After signing the required documents, Aether formally took the title and responsibility into his hands. The moment the final seal settled, the Elders collectively released a breath they had been holding for far too long, their tension melting away as if they had feared Aether might reject the responsibility even at the last moment.
Without lingering, they departed the throne room one after another, eager to spread the news of the new Law and the awakening of Aether's authority throughout the empire.
Aether exhaled slowly as he settled back into the chair, fingers resting against the armrest while his gaze swept across the suddenly emptier hall.
"I only see a few elders here. Where are the others? Did they not like it, or is something else going on?"
Kaelen offered a tired smile, the kind that came from long nights and heavier responsibilities than his age suggested. He straightened slightly before answering,
