Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Announcement of Project Stabilization

    In the private library,

    Arthur turned to Klein and asked, "It''s been three days. How have the rumors about me progressed?"

    Klein faced Arthur and replied, "The rumors have spread across the kingdom and become a hot topic throughout Keldoria. However, there are still many who doubt their validity."

    Arthur chuckled. "Whether they believe it or not, I''ll confirm everything today. Have you prepared the carriage and informed the people of Eldoria about the time of my announcement?"

    "Yes, Your Majesty," Klein responded. "The carriage is ready, and I''ve notified the citizens to gather at Central Square by noon for your address."

    "Good," Arthur said with a nod. "What about the progress of your mission?"

    "It''s nearly complete," Klein replied. "I''ve gathered most of the information and evidence, but I still need more from Councillor Rick. He''s proving to be exceptionally cautious."No?v(el)B\\jnn

    Arthur''s expression hardened. "Understood. Since I''ll be announcing the project to the public today, ensure your task is completed swiftly."

    "Yes, Your Majesty. I''ll push my informants to expedite the matter," Klein assured him.

    "Excellent. It''s time to head to Central Square," Arthur declared.

    With that, both men left the library, making their final preparations before setting off for Eldoria''s Central Square.

    As Arthur and Klein stepped out of the library, the royal palace buzzed with activity. The sun bathed the cobblestone paths in golden light, and servants hurriedly ensured everything was in place for the king''s departure. The royal carriage, an elegant vehicle adorned with the emblem of Keldoria, stood waiting at the palace gates, flanked by guards in polished armor.

    Arthur paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. His gaze swept over the palace grounds before climbing into the carriage. The carriage then headed toward Eldoria''s Central Square.

    As they neared the square, the distant sound of drums and horns filled the air. The crowd was enormous—thousands of citizens gathered, their faces a mixture of anticipation and skepticism. At the center of the square, a grand podium stood, draped in royal colors and adorned with banners bearing the sigil of Keldoria.

    Arthur stepped out of the carriage, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs of the gathered crowd. The people watched with bated breath as he ascended the podium, his regal cape billowing slightly in the wind. Klein stood to his side, a steadfast figure of quiet support, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of faces for any sign of danger.

    Arthur, who had never before faced a crowd of this magnitude with all eyes fixed solely on him, felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on his shoulders. A flicker of unease threatened to show, but he steadied himself. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand, and the square fell into complete silence.

    His piercing gaze swept over the people, meeting as many eyes as possible. Then, with a voice steady and resolute, he began, "People of Keldoria, I stand before you today not as your king, but as a man—a man who has made mistakes."

    A ripple of murmurs coursed through the crowd. Arthur''s opening words were unexpected, and the curiosity of the citizens grew sharper.

    Arthur''s voice grew firmer. "Make no mistake—these changes will face resistance. Those who benefit from the current system will oppose us. There will be whispers of doubt, acts of defiance. But I vow to you, my people, that we will persevere. The new rules and systems we build will transform Keldoria into a kingdom where everyone—nobles and commoners alike—benefits in the long run."

    A ripple of cheers spread through the crowd, growing louder with each passing moment. Arthur''s words had struck a deep chord, rekindling a sense of pride and unity long dormant in the hearts of Keldorians.

    He raised his hand to quiet the crowd once more. "But I cannot do this alone. For this vision to succeed, I need your trust, your courage, and your resolve to stand with me against the challenges ahead. Together, we will dismantle corruption, build a fair and just kingdom, and ensure that the legacy we leave is one of strength, honor, and hope."

    The square erupted into a roar of approval, the cheers echoing like a thunderous wave. Arthur took a moment to absorb the scene—their belief, their hope—yet as he scanned the crowd, he caught glimpses of hesitation in some faces. Skepticism lingered in their eyes, a silent reminder of how deeply mistrust had taken root.

    Arthur straightened, his expression unshaken. Inwardly, he thought, It''s only natural for them not to believe me yet. If trust came this easily, it would mean nothing. Whether they believe my words or not, I will show them through action.

    Arthur waited for a few moments, allowing the cheers to subside before raising his hand once more. The crowd quieted, their attention fixed on him.

    "I ask for your patience as I begin setting things right within the royal palace," Arthur said, his voice steady and resolute. "The fight against corruption will not be won overnight, and I must carefully dismantle the networks that have entrenched themselves in our kingdom. Once those corrupt officials are dealt with, I will announce the new rules and reforms, step by step. That is all for now. I hope, in time, you will come to see me in a new light."

    With that, Arthur stepped down from the podium, his cape trailing behind him as he made his way back to the carriage. The cheers of the crowd followed him, but his mind was already turning to the challenges ahead.

    Seated in the carriage, Arthur leaned back and let out a slow breath. Perhaps this will begin to shift their perception of me, he thought. But words alone will never be enough. My actions must prove my resolve.

    His brow furrowed as his thoughts deepened. Even if I can punish the corrupt officials, dealing with the nobles will require a more delicate approach. A direct confrontation could fracture the kingdom further. A banquet might be the best way to win their support—an opportunity to persuade them to align with my vision for Project Stabilization.

    Arthur''s eyes narrowed as another thought came to him. To succeed in project stabilization, my authority must be recognized by all—from the struggling commoners to the most influential nobles. But before I can focus on unifying the kingdom, I must address the threats against my life. The people behind the failed assassination on me.

    His musings were interrupted as a bird flew into the carriage, its wings fluttering before landing on Klein''s outstretched hand. It was a messenger bird, and attached to its leg was a small scroll. Klein quickly untied the note and read its contents aloud.

    "Your Majesty, Duke Richard has arrived at the royal palace and awaits your audience."

    Arthur''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Good," he said, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Head to the palace immediately. We have much to discuss."

    The carriage picked up speed, the sound of hooves striking the cobblestones echoing in the streets. Arthur stared out the window, the cheers of the crowd fading into the distance.

    ---

    Not part of the story,

    With the university break coming to an end, I''ll be adjusting my upload schedule to 4 days per week starting next week. Updates will now be posted from Tuesday to Friday at around 7:30 PM Sydney time. I apologize for having to limit my uploads. Thank you for your continued support!