Long May Harmony Reign

An older griffon swung back on his chair, his lime feathers drooping down like the white and gold cap he wore. The younger griffon opposite him leant forward in her chair, grasping hold of the beverage the older man ordered for her. Her light-grey feathers stuck up as she looked into the eyes of the older griffon.

The two found themselves in a small bar in central Griffenheim, just a thirty-second stroll from the Square. Rumour said Alexander Kemerskai planned the Palace March in this very bar. According to the stories told to younger griffon, in this very corner of the bar.

“Doesn’t say ‘monarchist’ to be wearing a cap just like Kemerskai’s, ya know?” The younger griffon said with a subtle smile.

“Kemerskai used to admire Grover IV, ya know,” He completed sarcastically, “perhaps I’ll admire his grandson. Perhaps the Volksfront will turn to the Republicans again.”

“Last time you guys were actually a legal organisation. Not so much now.”

The older griffon laughed at the statement, “Legal or not, the Volksfront is still here. The old regent couldn't exactly do much to hammer us out.”

“So, van Cleef.” She began, “Willing to answer a few questions?”

The older griffon shook his head with a soft smile, “You’re not as subtle as you may think you are, Carina Harker. The Chronicle’s rising star, I hear.” The younger griffon offered a soft smile in return.

“Got me!” She jested, raising her hands up to mimic surrender.

“I will praise your writings. It's good, and not just in comparison to the rest of the Chronicle’s dribble. But I’m not going to oust myself to the most pro-establishment paper out there, no matter how well you write.”

“Ah, you don’t play fun.” Carina pouted, “You gotta have something. Some secretive march, some underground connection with Equestria or the Federation, something!”

Edwin tutted, “I’m just a griff of relative notoriety, and today certainly not the griff of notoriety you want to be casing.”

“Oh, this is part of chasing him. It's not exactly a secret that students are getting uneasy. We all know it’s the republicans, the Kaiser knows it’s the republicans, but we are wondering if it doesn’t go that ever bit further?”

His eyes squinted at the accusation before he relaxed and brought a claw up to the journalist, “You can all just wait to find out.” The front legs of his chair swung back to the ground with an audible thump, “If you want a quote, quote the Volksfront: we’ll stand with the people, whether or not the Kaiser does.”

Carina smiled at the concessions, “Thank you, Mr. Volksfront. Such a shame I never got your name.” She gulped down half of her beverage and stood up, heading for the door, “I do hope we’ll see each other again. It's been fun.”

“I hope not,” Edwin said under his breath, taking a drink from his own beverage.

The streets of central Griffenheim were grand and clean this day. The effort across the last few days to clean up the city was almost comedic to Edwin. It contrasted the apathy that dominated the last decade. Funnily enough, it was the first sign to Edwin that Eros VII had died, though the – now confirmed correct – implication of a rushed coronation surprised him.

While he wasn’t surprised that Grover VI chose to rule personally, that was the only predictable thing. The choice of premier threatened to give Edwin the one thing he dreaded the most: hope. Hope that whatever the Kaiser planned, it could involve the Volksfront rather than fight it.

The cleanliness of the streets disappeared as Edwin walked further into the urban jungle that was the imperial capital. The almost fantastical architecture of the central city gave rise to the brutalist designs of the poorer districts; the infamous ‘central slum’ among them. The slum was less than a mile from the imperial palace, and its existence had been a great shame for the imperial government. Despite all of Eros’ rhetoric, he made little improvements despite attempts every now and again.

Despite the name, it wasn’t a true slum. The buildings were sturdy, and the basic necessities of a once great power were provided for. Compared to the slums he had seen from the Evi Valley to Kiria, these were a paradise. Nevertheless, the district earned its name for a reason. Be it the Republic up north, the River Federation to the east, or Equestria far to the west, how they housed their most unfortunate was leaps and bounds better than what Griffenheim did. How Griffenheim could. The very idea of true social housing was near a utopia here.

“All is relative, I suppose,” Edwin muttered to himself as he walked down a darkened alley, eventually turning into a small pub positioned at the end. Despite its location, Edwin found the pub a rather quaint meeting place for his Volksfront. While the club could never risk a permanent home, having a common couple did well for morale.

