—1300 HoursNearly thirty minutes later, another procession entered the hall, slowly walking towards the throne. The soon-to-be Emperor,
Arkan Vahram, clad in the traditional outfit of an Arashin ruler, led the procession towards it. To each side, he was flanked by attendants and guards, all wearing black robes, though the latter were armed with swords (and undoubtedly heavier ordinance within the robes as well). Behind them, several priests of the Ishitic faith followed, reverent towards their "liege", as well as the close family of Arkan's save for the Emperor-Emeritus and Empress-Emerita.
A great silence washed over the room when they entered, broken only by the ruffling of robes as all who stood within bowed deeply. Arkan, for his part, turned to face the shrine to that most important of ancestors, the man who had established the Second Empire, Arkan I. After that had been done, he was escorted to the back of the throne by his attendants, climbing up a short set of stairs before taking his seat on the still-veiled throne. While to some, this might've seemed like the end of the ceremony, it was, in fact, far from over.
Arkan could scarcely believe that this moment had arrived. If not for the importance of the ceremony, he would most certainly be in the midst of a panic attack. The eyes of the world were now thrust upon him, waiting to hear what he had to say in his first address, not only to the state but to everyone across the globe. Now that he was on the throne, even if not official
quite yet, he realized
just what sort of a responsibility it was, as well as that his people now looked to him for guidance, should crisis befall the nation during his reign. With a nod, he signaled to one of his attendants that he was ready.
Slowly, they sprung into action, moving to the front of the throne and pulling the curtains aside before tying them to posts along the side. The singular beat of three drums resounded through the hall, after which the now-Emperor stood up from the throne, being handed a page containing his speech. As he did this, another attendant approached, a sword grasped in both hands for the conclusion of the ceremony.
And then, he began to speak.
"Having previously acceded to the Imperial Throne in accordance with Chapter II, Article 8 of the Constitution of Ikhan and the Special Measures on the Imperial Household law, I now perform the ceremony of enthronement at the Ikaiyan State Hall and proclaim my enthronement to those at home and abroad." He began, clearing his throat before doing so. "I deeply reflect once more that for more than twenty years upon the throne, His Majesty the Emperor-emeritus constantly prayed for the happiness of the people and for world peace, always sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people while showing compassion through his own bearing. I pledge, therefore, to act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as symbol of the state and of the unity of Ikhan, while performing my duties as head of the Senate. I, as my father before me, vow to seek the betterment of the people of Ikhan, regardless of origin or past grievance, wishing only for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world, turning therefore my thoughts to the people and standing by them." He continued, at first reflecting on his predecessor's reign before vowing to follow in his legacy.
He paused, if for a moment, considering whether he should say the next part. It was very important to him, of course, but... Was it the right time? No, it didn't matter whether it was the right time. He knew that it was finally time that
someone—
anyone— in his position speak up on this matter.
"But of course, I recognize that we no longer live in the times of my father, and his father before him. There are threats to our nation—
to the peoples of the world— that simply cannot be ignored any longer. There are nations that practice such vile savagery against their own that simply must not be ignored. Even now, as my voice reaches millions across the world, I hear your cries. I wish to impart these few words to you: Do not despair. The misery that plagues you shall pass, and the tyrants in power shall fade away. But for them to pass, you must stand up, you
must be willing to create the world you want to live in, for your children to grow old in. Though the road will be hard, I promise you that ultimately, it is one worth travelling. For so long as it is walked, the dream of liberty shall
never die." He said, no doubt a surprise even to those in the press who, despite being given the first half of the speech and it's conclusion, had not been informed about this part. And then, he turned his attention to a more domestic issue, one that also troubled him,
"It is, however, wrong to speak of the ills of others while ignoring what is wrong in our nation as well. There are those who, due the policies of men such as the late Marshal Ikir, continue to suffer. Though small, the Arteski (Ardian) community within Ikhan has suffered disproportionately simply for speaking their own language or holding onto the customs of the homeland of their ancestors, ancestors who came to our lands seeking the same promise given to our own. Not all who came here from the empire came as citizens of that land, but as hopeful refugees fleeing violence and instability. That is why it is my hope that, going forwards, we can extend the promise of our ancestors to build a prosperous Ikhan not only to the Arashin, the Avosai, the Lekhaians, and Nirai, but to
all who live here, to all who come seeking refuge. More than anything else, we need the compassion that our forefathers showed to the Nirai who, like the Arteski, were once our mortal foes. In time, the wounds of the past will heal and the pain of war shall be but a passing memory." He said, calling out the mistreatment of a people for the crimes of their forefathers, those who had already been punished as it was. With that, he finally reached the conclusion of his speech, saying unto the assembled guests "Nonetheless, it is my most sincere hope that our country, through our people’s wisdom and unceasing efforts, will achieve further development and contribute to the friendship and peace of the international community and the welfare and prosperity of humankind." before, in keeping with the tradition of his forebears, taking up the sword of the founder of his Dynasty, Arkan I.
The Prime Minister, Ashot, then spoke up.
"I, Ashot Ekhral, Prime Minister of the Empire of Ikhan by the grace of his Lordship, the Emperor-Emeritus, recognize your Lordship as Emperor of Ikhan. I vow, in the assembly of the Imperial Ancestors, to serve, protect, and preserve the rights of the Ikhani people and to lead Your Imperial Majesty's government until such a time as my term has expired. All hail His Imperial Majesty, Arkan VI! Long live the Emperor!" He said, ending in a shout which led to the rest of the chamber to shout various praises in the name of the new Emperor. Outside, cannonfire could be heard in salute.
And so, the new era begins...
Show Posts
