The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 23 : The Announcement

Louis looked up lazily, "Maybe Grandfather does not intend to follow it through. Maybe it was an elaborate joke. You are right, I can't believe all of them are disinterested. You better watch out, Julien... But then again, maybe he is only letting you know to work harder and you will take over in 20 years only. The emperor is strong and healthy."

Drabert shook his head and looked gloomily up from his communicator. "Well, check this post on Royal Chaser..."

BREAKING NEWS – FLASH

Our Glorious Emperor has announced the long-awaited succession to the Throne. We are quoting his statement at the Meet-The-News event.

"Greetings, my fellow countrymen. It gives me the greatest pleasure to inform you that today, I announce my successor to the Throne of Bravadia. Over the last one year, the Core Ministers have reviewed candidates that are eligible to ascend to the Throne of Bravadia. They have studied various parameters involving the skills needed to run our country in a manner that is best for its citizen in the long run.

I am growing old now, and as you are all aware that the world around us is changing. We need to change with it. My generation has done all they could, which was good at that time. But now we need new blood, new ideas, new methods. At the same time, we need continuity in our policies in the future. I believe that one thing which helped us was the long period of my rule. That continuity of a single ruler over 50 years gave you stability of policy and approach. We had long term plan and thinking that was carried on for many years.

In order to achieve the same with our next leader, I have decided that none of my sons will be Emperor after me. Instead I have chosen Prince Julien Lidwig, my Grandson, as Crown Prince.

You have seen improvement in the lives of common citizen over the last 5 years. Services delivery to common citizen has improved. Education is now available to the smallest village in the remotest part of the country. We do not lack food or energy. Many of these changes used modern technology and a new manner of thinking, contributed by Julien. We therefore believe that by handing over the control of the country to him is a good idea.

I have formed an advisory body from the elders of the Royal Family to guide him and to provide a body of appeal. This is necessary at the moment as he is still young. The advisory body will dissolve after 10 years unless he decides to keep it on. This body, hereafter called the Council of Elders, will protect the rights of the common citizen.

Our nation has been in existence for the last 1,500 years and has reached its position of dominance long back. I wish it will continue to be the dominant for the next 1,500 years. And I believe our Crown Prince will take us in the right direction to achieve that.

You all are eager to meet him. He will soon be returning to the Capital to take charge of his duties. The date of the formal handing of charge will be announced in due course.

Julien looked up with jaws clenched in anger. Then he controlled himself and looked helplessly at his cousins.

"What were you saying? Long time, joke, what else?" Julien asked darkly.

"Do you think Grandfather knew we were meeting today? He thought we were planning some type of a... backlash? Wrong word, revolution? No, that is also not what I am trying to say..." Rosemary tried to explain her thoughts but failed. The Emperor, was after all, a master at politics and strategy.

"I am sure he knows where each of us are at all times. Well, he has announced it, so my options are limited. Rejection now will be an open revolt, I will have to leave the country, and that too may not be enough. You don't insult the Emperor..." Julien muttered, still angry.