?
"And Chief Admiral Maximus stood at the forefront of it all with me. His valor should never be doubted, nor should his loyalty or capability be questioned. Above all, he is a capable ruler in his own right. If you look at how he has developed his domains, you will see it clearly.
"His territories, in terms of development and prosperity, are second only to the capital worlds. That alone should tell you that even if I step down, our great empire will remain in capable hands. In the hands of someone worthy of the throne. Worthy of protecting you all, and worthy of leading this empire forward.
"He is not like certain ancestors of mine who disappointed you. He is a lion, just as I am. And in many ways, he is fiercer than me.
"There is no difference between us. We share the same bloodline, and for the most part, the same ideals and resolve. Whether it is I or him who sits upon that throne, the empire remains under the same spirit and will.
"My dear citizens, you must understand this. I know you are not questioning Duke Maximus himself. But opposing my decree and creating unrest on the day of his coronation is not acceptable. None of you have the right to create disorder within the empire."
housands upon thousands stood in complete silence at his presence. Though his words had been firm, not a single voice rose in protest. They simply looked at him.
He could see the disappointment in their eyes, passing from one face to another like a silent wave. It was as if they had all realized something at the same time. Many had tears falling freely. A few older men stood together in orderly formation and raised their hands in salute as they looked toward him.
Ethan guessed they were veterans. It was hard not to notice them, standing in perfect formation the way only trained soldiers could.
Unconsciously, he gave them a small nod. The emotions on their faces felt far too real. Even though he told himself this was just a game, he could still feel the weight of their grief and loyalty. For a brief moment, he found himself once again marveling at how realistic the creators had made this world.
Then he shifted his gaze back to the rest of the crowd. His voice carried a faint heaviness as he spoke.
"If you truly respect me… then I ask that you respect my decision. Return to your homes."
He paused only briefly before continuing.
"I have no intention of going back on my word. An emperor's decree cannot be retracted. Nor do I wish it to be."
Without waiting for their reaction, as if he feared he would not be able to endure what might follow, Ethan turned and walked away.
Below the palace walls, a wave of sorrow swept through the crowd.
Though his words brought them some measure of calm, many still felt he had been too humble. He had given credit to others, forgetting that he himself had been the fountain from which everything flowed. Because of him, the pillars of the empire had risen. Because of him, others had been able to shoulder responsibility and strengthen the realm.
Even so, they slowly accepted the truth. The reign of their emperor was ending. Their voices would not change that.
With acceptance came a strange sense of relief.
When the emperor himself had spoken so confidently of his brother, many began to reflect. As he had said, Duke Maximus needed no introduction. He had proven himself time and again.
Perhaps he truly was a worthy successor.
Some even thought back to the emperor's words from moments earlier. Duke Maximus might be even fiercer than Emperor Ethan. Perhaps even more suited to the future that awaited the empire.
The empire's plans for tomorrow might still bear fruit under his rule.
After all, Duke Maximus was no rabbit.
He was a lion.
Just like Emperor Ethan is.
With a myriad of emotions returning to their faces, the people continued to look up at the towering palace walls. The place where Emperor Ethan had stood moments ago was now empty.
They had all seen him turn away. They had all watched him leave after saying what he came to say.
Now only a few ministers and royal guards remained visible atop the walls.
The crowd looked at one another. In the eyes of strangers standing beside them, they saw the same emotions reflected back—disappointment, sadness, helplessness.
A collective sigh seemed to pass through the gathering.
Slowly, shaking their heads, they began to turn away. One by one, then in waves, the massive crowd started to disperse from the palace gates.
Meanwhile, across the empire, the imperial network was in an uproar.
Those who had been physically present streamed footage and shared their experiences. Countless others watched from distant worlds, witnessing what had unfolded before the palace. A heavy wave of sadness swept through the empire. For a brief moment, many felt powerless.
But gradually, that wave began to settle.
Some began analyzing Ethan's words more carefully. Discussions spread across forums and official channels. People pointed out how firmly he had spoken of Duke Maximus. How confidently he had entrusted the future of the empire to him.
Soon, a new perspective began to form.
What was happening was not necessarily a disaster.
The identity of the one who sits upon the throne was not something the people could dictate. This was an empire, after all. Authority flowed from the crown.
And the soon-to-be-crowned emperor was no ordinary successor. Duke Maximus had proven himself mighty, capable, and worthy. Just as the current emperor had built their empire and strengthened their lives, perhaps the next would carry it even further.
A quiet acceptance began to settle across the empire.
The sadness did not disappear. Many still felt a sense of loss, as if something stable and constant in their lives was ending.
But alongside that loss came reassurance.
The empire would endure.
And perhaps, under its new lion, it might even thrive.