The familiarity of the place calmed Edwin as he made his past a ‘staff-only’ sign and up a depreciated flight of stairs; he swore they could collapse at any moment, but he kept his strides confident. Once at the top, he could make out a soft conversation coming from their usual meeting room, “Guess I’m the late one today.” The familiarity Edwin felt was sharply jolted as he heard an unfamiliar voice from the room. But as unfamiliar as the voice, something about it seemed recognisable. He walked cautiously towards the door.

“And you’re Geogina Schüler, right? Had to work with many young harmonists like yourself.” The voice said.

“I’m guessing this arrogance of yours turned them away.” This softer voice calmed Edwin, and he grasped the knob with his claws, his doubts partially adjured. If Georgina was talking to them, it should be fine.

“Must be Edwin.” A third, must finer, voice said.

River Breeze as well? Edwin thought to himself as he pushed the door open, “You would be right.”

Once the doorway was clear enough to walk through, Edwin scoured the room. First at the blue-grey pony he had just referenced, sitting nearest to the window. Then to the light-purple griffon that was sat closet to the door, but facing away. And then to the final griffon in the room.

“Vérany?” Edwin puzzled towards the grey griffon, who unceremoniously sat on top of the room’s table on top of a map displaying the square, palace, and avenue that connected them.

“In the flesh!” He clicked his tongue. “And I’m sure you too are curious about why the exiled-President of Aquileia is in Griffenheim on this very day.” Edwin slowly nodded, placing his claws on the back of the nearest available chair.

“Now Edwin is here, do we get an answer?” River asked.

Vérany nodded, “Either the Kaiser or Grand Duke contacted you yet?”

Edwin squinted his eyes. Such information shouldn’t be revealed to someone outside of the Volksfront so liberally, but this wasn’t just anyone. This was the griffon that sat beside Kemerskai as the face of republicanism and liberty itself. The griffons that Edwin fought to live up to their legacy. He must have a reason to be here; in Griffenheim and in this room.

“The duke.” Edwin answered, “I don’t trust it.”

“As did I initially.” Vérany lifted himself off the table and walked towards Edwin, “I also hear a certain Princess Luna has not only arrived in Griffenheim but is also intending to meet with your Volksfront.”

“And how do you know that?” A smile formed on Vérany’s face as he was asked.

“Oh, she gave me a call to inform you.” Vérany softly smiled, “I was genuinely surprised that I was the closest contact she had.”

Edwin shook his head in response, “We’re a political club Théodore, not a militia.”

“Even though that hat implies otherwise, I know. Just didn’t realise how safe you played it.” Vérany paused and cocked his head at Edwin, who had lifted a claw to his hat and titled it down, “Unlike some of my colleagues, I like that. Maar, I’m jealous you can afford to be.”

“I don’t know how much longer we can. We’re holding out hope the young Kaiser will be like his grandfather.”

“Don’t hope, see for yourself. I will be.”

Edwin let the offer settle. He thought about disregarding it. While Gerlach had permitted the Liberal Party in Feathisia, Edwin couldn’t be so sure the new Kaiser would allow for such to repeat. Gerlach being granted such power after the Regency War was a miracle on its own, and Edwin wasn’t willing to hope for another miracle.

However, Vérany shifted the equation. If the Kaiser had invited the exiled-President, it was likely his eyes laid south. That left Gerlach to home affairs, meaning the Volksfront may just have a place. It was still a risk, but maybe that’s what the Volksfront needed. Edwin shook his head, causing Vérany to mount a thrown on his face. Realising his thought process was externalised, Edwin began to pace. Vérany got the message.

“You said you can call Luna?” Edwin asked, receiving a curious nod from Vérany. “Do that again.”

Edwin strode onto Griffenheim Square from a small alleyway, the sparely occupied square being overtaken by crowds. Heavy conversation dominated the square, mostly in Herzlander but northern, Aquileian, and even Ponish languages could be heard. After all, it was a city once at the heart of the continent, much like Canterlot remains.

He brushed passed a small group swaying the blue-on-yellow cross of Feathisia, a chant in support of their duke being sung. Not far away, Edwin heard the same for countless other fiefdoms of the empire, even those that remain outside its claws like Cloudburry.

Orange-and-yellow cockades dominated the crowd as he approached the grand bleachers where the Kaiser was. Never mind what hope he held out for the young Kaiser, Edwin couldn't help but feel a sense of comradery wash over him at the sight.

