The grand hall buzzed with anxious murmurs, council members exchanging worried glances as they waited for the emperor to speak. This wasn't the usual gathering, the air was too thick, the tension almost palpable. Many speculated about the emperor's intent, but no one was prepared for what he was about to announce.
The emperor rose, his gaze sweeping across the assembly, silencing the whispers immediately. His voice, though calm, carried a weight that demanded respect. "Today, I make two announcements. Firstly, I have decided to step down from the throne. The time has come for my son, Prince Izan, to rule in my stead."
The hall exploded in shock. Council members scrambled to their feet, talking over each other in a mix of outrage and disbelief. This was no simple change, it was the end of an era, and many felt unprepared for such a transition.
