Demokracy: Nation Awaits

Chapter 76: Dinner to Remember

Lux 10, 1942

As the clock ticked down on his last month as president, Denver Brooks found himself reflecting more and more on the people who had supported him during his time in office. Being a single man since birth, he'd long felt a sense of camaraderie with the Felora'n Palace staff—many of whom he had come to see as a surrogate family. They had been with him through triumphs and trials, late nights and long hours, always ensuring that the wheels of the administration turned smoothly.

On this crisp evening of Lux 10, Brooks decided to show his appreciation in a way that felt both personal and profound: by hosting an intimate dinner for his Palace staff, the members of the Felora'n Palace Management Office (FPMO). The gathering was not a grand affair or a formal banquet—it was a simple dinner meant to celebrate friendship, gratitude, and shared memories. He wanted to thank them for their loyalty and hard work, and to create a memory they could all hold dear, long after he left the palace.

The dining hall, usually reserved for official state dinners and grand receptions, had been transformed for the evening into a cozy, inviting space. String lights draped the walls, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden tables, and delicate centerpieces of winter flowers and candles adorned each table. The air was filled with the savory aroma of Eldorian comfort foods, and soft, cheerful music played in the background, setting a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

As the guests arrived, they were greeted personally by President Brooks, who wore a soft, genuine smile as he shook hands and exchanged kind words with each member of the staff. From his Chief of Staff and Private Secretary, Leona Frod, to the youngest aides and interns, everyone felt a sense of closeness that went beyond professional boundaries.

When everyone was seated, Brooks stood at the head of the table, raising his glass with a look of warmth and pride.

"Thank you, all of you, for joining me here tonight," he began, his voice carrying a touch of emotion. "I've spent the past few years of my life here in this palace, and I can't imagine how I could've done any of it without each of you. You have been my strength, my advisors, and, in many ways, my family."

The room fell silent as he continued, each person drawn in by the sincerity of his words.

"Tonight, I wanted to take a step away from the formalities, the endless reports, and the bustling meetings. I wanted to share a meal, to laugh, to remember the little moments that made these past years worth it. Because when I look back on my time here, it's these moments I'll cherish most. So please, let's enjoy this evening together, as friends and colleagues."

As the toasts echoed around the room, a lighthearted, festive energy filled the air. Plates were passed around, and laughter soon bubbled up as the staff began sharing stories from their time in the palace. From humorous mishaps in meetings to the occasional "coffee emergency" during late nights, everyone had a tale to tell.

At one point in the evening, Chief of Staff Leona Frod raised her glass to make a toast of her own.

"Mr. President, I think I speak for everyone when I say that you've been more than just a leader to us—you've been a friend. You've treated each of us with respect, and I know I'll always look back on these years as some of the best of my career. We're grateful for your kindness and the way you've always valued each of us."

Brooks chuckled, clearly touched, and replied, "Leona, you've been a pillar of strength for me, and I can't thank you enough for all that you've done. Here's to you and to everyone here. You made these years possible."

The staff applauded, and as the night continued, the boundaries of rank and formality faded entirely. Ministers joked with junior aides, and even the president himself found himself in lighthearted conversations about favorite Eldorian desserts, books, and travel destinations. There was no rush to end the evening, and the warmth of genuine companionship filled the room.

As dessert was being served, Brooks found himself in conversation with Press Minister Rebecca Shaw, who had been with him through the stormiest press cycles and the most triumphant announcements. She grinned as she recalled one particularly tense press briefing, where Brooks had managed to turn a difficult question into a moment of levity.

"Mr. President, I'll never forget how you kept your cool in that moment," she said, laughter in her eyes. "I thought I'd have to jump in and save you, but you managed to turn the whole room around."

Brooks laughed. "Oh, trust me, I was sweating bullets! But you were always there, Rebecca, making sure I had the right words. I can't thank you enough."

Across the table, National Economic Adviser Harriet Voss and National Security Adviser Alden Renford were recounting stories from long, late-night strategy meetings, reminiscing about their shared determination to keep Eldoria strong and prosperous.

At one point, Brooks looked across the room and caught the eye of MJLA Minister Claire Whitaker, who had been a steadfast supporter and a guiding force in legal and justice matters. He raised his glass in a silent salute to her, and she responded with a nod, her eyes reflecting the same respect and gratitude.

As the evening wound down, Brooks stood once again, tapping his glass to gather everyone's attention. "Before we all go our separate ways for the night, I just want to say how grateful I am for each of you. In the months and years to come, when I'm no longer here in this palace, I'll remember tonight as one of the highlights of my time as president."

He paused, and his voice grew softer. "Leadership isn't about making decisions alone. It's about having people you trust beside you. And tonight, I feel like the luckiest man in Eldoria to have each of you beside me."

The room filled with applause as everyone raised their glasses in a final toast. The warmth of the moment left a lasting impression, and as the guests began to leave, each one took a moment to shake hands with Brooks, offering heartfelt thanks and well-wishes for his future.

After the last of the staff had departed, Brooks lingered alone in the dining hall, looking around at the remnants of the evening—the empty plates, the flickering candles, the echoes of laughter. This had been a simple gathering, but it had meant everything to him. The bonds he had forged with his team over the years, the memories they'd created, would stay with him long after he left the palace.

With a quiet sigh, he extinguished the last candle and walked out of the hall, carrying with him the warmth of that evening—a warmth that he knew would accompany him, no matter where the future might lead.