The Crimson Dynasty's homeworld, Tyrant Hamill Palace.
The Imperial Grand Hall is the venue for various large-scale ceremonies and events. The handover ceremony of each new imperial head of state is held here and broadcast to the entire universe.
The venue was set up and the seats below were full, mostly for remote projection. Among the attendees were high-ranking officials from within the Empire, leaders of affiliated and allied civilizations, and special envoys from the Glory and the Arcane.
Beyond Grade A allies were also invited to attend, sitting in the middle rear area, next to the imperial elites.
Han Xiao was flanked by Kant and Old Dragon. The ceremony hadn't started yet, and the three of them were still chatting casually.
"Another term has passed in the blink of an eye, and Urranrell is about to retire," Kant sighed.
"In total, I've served under four imperial leaders. While Urranrell wasn't the most brilliant, he was certainly the easiest to get along with and always willing to listen to good advice."
Milizaus muttered to himself, as one of the Ancient Ones, his life... was full of dragon experiences.
"Really? This is the first time I've witnessed a change of leadership in person."
Han Xiao was quite interested.
Players in his previous life couldn't reach this level, and this was the first time he had personally experienced such an event, so he found it novel.
--Although I am stronger than most Beyond Grade A in the universe, I am still a baby.
At this moment, Kant gestured forward with his lip and whispered, "See that? That's the new head of state of the empire. Do you know who he is?"
"I don't know." Milizaus shook his head.
Han Xiao also looked over. The new head of state's seat was next to Urranrell's, and from his angle, he could only see a burly the Sight of Father's Back.
Even before today's handover ceremony, the reshuffling of the empire's top power structure had already been internally decided, and the path had been paved long ago. However, in accordance with imperial custom, the identity of the new leader remains a secret, and allied forces had no way of knowing it before today.
However, Han Xiao was an exception; he already knew who the current head of the empire was.
After chatting for a while, as the start time of the ceremony approached, the voices in the hall quieted down and gradually disappeared, and everyone sat up straight.
When the time came, the room was filled with solemnity. The high-ranking official presiding over the meeting stood up, first expressing the Empire's welcome to everyone present, and then announcing the official start of the ceremony.
The imperial head-of-state handover ceremony adhered to the style of its own civilization, with a simple process, unlike the elaborate and cumbersome ceremony of the Federation of Light.
As each step proceeded, the crucial handover ceremony finally arrived, with Urranrell delivering his farewell speech.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Urranrell stepped onto the stage. Today, she was dressed in a simple imperial uniform, her hair piled high, and there was nothing particularly unusual about her.
She surveyed the room for three seconds and slowly began to speak:
"Today's scene reminds me of the day I took office as the head of the Empire. I was just as spirited and confident, convinced that I could make the Empire better. So many years have passed, and my original vision has been realized in different ways. I can proudly tell myself that I have not let down my initial beliefs, nor have I let down the Empire's expectations of me."
Looking back, we have achieved many successes in politics, economics, and cosmic security. Our greatest achievement is the development of the Shattered World, which will lay the foundation for the Empire's future rapid growth. Along the way, we have been fortunate to meet many like-minded partners and many loyal allies. The Empire's achievements today are not solely due to my personal efforts, but rather the result of the collective hard work of every colleague. Therefore, I express my heartfelt gratitude for everyone's contributions.
Urranrell bowed, performing an imperial salute, and thunderous applause erupted in the arena.
After a few seconds of applause, Urranrell straightened up, raised his hand to gesture for the applause to stop, and then continued:
"Of course, the empire's path forward is fraught with obstacles and has never been smooth sailing; we also face many challenges."
The Empire rose from humble beginnings, its ancestors forging ahead through hardship and resilience, weathering countless calamities to ultimately stand tall among the civilizations of the universe, becoming one of the cornerstones of interstellar order. The Empire's golden spirit has been passed down through generations, imprinted in our genes. Undeterred by adversity, we have overcome numerous challenges, including the Intelligent Plague, safeguarding not only our own civilization but also the security of the universe. What does not kill us will only make us stronger.