Especially today. It wasn’t hard to see sniper teams positioned on the roofs surrounding the square and he had earlier seen panzers lining the main avenue going into the square. Edwin’s chest tightened at the thought, and he was unlikely to be the only one. The massacre four decades ago was a horror story he lived through only as a child, but it was Eros’ purges he truly remembered. The so-called ‘White Terror’ killed tens of thousands. Many Edwin knew. Many he didn’t. Who was to say Grover VI wouldn’t repeat it?

Right here: cameras. Despite the bravado of the Reichsarmee, the Kaiser seemed obsessed with this event being filmed for the entire world. As often as Edwin saw a fiefdom’s flag or republican cockade, he saw a camera crew positioned to film the Kaiser; presumably when he made some emboldened speech at the centre of the square. It might have even been a subtle way for the Kaiser to ease the crowd’s fears as all knew he wouldn’t dare slaughter a crowd for the world to see. Not even the cruellest tyrants were so brazen, at least when they remained sane.

Edwin felt the tension as he pushed through the crowd. Uncertainty radiated from the crowd. The collective yearning for answers trickled down his spine. Even as he made his way to the front of the crowd, just below a set of grand bleachers, he still felt their weight. Even the comforting hoof of River Breeze on his shoulder did little in the moment.

Many of the faces above him were recognisable. As Vérany said, Princess Luna was in attendance and expectedly he could see the Prime Minister. The Queen of Aquileia and Chancellor of the River Federation both made themselves central, with countless other global figures present. Even that report – Carina Harker - was present off to the side. None seemed as out of place, while simultaneously never more at home, than Théodore Vérany. He couldn’t hear a single word from him, but it was clearer from Princess Luna’s relaxation that this wasn’t the first casual discourse; soft chuckles cemented that.

It was soon after that a young griffon placed his weight against the intricate white lectern and raised his head towards the midday sun. Despite the ceremonious imperial regalia the griffon dawned, he looked out of place. From just this short glance, the young griffon imbued more innocence than imperial authority.

“He is just a child,” Edwin murmured, gaining the momentary attention of both River and Georgina beside him.

With one claw the griffon laid paper onto lectern, and with the other grasped the microphone with one claw while the other fiddled with his glasses before he brought it down. Any who had missed the Kaiser’s entrance were suddenly made aware by a sharp ringing. A scoff from the Aquileian Queen and a grin from Vérany caught Edwin's eyes. Whether that was intended for the Kaiser or Queen he did not know.

“My griffons!” The Kaiser began, “Today is a day twelve years in the waiting. A day where I can finally be the Kaiser I was born to be, address the griffons I was told I was destined to rule over, and finally act upon the divine duty bestowed upon me. I wish that I was here to celebrate today’s occasion, celebrate the glory of our Reich and the accomplishment my regent and my ancestors brought us.”

Curious murmurs rang through the crowd as Grover VI allowed a momentary pause,” But I am not.” He declared with authority that seemed alien to the monarch’s small frame, “Not because my regent has passed on, not because the weight of Boreas’ will has finally landed upon my shoulders, but because what I inherited cannot be celebrated. It was upon this very square that the first blood of the Revolution was shed, blood that turned protestors into revolutionaries. Their simple desires of ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity’ were met with violence, and plunged our Reich into chaos.”

From the uproar, it was clear that his statement struck with the crowd, simply not in the way he probably intended. Of all the things he took the Kaiser for, it was not a fool. Even Grover V knew what was going on even if he was not competent enough to do much about it. As Grover continued his speech over the crowd, it was clear Grover VI did as well.

“Four decades later, that pain stays with you all. And now I am the Kaiser in more than just inheritance, that pain is justly aimed towards me. It's for that reason that, at this very square, I want to apologise.”

While the uproar did not completely die, it certainly settled. An apology, huh? Edwin thought to himself.

“I am sorry for the pain my dynasty has caused you.” The Kaiser paced his words slowly, “I am sorry that you shall never have the satisfaction of vengeance. I am sorry for decades of suffering. There are no words in any lexicon that could justify the last four decades, and there is no argument that changes the truth. The Trinity abandoned this dynasty for its crimes, made clear by the loss of the Idol, and now I inherit a dying dynasty. One fate wants to kill once and for all.” The Kaiser’s words began to ring with a subtle bitterness beneath his regality.

