They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 383: Lights Went Out

Chapter 383: Lights Went Out

“This sword has rested long enough in the shadows of our history. Today, I give it to you, my son, not as a weapon, but as a reminder: wield power not to cut, but to protect. Let it guide you when judgment blurs, and may it burn brightest in your darkest hour.”

Queen Chioma gave her speech so righteously that anyone who didn’t really know her would admire her through and through.

A profound silence followed.

Even the rowdiest corners of the livestream were frozen.

@HeartsOfLionara: This… this is cinema. This is destiny.

@SwordsAndScrolls: That sword’s value? PRICELESS. It’s like Excalibur.

@RoyalTeaSpill: I’m shook. Is this a soap opera or a coronation?

Somto stood slowly.

He descended a step from his throne, not breaking eye contact from his mother. Taking the sword in both hands, he bowed his head.

“I receive this gift, not just as your son, but as your king. I will honor the trust it carries. And you, Mother, will forever be the flame behind the flame.”

As he said this, in his heart he whispered, why couldn’t she be like this everytime? This side of her was just….. fake.

A single clap began somewhere in the audience. Then another. Then the hall erupted into thunderous applause.

The Empress Dowager nodded once more and returned to her seat, her expression unreadable, but a glint in her eye said everything…

She was proud.

The ceremonial hall buzzed again as the next family member stepped forward. Obinna, tall and proud, walked down the red carpeted path with measured steps and a pleased smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

The camera lenses found him instantly, livestream comments flaring up like sparks.

@RoyalTeaSpills: “I wonder when his company is bringing out the next upgrade to their phone. Their products are always the best!”

@PearlEyesFanClub: “What’s in the box?! He’s holding something!”

Guests leaned in with curiosity, recognizing the shimmer of something remarkable in his gloved hands.

Reaching the front of the platform, Obinna bowed respectfully, not just as a younger brother but now as a subject honoring his sovereign. Then he spoke, voice clear and confident.

“To my brother… no, to my king. You’ve always had the strength to lead and the heart to guide. Today, I present to you something that reflects your gift, your vision.”

He stepped forward and unveiled a glimmering, deep blue gem nestled in velvet:

“The Eye of Vision.”

A rare stone mined only once every few decades in the frost veins of northern Halgar, and known across kingdoms for its clarity and ethereal shimmer.

Gasps followed.

“Is that—”

“It can’t be…”

“The Eye of Vision?”

Even some of the foreign dignitaries leaned forward, expressions flickering between envy and awe.

@LoreKeepersLive: “Guys… that gem is LEGENDARY. It’s said to glow when held by someone destined for greatness.”

@DragonWineWhispers: “THAT is a prince’s gift! He didn’t come to play!”

As Obinna carefully handed the box to the high ranking servant, he added in a lighter tone only Somto could catch:

“Now I can finally sleep again. Thank the gods you’re officially king.”

A ripple of low laughter swept through the high ranking nobles who knew why he said that. Others were just confused.

Even Somto’s expression softened, the usual calm shifting into a faint, knowing smile.

He gave a slow nod in acknowledgment, the weight of the gift, and the emotion behind it, not lost on him. But silently he whispered in his mind sorry brother.

His reason for apologising was still to be said.

The guests both online and offline were still admiring the gemstone for as long as they could. The Eye of Vision was more than a gemstone.

It was a symbol. A pledge. A brother’s trust in another, and maybe even a quiet relief that the crown now sat where it belonged.

The livestream exploded with excitement again.

@JewelFiend: “Obinna out here like the MVP of the family gifting round.”

@RoyalGemsWeekly: “I need a closer look at that Eye of Vision. Someone zoom in!”

As Obinna took his place again beside Queen Chioma, pride and peace settled on his face. His duty was no longer to hold the kingdom, just to support the one who would.

And that… felt just right.

If only he knew that Somto had in store for him, he would probably burst out crying in grief.

Next in line was Abuchi, the third prince.

Heads turned. The moment his name was softly announced, everyone naturally expected him to step forward like the others had. Instead, he did something no one had anticipated.

Abuchi didn’t go to the gift bearers’ platform.

He… walked toward the stage.

A murmur ran through the hall.

Obinna furrowed his brow, half-rising from his seat. “Abuchi?” he called quietly, confused.

Then he noticed.

Abuchi’s hands were empty.

No scroll.

No box.

No pouch.

Nothing.

Obinna’s heart jumped.

Wait. Did he forget?

No, that couldn’t be. This was too important. But the more he stared, the more he realized, Abuchi hadn’t brought a visible gift at all.

Guests were already whispering among themselves, curious, confused.

@RoyalFeastLive: “Did the third prince forget? Is he just going up to wing it?”

@EyesOnLionara: “A royal snub? Is this tension I sense? I heard he has a bad character, that’s why I’ll never be his fan. Now he’s even disrespectful our King!”

Obinna’s mind raced. He began thinking of ways to smooth it over, maybe delay the spotlight, call for a musical interlude, but before he could stand fully—

The lights went out.

Gasps echoed across the majestic hall.

Some nobles stiffened. Others murmured, their anxiety spiking.

“What’s happening?”

“Is this supposed to be part of the program?”

The giant screens dimmed, the chandeliers above faded into nothing, leaving the hall drenched in a tense, velvet black silence.

But not Somto.

The new king remained perfectly still on his throne, unmoved.

His fingers curled over the armrest, eyes calmly scanning the darkness. He wasn’t concerned. His people were everywhere.