They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 398: Hit by Lightning

@ForgiveUsKing: Nobody’s chewing. Nobody’s laughing. Just grief and silence. That’s the power of truth.

No one announced the banquet was over.

It just… was.

People simply rose from their seats, plates left untouched, conversations fading into quiet nods and sighs.

The royal servers didn’t return to the floor.

The musicians never picked up their instruments again.

Even the chandeliers seemed to glow a little dimmer.

An apology hung in the air, unspoken, but deeply understood.

They hadn’t believed.

They had speculated.

They had judged.

But now… all they could do was acknowledge the weight of what they had witnessed. And mourn.

The banquet had dissolved into quiet clusters of murmuring figures and bowed heads.

Just as the first few guests began to excuse themselves in solemn silence, Somto rose to his feet again. His presence alone was enough to still the room once more.

His voice, though calm, carried the weight of finality. “Since the mood no longer calls for celebration,”

“I’ll keep this brief.”

Eyes turned toward him.

Nnenna, still quietly seated, looked up with tired eyes. Obinna, standing off to the side near the royal banners, folded his hands tightly in front of him, preparing for whatever came next.

“There is one last matter I wish to address.”

Somto turned slightly, his gaze landing directly on Obinna.

a responsibility

it. He didn’t campaign for it. But he

despite the endless criticisms, impossible expectations, and the burden of uncertainty… he did

man is Prince

politely, like

wind

took a few steps forward,

many of us were lost in mourning,

yes, but who wouldn’t,

He kept

“He led.”

smile began

discomfort growing in his chest. The praise was genuine, no doubt. But

His brows furrowed slightly.

he saying all this now?

And then

today, I name him my Second,” Somto

when other duties take me from Lionara, it is he who

I do so not out of convenience,

Obinna “..?”

into Obinna

He froze.

Eyes wide.

Mouth slightly parted.

He blinked. Once. Twice.

turned slowly, very slowly, toward Somto, his gaze filled with disbelief. His lips moved, but no sound

Please no.

Not again.

looked as though he might cry, not from joy, but from dread. His eyes silently begged Somto to

this to me. Not again.

with unwavering steadiness.

mouth again, finally forcing out

accept. But only on one

The hall stilled again.

return… if I ever need you.

line of communication open.