“But we all know the imperial dynasty will not die quietly. We all know that a pen will never be enough to end your suffering. I see that fate, and I think all of you do too.

“And I say damn it to the fates! I say damn it to the blood!” The Kaiser practically yelled and pushed more of his weight into the railings, “Who would we be, as a people, as Reich, and who would I be as the Kaiser bestowed this divine duty to allow such a dreadful fate to befall our great Griffonia? Who would I be as the Kaiser to ignore your cries and pleas until they were at my very neck? A failure who would deserve the rope around my neck, that is who! I reject that ignorance. I chose to embrace something new. Something… harmonic.”

The Kaiser visibly relaxed his claws that had come to tightly grasp the railings. His brief break allowed the crowd to take in the rawness of his words, and it seemed it had overshined every other emotion. The uncertainty Edwin felt across the crowd before was now replaced with interest, with curiosity, with dare he say hope. He let out a soft chuckle that caught River Breeze’s attention before the Kaiser began his speech, in a much calmer and approachable tone.

“Today, I wish to begin a journey into modernity. A modernity that shall once again bring deserved glory to our martial spirit. A journey we will embark not as a Kaiser and their country, but as a country and their Kaiser.” Edwin could swear the Kaiser was hiding a grin forming, “It is a journey we may have to take alone, but it is a journey recently treaded. By those brave enough in Equestria, Aris, and Kiria alike to find harmony where my ancestors have spilt blood. To wield the pen where my ancestors wielded the sword.

“But my words only go so far. I know that. And that is why I have acted. I have appointed the Grand Duke of Feathisia, Gerlach the Silent, as my Prime Minister so that the glory he brought Feathisia may be brought across Griffonia. With him by my side and a Reichsarmee loyal to the cause, I promise that no longer shall the Reich and its commons be the property of the Kaiser, but the Reich and its Kaiser shall be the property of the commons!

“And the commons shall be for all. No longer shall we waste precious recourses on Boreas-forsaken fantasies of an accursed slaughter of ponies. No wasteful cultural struggle against those with irrelevant differences. It shall be a country that forgoes such petty distractions, and marches strong towards the glories Grover the Great intended of our great nation.

“This part of the journey will not be embarked alone. For one of the bravest souls in Equestria has accepted my imperial request to stand beside me today, and to fight beside us as we embark on our journey. May I present the architect of Equestria’s fourth tribe, Her Royal Majesty Princess of the Night Luna!”

The sombre atmosphere was suddenly replaced by cheers, which could be heard no louder than from the minority of ponies in the crowd. But they were not alone, and it seemed all in the square were united in cheering on the Equestrian princess, far more they ever did the Kaiser himself.

Carina was surprised at how close she and other reporters were to Grover. So close that she could practically feel the tension between the Aquileian Queen Vivienne and the exiled-President Vérany. She had to hold back a giggle just watching them. The Kaiser helped immensely in that.

Grover had surprised Carina for as long as she knew him. His wit, his ‘unconditional support’ for her career, his utter boldness. Today was just another surprise, and she fully expected more to come.

“Go on.” She heard Grover direct at Luna. “Help me help them.” He held his claw out, though Luna softly swatted it away and walked past him. The pair paused beside each other, a soft smile forming on the Kaiser’s face as the Princess continued past and grasped the microphone with her right hoof. She looked down at the lectern and let out a small smile, then looked up once more.

“Greetings, citizens of Griffenheim and of the Reich.” Her Herzlander was refined, any anxiety present would be hidden, “The Kaiser came to me, just a few days ago, requesting my assistance. Twelve years ago, I embarked on a protracted campaign, and still do, abolish the deep-seated prejudices that have for eons afflicted the Thestrals, my batponies, within the realm of Equestria.”

Despite the unsettling implications for the Kaise, Carina cracked a smile as groupings of ponies cheered loudly for their Princess. Cheers from republicans and harmonists alike were not far behind.

“It has yielded great triumphs that have only been matched with the trials and tribulations it has demanded for me to overcome. In collaboration with your Kaiser and Prime Minister.”

Grover is probably mad she didn’t style it as ‘his’ Prime Minister, Carina chuckled to herself,

“I am assured that the lives of all commongriff and pony shall be elevated to unprecedented heights of well-being. It is as a Princess of Equestria that I make the vow that the principles of harmony shall henceforth guide Griffonia forward into modernity.”

