"I was unaware of your arrival, my King, and failed to welcome you."
"Please forgive me, my King."
The moment those words left his mouth, the meeting room fell silent.
Then, as though a pot had boiled over, an uproar erupted.
"King? What King?"
"Could he be... the Godslaying King?"
"He... he's that person?"
Everyone's eyes widened.
Their gazes held fear, horror, or fervor, among countless other emotions.
"You recognized me?"
Lin Luo wore a faint, knowing smile.
"I had the honor of seeing a portrait of you, my King."
Naobito Zenin asked respectfully, "May I ask what brings you here in person, my King?"
"If there is anything the Zenin Family can do for you, I will spare no effort."
Lin Luo closed his book and said calmly, "I merely came along with my Familiar to have a look."
"Your Familiar?"
"Maki Zenin. She belongs to me now."
At those words, many people's expressions changed.
In particular, those who had spoken earlier wished they could turn into ostriches and bury their heads.
Maki Zenin spoke at just the right moment. "The agenda for today's meeting is simple. I will become the new head of the Zenin Family."
"Who is in favor, and who is opposed?"
Her words hung in the air.
The meeting room fell silent.
Every gaze turned toward Naobito Zenin.
"I agree to this proposal."
A smile appeared at the corners of Naobito Zenin's mouth.
"From this moment onward, Maki Zenin will be the new head of the family."
"No objections, I trust?"
The silence continued.
They exchanged glances.
Finally, someone raised a hand first.
"I'll follow the family head's decision."
"I second it."
"I second it as well."
Within moments, the proposal passed unanimously.
Power in the Zenin Family changed hands.
Maki Zenin's gaze grew complicated.