With its centuries-old customs and hidden authority, the court was a relic from Avalonia's past. a location where the elite gathered and single words could create or destroy alliances. It had served as a platform for tyrants, power brokers, and destiny manipulators for many generations. But Vincent's it was tonight.

A dark, imposing figure, Vincent Maximillian Von Amsberg sat at the head of a large obsidian table. The flickering torchlight created unsettling shadows on the marble floor, and his fingers drummed against the arm of the throne. The same power that had destroyed Emelia and turned the garden to ash gleamed in his eyes.

To Vincent's right stood the devoted butler. Though his expression was unreadable, his devotion was clear in every gesture and stride. At Vincent's command, he had quickly assembled the court and dragged Avalonia's finest into this very chamber.

Vincent was going to test their allegiance tonight. He was going to find out who supported him and who would fail.

"Is everything in place?" Even though Vincent's voice was quiet, the empty hall could still hear it.

Indeed, my lord. The butler replied in a steady, low voice, "The court is waiting for your orders.

The ornate doors creaked open, letting the Avalonian nobility enter. The gentlemen and ladies entered the room with wary expressions and suspicious looks. They had heard tales of Emelia's downfall and the power play that had rocked their world to its core. A few had arrived to swear allegiance. Others, to discover a gap in Vincent's defenses.

Vincent surveyed them, observing every expression skillfully concealed on each face. Although he was aware of their fear of him, fear was insufficient. He required total and unwavering loyalty. The Villain System pulsated within him, reminding him of his power with a quiet murmur in the recesses of his consciousness.

Vincent said, "The court is in session," which put an end to the rumors. Everybody looked.

With a cold, authoritative voice, he leaned forward and said, "I know why you've come." You'd like to find out if the rumors are accurate. You want to know if I really am capable of ruling."

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The Lord of Blackstone, a man whose loyalty had always been in doubt, met his gaze and his eyes narrowed. The lord winced, unable to even look at Vincent.

"You contest my legitimacy. My power," Vincent said in a hushed, menacing voice. "Let me remind you, though: I am Avalonia's Crown Prince. Right now, I am in control of this world."

Tension rippled through the room, making some nobles shift uneasily in their seats and others stay motionless with expressions of indifference on their faces.

"Everyone is aware of what transpired with Emelia Rose," stated Vincent, his tone becoming more icy. "She believed she could take me on. She believed she had me under control. She is now just a shadow in the void."

There was a murmur in the court, a whisper of fear and incredulity.

Vincent took a stand that made him the center of attention for everyone in the room. He felt an otherworldly aura pulse through him, the same darkness that had enveloped Emelia remaining suspended in the air, almost as if the shadows themselves were clinging to him.

Vincent stood down from his throne and paced in front of the table, saying, "You have two choices." "You either join me in standing... or you're against me."

Once more, he looked at Lord Blackstone, who was clearly trembling.

"Lord Blackstone," Vincent's voice had the edge and brusqueness of a blade. "Where do you stand?"

The noble paused, his gaze darting around the space as if in need of assistance, but there was none. The other lords and ladies said nothing, maintaining a carefully neutral expression. Vincent was aware of their thoughts; they were speculating about who would collapse first.

"I..." Blackstone's voice was tremulous, his once-dominant confidence disintegrating under Vincent's controlling aura. My allegiance is sworn to you, Crown Prince. I—"

"Enough." Midsentence, the man was silenced by Vincent's sharp voice. "Your words mean nothing without proof."

Vincent waved his hand and the shadows shot up from the room's corners, encircling the nobleman's throat like a noose before Blackstone could reply. The shadows drew closer and Blackstone's eyes grew wide with fear. He was lifted from his seat and drawn toward Vincent.

Vincent said in a whisper, his eyes blazing with a deep fire, "Your loyalty must be earned." "And your hesitation betrays your weakness."

Vincent flicked his wrist to drive out the shadows, causing Blackstone to collapse to the ground, struggling for air. With Vincent's authority looming large over them like a tempest, the court gazed on in disbelieving silence.

"Does anyone else wish to question my authority?" With a growl in his voice, Vincent surveyed the space. Not a single noble ventured to look him in the eye.

He said, "Good," and sat back down on his throne, his face as expressionless as a tomb. "After that, everyone will obey my orders. Under my leadership, we will reconstruct Avalonia, and anyone who dares to oppose me will suffer the same fate as Emelia."

There was a palpable tension in the silent room that could be felt with a knife. The nobles' fear was evident as they stood and bowed one after another, promising their allegiance to Vincent.

Satisfied, Vincent leaned back in his throne as the last of them swore loyalty. Now the court was his. He owned Avalonia.

But the voice of the Villain System continued to reverberate through his mind, reminding him that this was just the beginning, even as the room emptied and the nobles filed out.

Threats persisted in the outside world. Enemies still lurk in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to attack.

Vincent would also be prepared.

Now that he controlled the court, he could start his true conquest.