The Royal Mark-Chapter 378: The Future of Arcanis

Without the help of any mages, Arcanis’ ship took seven days to get back home from Qiryn. All those times, Chris stayed in his quarters and let Hoven take command.

No one had questioned his actions since everyone sympathized with their King. They couldn’t imagine what is it like to lose not only your mate but also your children in one go.

However, as soon as someone shouted that they were about to dock at Arcanis’ port, Chris emerged from his quarters with new vigor and strength.

Instead of getting happy, Hoven got worried about him. "Chris, how are you feeling? Perhaps you should continue your rest once we arrive in Blackhart."

"I’m fine. I know you are worrying about me but let me keep myself occupied. This way, I won’t be reminded of my family that much," Chris replied.

"Alright, I will keep you busy then."

"How about you? Aren’t you going to keep yourself busy? I am sure you will miss your sister since they decided to stay in Zemaria instead."

"Nah, it’s true that I will miss that brat but I am happy that she’s happy there. I am sure Baahu will take good care of her," Hoven answered with a smile on his face.

"And how about Milda?" Chris asked with great curiosity. They haven’t really talked about everything that has happened but he had heard from Elsa that Hoven and Milda had spent so much time together back then.

"The heck, Christopher! Don’t mention that woman to me! I have no romantic feelings for her. We just used each other to satisfy our needs, nothing more!" Hoven yelled defensively.

Chris chuckled, surprisingly Hoven. If Hoven only knew that this would make his best friend laugh then he would have done it before.

"Chris grinned and said, ’I’m just messing with you. No need to be defensive. But seriously, you should find a wife soon. I’ve got some great plans for you that I’ll share later.’ He paused as the ship docked, signaling it was time for them to disembark."

Chris was surprised to see almost every citizen of Arcanis lined up on the streets, waiting for his arrival. They throw different kinds of red flowers on the road just like their Queen’s hair and wings before they bow as their King passes by.

Everyone has a somber expression on their faces, making Chris’ chest ache as he remembers his happy memories with his family. He tried as hard as he could to hold the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes.

It went like that from the port until he reached Blackhart castle. And even when he entered the castle, the servants also wore the same somber expression as they bowed to him.

He wanted to make them stop, so he wouldn’t feel the same but he couldn’t. He perfectly understands that it was not only him who lost someone he loved. Elsa is their Queen and she was loved by them.

She was the one who set them free from his uncle and the evil witch queen. She laid out so many projects to improve the lives of the people in Arcanis in a short period of time. For his people, she was their hero.

"Hoven, call the council right away and tell the cook to prepare food for them. Let’s assemble in the dining hall at dinner time. I will be in the library if you need me, do not disturb me if it’s not important," Chris said before walking away.

"What is he up to this time?" Hoven murmured to himself before doing his task.

Chris hurriedly went to the library to start working to keep his mind occupied. He doesn’t have that much time and he doesn’t want to spend his remaining time crying and sulking.

It was already evening when he finished writing everything that he wanted to say to the council during the assembly dinner. He went to his room to take a cold bath and change his clothes before heading to the dining hall where everyone was waiting for him.

Chris strode towards the dining hall, mighty and majestic, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The council members rose to their feet, offering their sympathy with solemn nods and murmured condolences. He acknowledged their gestures with a brief nod of his own and then raised a hand for silence.

"Please, let’s eat first," Chris said, his voice steady and authoritative. "We can discuss matters after dinner." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The meal proceeded with an air of tension, the council members exchanging curious glances as they wondered what news their King had to share. After the final course was cleared, Chris stood once more, his expression was serious.

"I have an important announcement to make," he began, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "As you all know, we are left without a Queen and without an heir to the throne. I have made a decision regarding the future of Arcanis."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I have no plans to remarry or produce an heir. Instead, once I am gone, the throne will be open to anyone who wishes to claim it."

A shocked silence fell over the room, followed by a wave of murmurs and gasps. The council members exchanged bewildered looks, some shaking their heads in disbelief.

"But, Your Majesty," one of the councilors finally spoke up, "this is unprecedented. Are you certain this is the best course of action?"

Chris nodded firmly. "I am. Arcanis needs a leader who truly wants to serve its people. This way, the throne will be taken by someone with the ambition and passion to lead our kingdom into the future."

The murmurs continued, but Chris remained resolute. He had made his decision, and there was no turning back now.

"The true alpha blood will be cut once I am gone, however, the future king must possess similar wisdom and strength. He will need to prove his intelligence, loyalty, diligence, and strength to protect and improve Arcanis.

I will also divide the council into three groups, which means we will need more people to sit at the table. This is to ensure the government of our kingdom will remain free of corruption since the council will keep the future king in check.

If anyone disagrees, voice out your concerns now so we can discuss it." Chris waited for someone to object but even after a few minutes had passed, no one dared to oppose his plans.

The more they think and study about Chris’ plan the more that they like it. People will have more freedom this way and many bad things that happened in the past would be avoided.