Luna wore a soft smile as she stepped back from the microphone, the same type you would wear after crunching an article last minute. The speech was admirable, but her circumstances were clear. Grover probably likes how clear it is.

The smile was short-lived, Luna dropping it as soon as Grover stood beside her once more. There might has been nothing else that indicated what she felt, but that dopped smile told Carina everything she could have wanted.

It will make for a good article. If Grover doesn’t tell me off.

As Luna made her statement, Vérany’s eyes drifted to the Kaiser behind her. His figure had clearly relaxed, his eyes focused on the Princess ahead of him. As she walked back and the Kaiser forward, the two momentarily paused next to each other, the former muttering something incomprehensible to Vérany before making her way back to her seats.

“I thank Her Royal Majesty for her presence.” The Kaiser began, his claws planted on either side of the lectern, “And I graciously thank her generosity. My work with the Princess shall be just the start of our journey into modernity, and what the journey will entail will be revealed in due course.” The Kaiser looked at Gerlach with a sense of… glee that had formed on his beak. Vérany could relate with that.

“But rest assured, my griffons, that this journey shall not be the musings of a Kaiser in his palace, behind the claws of nobility and panzers alike, but a collaboration between the populace of whom I rule for, and the Kaiser who rules for their populace,” Grover paused and looked out towards the crowd, “It is together, not separated and certainly not against each other, that the glory of modernity shall brace each and every one of you in Griffonia. It is my promise that, together, we shall bring the glory upon our Reich that Grover the Great intended. Glory to our Griffonia! Glory to our Reich!”

Interesting speech, Vérany said internally, perhaps one day you’ll repeat it without the panzers.

Vérany diverted his eyes from the Kaiser and onto the crowd. For the most part, the crowd had joined in with the chant. “Glory to our Griffonia! Glory to our Reich!” continued to ring, but it felt off. This was not the reaction of a crowd enthusiastic with his speech, not like the many Vérany had given, but something a lot more cautious. He couldn’t come to say it was force. While it was infinitely better than the speeches of King Moriset that he heard after his first revolution came crumbling down, it refused to settle in Vérany’s mind

Beside him, both Queen Vivienne and Luna stared at the Kaiser with daggers. He could guess his presence exacerbated the former’s tension. And whether that motivated the Queen or not, she stood up and approached the child Kaiser.

“Wonderful speech.” Sarcasm dripped from the Queen’s statement; any polite interpretation shattered

“Thank you.” The Kaiser’s reply was polite, however, and his body remained calm. The impact on the Queen was clear, as her wings twitched ever so slightly. That brought a smile to Vérany’s face.

“They are going to rip you to shreds, you know?”

It was a statement much more than it was a question, and one Vérany was not surprised at all to hear. The Queen was infamous for treading those she considered below her, even if Vérany had to admit she often had the talent to back it up. Grover VI was one the wannabe-empress saw as below her, merely a pawn in the machinations of the Griffonian Reich. Vérany, however, wasn’t so quick to dismiss the young monarch. He was about to prove just why.

Grover extended a claw out to Vivienne as if he was securing a cordial agreement, “Literally.” he said tonelessly, the initial confusion on the Queen’s face threatened to extend the smile on Vérany’s face, “But what’s the point in a game with no risk?” Grover matched Vérany with his own smirk, while Vivienne looked back in continued dismissal.

“A view befitting a child, Your Imperial Majesty.” She scoffed back. “It will be a shame to see this entire continent come crashing down on you.” The Queen placed a condescending claw on Grover’s shoulder. The Kaiser showed no discomfort whatsoever.

“Don’t forget Equus as well.” Vivienne scowled. “It will be interesting to see which flag Griffenheim hosts by the time I’m ‘matured’.”

Looking past Grover, Vivienne looked out to the crowd. Flags of various the various fiefdoms and a few more imperial banners flew below, “I doubt you will get to see it.”

“I’ll keep you alive to eat those words.” In contrast to his prior clam wit, Grover’s tone suddenly adopted sharp aggression alongside his snarky personality.

