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Chapter 9: The Prelude

[20th of June, Klaudewits Opera House, Central Barline]

A man enters a door ornately decorated by carvings and brass handles. As the man enters the room, He is greeted by the smoke of cigars and a group men of bickering.

The man clears his throat and starts the meeting. “Gentlemen, Settle down.” He calmly announces to the group. The men looks to him and one speaks

“Amano what is it? What does Gerd want from us?” A man visibly annoyed asks him. “He doesn’t want anything. Johann I did this in my own volition.” Amano answers to the man. “Then what do you want?” Another man asks. “An agreement.” Amano confidently say to the group.

“Are you kidding!?” Johann scoffs at the proposal of Amano. “If that’s what you want-I’ll be leaving!” The other man furiously announces. “I’d recommend that you listen to me.” Amano suggests to him.

Johann settles the 2 men down and Amano starts laying out his plan. “The up and coming Minister of Economy Kazuha Hotaru is very much keen in continuing the reforms made by Sir Alfred and I think all of us can have a say in this.” Amano puts forward his plan to the trio.

The group interested in the Amano’s proposal whisper and talk within themselves. “I think you and I we’ve an agreement.” The man announces to Amano with a smirk. “I know you Johann, Otto and Kristian can’t deny this offer!” Amano happily proclaims.

The 2 men shake hands and Amano is handed a small glass of Bourbon imported from the Confederacy. “CHEERS!!” Johann loudly proclaims as he raises his glass high. “This matter is sorted for now.” A sigh of relief Amano felt as mumbled his words.

For now the Industrialists are satisfied but for how long?

[Ministry of Economy and Trade Headquarters, Government Quarter, Barline]

A man enters a room, as he opens the door there are 3 people sitting together. He places the tray of Coffee and Cakes besides them. “Thank you for the food.” Alfred thanks the servant. The Servant gives the tray and excuses himself out of the room.

“So Otto what’s our plan?” Ailbe presses Karlsen. “I….. I don’t know.” A distraught Karlsen answers back. “She’s right Otto-The inauguration is tomorrow and we must think about something.” Alfred serouisly urges Karlsen in the matter.

“I know! I know! I’m just……… Indecisive. Karlsen tries to reason with the both of them. “How about both of you try to make ideas?!” A pressured Karlsen proposes to them. “Sure.” Ailbe agrees “Alrighty then.” Alfred agrees with Ailbe.

A person suddenly knocks at the door. “WHAT IS IT?!” Ailbe shouts to her. “Ma’am it’s a letter from the King!” The servant loudly announces to the group. The three stoically look at each other knowingly that this could work in their advantage.

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“Come in.” Karlsen commands the Servant. The Servant gives the letter to Karlsen and excuses herself out of the room. Karlsen opens the letter and read it out loud.

Dear Mr. Karlsen-I wish that this letter finds you well.

As you know that one of your compatriots Sir Alfred is formally resigning from his position in the Ministry of Economy-And will be replaced by Mr. Kazuya Hotaru.

The inauguration of his position will be happening tomorrow the 21st of June-And I sadly cannot attend but my right hand man Sir Franz Josef will be attending in my honor.

I wish that this could help our present issues in our government and to bring back needed stability to the nation.

Yours truly Frederick the 2nd.

As he finishes reading the letter out loud Ailbe says. ”The King has made his first move.” Ailbe says as she looks visually frustrated.

“Seems like we’ll have a change of plans.” Karlsen announces as he stands up. “Otto where are you going?!” Alfred demands Otto to give an explanation. “I have to do some arrangements for tomorrow.” Karlsen happily says as he leaves the room closing the doors

“HEY! Where are you going?!” Alfred tries to ask as Karlsen leaves the meeting. “Fucking asshole!” Alfred curses Karlsen as he grabs a cigarette from his coat.

“Calm down Alfred...” Ailbe calms Alfred as she lights her cigarette with a strike of a match. “I’m sure that he has thought of something.” Ailbe reassures herself and Alfred.

As The Reformists try to get wheels of progress turning-Their opposites try to stop this from happening.

[7:00am, Kolonge Cathedral, Central Kolonge, City of Kolonge]

A man opens and enters a Confessional. As he sits down he takes off his hat into the corner. “Son what does bother you?” A Priest asks across the booth.

“There’s something that bothers me father.” Halstedt admits to the priest. “First we do sign of the cross-In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit amen.” The Priest recites the sign the sign of the cross to Halstedt.

“Would you want to say a prayer son?” The Priest asks to Halstedt. “Of course father.” Halstedt agrees. He recites the Lord’s Prayer.

“Our father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come-Thy will be done on earth as it is on heaven.

Give us our day our daily bread.

And forgive us for our debts, as we forgive those who debtors.

And lead us not to temptation but deliver is from evil. In the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen.” Halstedt prays.

“What is your mistake that you have done my son?” The Priest questions Halstedt. “I just have to get something off my chest.” Halstedt says to the priest.

“So you see..... I am part of the government and it’s on the verge of collapsing.” Halstedt admits as he covers his face in stress. The Priest astonished by the words said by the man advises him.

“Son, People will always have differences no matter what-This is happening because people can’t agree with each other. What you can do is to comprise with your adversaries. The Priest calmly consoles and advices Halstedt.

“This is not only for you but for everyone in the kingdom.” The Priest adds. “Father thank you for the help! This makes me feel better.” Halstedt gratefully appreciates the Priest. The Priest nods in acceptance.

“Father what is your name?” Halstedt asks as he leaves the confessional. “Call me Bishop Thomas.” The Bishop happily answers back.

“Welp..... Tomorrow is the inauguration-I should go to bed.” Hotaru says to himself as he looks at the clock.