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.
my absence… one man bore a responsibility no one
it. He didn’t campaign for it. But he held
endless criticisms, impossible expectations, and the burden of uncertainty… he did not
man is
smiled faintly, politely,
like wind
few steps forward, voice
this kingdom running when many of us were lost
mistakes, yes, but who wouldn’t, with vultures
also kept the army fed. He kept the gates defended. He balanced the court. He
“He led.”
polite smile began to
in his chest. The praise
His brows furrowed slightly.
this now? What is he building up
And then
from today, I name him
must travel, when other duties take me from Lionara, it is he who will
of
Obinna “..?”
words slammed into Obinna like a
He froze.
Eyes wide.
Mouth slightly parted.
He blinked. Once. Twice.
very slowly, toward Somto, his gaze filled with disbelief. His lips moved, but
Please no.
Not again.
the edge of his chair. He looked as though he might cry,
this to me. Not again.
unwavering steadiness.
mouth again, finally forcing out
Majesty… Somto… I accept.
The hall stilled again.
ever need you. If things grow too heavy
keep a line of
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