Imperial Palace, Shinkyō--
11 June, 2021--
1100 Hours--Normally, the palace was a lively place. Despite being the residence of the Imperial family, the grounds were also home to the families of some of the palace staff, mostly those deemed important enough to its running that they were kept on hand at all times of the day. Yet despite this, as the flag of mourning was raised over the
Tenshu of the old castle, an eerie silence befell its grounds. Yet despite the great tragedy that had occurred,
Eijiro had much work to do. Yes, he had lost his father, and the government was plunged into crisis, but that didn't mean that he could just drop everything. Now, more than ever before, his people needed someone they could turn to...
That was why he was, at the urging of his advisor, Benkei Hiraide, preparing to take action.
Yet despite that, there was some second thought as he prepared to sign this edict. He would, for lack of a better term, be making history. Doing away with over a century of progress.
"I don't know, Benkei... This feels... wrong, almost." He said as he sat at his desk, the State Minister behind him as he read over the bill drafted by the National Assembly.
"It's the right thing to do,
Tennō..." The minister responded, showing deep reverence for the man. "For the safety of our people, I mean."
"You think I don't know that? I'm having to sign away a system that has been in place for over a century."
"At the request of the National Assembly,
Tennō." Benkei noted. "Think of it like its the people themselves who call for this."
"But it isn't, is it? The people didn't make this vote. Just some scared politicians who think the target is on
their backs."
"I mean, the Rokkenjimans ditched their diet for a-"
"That's the thing. We are
not Rokkenjima." Eiji sighed. "We cannot just undo all the hard work we have performed out of fear."
"Then perhaps,
Tennō, you should do this to
protect the rights of our nation's citizens. Prevent another Eita Fukimoto or Tsugio Esumi from rising to power. And if the people will that you maintain power, then grant them the right to make petitions to you going forwards."
"...Maybe." The Emperor sighed. "Heh... 'Protect the rights of our nation's citizens'... Do good by them, no matter what... At the cost of sliding back into the trappings of the Empire before the first constitution." He said as he mulled it over. There was much that he wanted to see done that, due to the gridlock which frequently plagued the assembly, often wasn't able to be achieved.
"Sign, your Highness, and make good on your promise to serve and protect our people."
"...Alright." The Emperor said, taking his pen and affixing his signature and seal to the edict, after which he would pass it to his advisor.
"You've made the right choice,
Tennō." Benkei said before making his way to the door. "I will stand with you, your highness. No matter where you lead the nation, I will be here." He stated before taking a deep bow, after which he would leave.
Upon leaving, Benkei would pull out his phone and make a call. He knew the call was being listened in on by the Tokkō, which is why he would make it as brief as possible. A risk, yes, but a necessary one. He would wait a minute, after which the other party would pick up.
"Fukushi-Taishō... It's done." He said in as clear a voice as possible.
"Good work, Benkei. Because of you, we are now in the endgame."
A shadow is cast over the Empire.