The world's development has always progressed through twists and turns. There will be new challenges and new opportunities in the future. I sincerely wish that all my compatriots in the Empire will maintain the spirit of the Empire in the days to come, and that no matter what difficulties they face, they will not back down but will face them with a smile.
Today, my term comes to an end, and my duties will be smoothly handed over to the next leader of the Empire, who will continue our great system and fulfill our lofty responsibility to civilization and the universe.
I believe the empire will regain its former glory under his leadership, just as I believed in myself.
Finally... may the empire endure!
After speaking, Urranrell bowed again. Her farewell speech was neither lengthy nor boastful of her achievements, maintaining the Empire's consistent concise style.
Splash splash splash--
The next second, thunderous applause erupted in the arena, giving the highest praise to a head of state who was about to retire.
Han Xiao clapped along, recalling the scenes of his time with Urranrell, and sighed inwardly.
Having known each other for decades, putting aside their social status, the two can be considered friends to some extent.
'I'm afraid I'll never see her again...'
After stepping down, the head of the empire continues to enjoy the same treatment as others, but without real power. They generally live on the empire's home planet and rarely appear in public. After passing away, they can choose whether to upload a backup of their memories and integrate them into the empire's main AI, the "Heroic Souls".
The applause was thunderous and lasted for a full minute before slowly subsiding. Urranrell stepped aside, while the burly new head of state walked onto the podium and appeared before everyone.
This man had a resolute face, a high hairline that revealed a smooth, rounded forehead, and a robust physique. His large pectoral muscles and biceps made his uniform fit tightly, outlining his athletic build. He exuded a strong and fierce aura, like a walking embodiment of masculine hormones. At this moment, he was full of vigor and ambition.
Mabrus Pierre Statham, the new head of the Empire, was formerly a military officer before moving to an administrative position. He rose through the ranks from Star Commander to Star Cluster Commander before joining the Imperial Central Government. During Urranrell's term, he was selected for Senate training and became one of the candidates for successor. Ultimately, he stood out and was chosen to succeed as head of the Empire.
Relevant information flashed through Han Xiao's mind; this person was the imperial head of state most familiar to players from his previous life.
Urranrell is somewhat of an anomaly. People like Mabrus are actually the normal and most artistically inclined imperial heads. Among all the imperial heads of state, this style is the most common.
Mabrus surveyed the room, gave a brief self-introduction, and then solemnly said:
"I pay my highest respects to Urranrell for her contributions over the years; the Empire's current achievements owe an invaluable debt to her. And for many years to come, I will be at the helm of the Empire. Just as she trusted me, I trust myself. I will live up to her expectations and lead the Empire forward..."
His tone was full of confidence, and he spoke fluently and confidently.
His inaugural address was different from his farewell speech. He analyzed the current situation, looked to the future, explained his political philosophy, emphasized the empire's development path, and set his governing goals. It was much longer, lasting more than an hour.
Han Xiao summarized it roughly, with key words being "strengthening central authority," "strengthening regional control," "expanding military power," "leading multi-field cooperation," and "reducing unnecessary resource waste," etc. This is quite different from the policies during Urranrell's reign, emphasizing the empire's control over different fields.
Many guests present did not show it on their faces, but their hearts were actually in turmoil.
The empire's change in development policy will profoundly affect many forces, and the new leader's hardline ideology is naturally not good news for them; this is just a preemptive strike.
Many of the Beyond Grade A allies also had their eyes darting around.
"I didn't expect the new head of state to be so assertive. I thought he would choose to play it safe when he first took office," Kant muttered to himself.
"If they say that, it must be something discussed within the Empire. If there are no objections within the Empire, how can we outsiders influence the appointment of the leaders of the Three Universal Civilizations? His position is already extremely secure." Milizaus shook his head.
"Sigh, my honeymoon period with the Empire is probably coming to an end."
Han Xiao shook his head, vaguely sensing this premonition.
The reason why Urranrell trusts him so much is because they have gone through many events together and built a relationship of mutual trust. Mabrus, on the other hand, is a complete stranger to him. Even if Mabrus values him, he wouldn't be as easy to talk to as Urranrell.
