A chilling wind blew through Amsberg's tall spires, affecting the entire capital. There was a noticeable tension in the air, one heavy with expectation. Word had gotten out across the kingdom that the Amsberg family was getting ready for a big celebration. Disguised as a celebration, it was actually a demonstration of strength—a gala. Arlen Stormrider's forces were already being dismantled by Vincent's allies, who were operating in the shadows. It was now time to make sure he kept control of the Amsberg family.

In his bedroom, Vincent stood in front of a full-length mirror, pinning down the elaborate gold embroidery on his fitted suit. The rich crimson material represented his rank and the Amsberg family's heritage, standing in sharp contrast to the chilly blue of the night outside. This gala was going to be the biggest thing in his life. Even though his allies had assembled, some in his family and the kingdom continued to have doubts about his strength.

He would change that tonight.

Edgar, his butler, moved quietly next to him, helping with the finishing touches. "Yearling Master, everything is ready. There will be representatives from each noble house in Avalonia. This is your chance."

With a non-readable expression, Vincent nodded curtly. Edgar, it's not enough to just make an impression on them. I require their fear of me. The currency of power is fear."

The butler's eyes briefly wavered, revealing a glimmer of worry. "And if they do not fall in line?"

A chilly smile turned Vincent's lips. "Then we make them."

The magnificent ballroom of the Amsberg Castle was breathtaking. The room was filled with an air of nobility, accentuated by glistening chandeliers that hung from the ceiling like constellations and cast a soft golden glow. Amidst whispers amongst themselves, lords and ladies in their best clothes hurried to the elevated dais at the front of the room where Vincent was about to arrive.

Standing near the entrance, Reinhardt Blackthorne exuded an intimidating presence. Casting a predatory eye over the crowd, he looked for any possible threats. Elise Ravenshade moved gracefully among the guests, her ears and keen eyes picking up on every murmur and every private exchange. With her dark magic gently swirling around her, Selene Nightveil lurked in the shadows close to the pillars, ready to strike at any time.

The air was heavy with conjecture. It was obvious to all that this gala was more than a party. It was a test of Vincent's strength, his stature as the Crown Prince of Amsberg, and his future.

The audience became silent as the ballroom doors opened. With an air of authority, Vincent Maximillian Von Amsberg strode into the room. He exuded the assurance of a man who understood that dominance was his destiny, and that tonight he would solidify it.

With fear and amazement in their eyes, the nobility parted before him like the sea. Vincent surveyed the room with a detached gaze, studying the expressions of those who had doubted his ascent to prominence. He could see the uncertainty in their eyes and the fear they were afraid to express out loud.

From the dais, a voice called out, "Your Highness."

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It was the family patriarch, Lord Victor Amsberg. Although his voice was authoritative, it had a faint quiver that revealed his indecision. One of Vincent's biggest challenges had been Lord Victor, a man who disapproved of Vincent's strategies and upheld customs and the status quo. However, even he sensed the change in authority.

Stepping up onto the dais, Vincent stood next to the elderly lord and faced the assembly. With a wave of his hand, all sound left the room.

"Nobles of Avalonia," came out in a clear, authoritative voice from Vincent. Not only are we gathered here for a celebration, but we are also here to see this kingdom's future unfold. A future in which ambition, tenacity, and strength determine our course. The Amsberg family won't settle for just protecting its position in society any longer. We're going to surpass everyone else."

The nobility looked at each other, a sense of unease permeating the space. Vincent spoke with the words of a conqueror, not of a ruler content to rule in peace.

With a tone of cold authority, Vincent said, "I know there are those among you who doubt me." "Those who murmur that I'm too ambitious and too young. But I'll show you tonight that it's precisely that ambition that will ensure Avalonia's survival. I will usher in a new era in which the Amsberg name will be both revered and feared across the nation."

A few of the younger lords gave a murmur of agreement, but the older lords said nothing, their faces grave. Though Vincent sensed their resistance, he also knew it was only temporary.

With a flash of his eyes, he said, "I have gathered allies," gesturing to Reinhardt, Elise, and Selene, who were all positioned carefully around the room. "Allies who are committed to building a more powerful Avalonia. allies who are aware that strength will not win in this world."

Reinhardt moved forward at his words, his massive frame dominating the group of nobility gathered. "I stand with the Crown Prince," he said, a low growl in his voice. "The Blackthorne name will fight for his cause, and we will crush anyone who stands in our way."

Elise moved to stand by Vincent's side with grace, her golden eyes sparkling. Prince Vincent has the Ravenshade family's allegiance. The future, which we have seen, belongs to him."

When Selene stepped out of the shadows, her pale skin and dark eyes gave off an ethereal glow that made her presence seem almost ghostly. "Prince Vincent is supported by the Nightveil clan. We shall use our magic and blood to defend his reign."

The weight of Vincent's alliances pressing down on them like a tangible force caused the nobles to shift uneasily. Tension filled the room, and Vincent could see the fear deepening in their eyes. But it was insufficient. Not just yet.

The doors to the ballroom flew open as he raised his hand once more. This time, a man wearing black armor and towing a shackled prisoner behind him entered instead of a visitor. Despite his bloodied and bruised face, the prisoner was unmistakably Lord Roderick Stormrider, Arlen's uncle and one of his most trusted advisors.

A startled exhalation echoed through the assembly.

Vincent stated, his voice as cold as glass, "Let this serve as a message to all those who dare oppose me." "Arlen Stormrider's army is already disintegrating. The people closest to him have lost. And he will follow shortly."

As Lord Victor gazed at Roderick's shattered body, his face went pale, but he remained silent. The message was crystal clear: Vincent was getting ready for the big showdown with Arlen in addition to solidifying his place in the Amsberg family.

There was a palpable tension in the silent room that could be cut with a knife. They were focused on Vincent. It was time to make the deal official now.

With a glance around the room, Vincent stated, "I do not ask for loyalty." "I insist on it. The spoils of our victory will be divided among those who support me. I will eliminate those who disagree with me, just as the Stormriders did."

The nobility took some time to process what he had said. Next, gradually, individually, they began to kneel.

The younger lords came first, eager to align themselves with authority. Then, influenced by their fear of Vincent's brutality, were the middle-aged nobles. Ultimately, even the more established and senior members of the court bowed.

Vincent watched them give in, and his icy smile came back. He had prevailed. He owned the Amsberg family.

However, as the final noble bowed, a menacing voice resounded in his head. The Most Powerful Villain System had been keeping an eye on things and waiting for this opportunity.

"Vincent, congratulations. You've established your dominance. However, the real test is still to come. Arlen comes closer. "Ready yourself... for the arrival of the main character."

Vincent grinned more broadly. Permit him to enter.