But that's enough. After decades of enjoying the benefits of cooperation, the Black Star Army has already risen to power. As long as the status quo is maintained, he's quite satisfied.
Everyone had their own plans, but on the surface, they maintained a posture of watching attentively, remaining calm and collected.
Before long, the handover ceremony finally came to an end. Urranrell and Mabrus shook hands firmly, announcing the completion of the transfer of imperial power. This scene was captured in a photograph.
On February 15th, 740 of the Galaxy Calendar, the Crimson Dynasty underwent a leadership change, with Urranrell stepping down and the Empire entering the Mabrus Era.
Two days later, the Federation of Light held a leadership transition ceremony, just like https://m•hetushu. com•com. Bader resigned as Grand President, and a new Grand President of the Federation of Light, named Louis Lodge, took office.
Two of the Three Universal Civilizations changed their leaders within just a few days, sparking heated discussions throughout interstellar society. Most interstellar citizens were analyzing what changes this would bring to their lives.
On the third day, Han Xiao finally received an invitation from Mabrus for a private meeting.
Han Xiao's remote projection arrived at the head of state's office. Mabrus was already sitting in the seat that Urranrell had once occupied, and the bodyguard beside him was still the same, Clottey.
"Black Star, I've heard so much about you."
Mabrus flashed a masculine smile.
"Your Excellency," Han Xiao nodded in greeting.
"You're a legendary figure in the universe. I've always wanted to meet you, and today my wish has finally come true." Mabrus said in a bold tone, though his attitude was still quite polite.
Seeing this, Han Xiao also started exchanging compliments with him.
In Han Xiao's view, Mabrus had just become the head of state and needed to meet with every important person in the empire. This meeting was just a simple introduction and had no special purpose.
After chatting for a while, Mabrus finally got to the point.
"I will not change the agreement between Urranrell and you. The empire will not interfere with the territories already allocated to you, nor will it stop its support for you. So you can rest assured."
"Hehe, I've always believed that the Empire is fair and just, that you reap what you sow, and I've never doubted it." Han Xiao's opening remarks were just polite platitudes.
Mabrus grinned, then suddenly changed the subject, "The issue of the Beyond Grade A Association is still under discussion within the Empire. If you have any opinions, feel free to raise them with me, and I will consider them accordingly."
Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his smile and simply nodded without replying.
After exchanging a few more words, Mabrus indicated that he wanted to end the conversation.
Just as Han Xiao was about to take his leave, he suddenly glanced at Clottey and smiled, "I wonder if Your Excellency the Dark Emperor could see me off?"
"What's so special about a remote projector?"
Clottey frowned.
At that moment, he suddenly noticed that Mabrus was nodding at him, so he had no choice but to lead Han Xiao out of the room.
After closing the door, Han Xiao looked at Clottey and asked curiously, "How is Urranrell?"
"She? She joined the Senate." Clottey asked, puzzled. "Why are you asking about that?"
Unlike the Crimson Dynasty, the Federation of Light Empire's Senate has no legislative power; at most, it can only be responsible for training successors. It is truly a place for retirement and has very little contact with the outside world.
"Just curious, but why are you still the president's personal guard? Haven't you been transferred?" Han Xiao smiled.
"No, originally, Gaud was likely to succeed him after he matured, but now that he's gone, the other loyal followers all have their own positions and can't be easily transferred, so I can only continue to be a personal guard."
Clottey shook her head, her face still cold, but her tone carried a hint of helplessness.
As the two chatted idly outside the door, Mabrus, inside the president's office, stared at the closed door, a glint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.
"My ex really left me with a problem; you gave Black Star way too much..."
As a representative of the hardliners, Mabrus disliked Black Star, an external ally who was too powerful and uncontrollable.
However, for now, he has no plans to do anything to Black Star; he can only maintain the status quo and wait for the future.
Mabrus still remembered Bekorodi's report that Gaud, on whom he had placed high hopes, might have fallen at Black Star's hands. Although he didn't know if it was true or not, given the example of the Mechanic Emperor, he had already become wary of Black Star.