Vivienne let out a soft laugh. “Perhaps I’ll have a place for you, young Kaiser.” She walked away with her chin raised up. Grover began to head towards his Prime Minister, who had long retreated towards the corridor freed for his imperial exit. Before either could leave, Vérany walked up to the pair

“Do you still have a place for me, your majesty?” Grover turned back to the exiled-President, as did the Aquileian Queen.

“Théodore Vérany.” She coarsely growled, which caused Grover to let out a subtle smirk the Queen seemed to miss.

“In the flesh!” Vérany released his arms to mimic a grand gesture. “Your thanks for the invitation.” The Kaiser returned a rather joyous nod, further irritating Vivienne who continued her march away from the conversation.

“I appreciate your trust in making your way here. Even if it did involve some rather un-regal begging.” Vérany was quick to shake the Kaiser’s claws.

Vérany let out a soft laugh, “She had some rather… choice words to describe you?”

“Choice words?” Grover questioned, rather rightfully.

“Well,” Vérany cocked his head, “I think she wanted to use some anyway. ‘Irritating’ was as far as she went.”

“Irritating.” Grover chuckled, “Sounds like she finds me endearing.”

“It sounds like you made some sort of impression.” He replied with a façade of confidence. Vérany kept his doubts hidden; while the young Kaiser seemed… well young he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was the speech just a result of childish naivety, or was it part of a larger strategy? Gerlach’s appointment and the exclusion of key figures like Eagleclaw and Erion seemingly implied the latter, but Vérany knew better than to rush head-first into something. Mostly due to two failed Republics, but he still knew, nevertheless.

The Kaiser placed a claw on Vérany’s shoulder and whispered into his ear, “After I crown myself, make your way to Kaiser’s College. You’ll be expected.”

He just read me like a book, Vérany thought while hiding a smirk, “Interesting.”

Grover walked off and was joined by his Prime Minister, leaving the bleachers for a prepped corridor and motorcade. Vérany himself shuffled along with the other guests of owners, all headed for Griffenheim Abbey.

The breeze blew on Benito’s neck, the chill seemingly from the Abbey’s open door. The guard stood dutifully as he awaited his Kaiser, his motorcade visible a few hundred feet down the avenue. A small weight lifted from his shoulder at the sight, relieves that ushering in guests from needy journalists to Aquileian monarchs was over.

Once the motorcade crossed an arbitrary line, Benito sharply turned, flanked by a half-dozen guards, and entered the packed Abbey. Below the memorising grand arches, the hall was lined with countless guests, ranging from the ‘guests of honours’ at the far end towards the chapel, to loyal civil servants, officials, and whoever else was deemed important enough for this occasion to occur before their eyes.

Benito’s entrance caused murmurs almost instantly. Their unique military regalia quickly dispelled any mistaken identity as Knights of Arcturius or forces of a coup. Only the Barkginian Guad, the ‘Dogs of the Kaiser, would adorn striking green attire padded with ornamental plate armour.

The long strides of the Guard make their journey swift, Bento’s gaze soon met that of both remaining archons. The two archons were spaced on either side of the pedestal that housed the Abbey’s red and gold throne. Erion’s eyes squinted at Benito, but he gave him no reciprocation. He gazed his eyes towards the imperial crown, housed on a purple cushion upon a small table between the throne and the entrance. Benito knew how much the Kaiser had prepared for this day, and now he was here to make it a reality.

With his guards relaxed beside him, Benito made his way towards the crown only to be swatted away by Erion, “And what do you think you are doing?”

“What the Kaiser has ordered of the Barkginian Guard does not concern you. We act only at the beckon of Boreas’ chosen.” Benito replied calmly, finishing his stride next to the crown. “We shall await our Kaiser, and we shall submit to him. As is our duty per Boreas’ wisdom.”

The Archon muttered something under his breath, but nevertheless allowed Benito and his guards to take control over the table. Without further protest, Benito slowly picked up the imperial crown. The golden crown glistened from the sunlight glancing it, the scarlet Reichstone that adorned the crown was just as impressive as it was the last coronation Benito saw. It shone brighter than any of the lesser variants Kaiser had worn until now.

Benito placed his paws below the plump cushion, and gently lifted it. He took each step with purpose, with absolute care that nothing would go wrong. Once he arrived at the foot of the throne, he carefully placed the cushion and the crown that called it home upon the throne. He took a step back to ensure his work match the glory of the Kaiser.

Deciding his work was satisfactory, Benito looked at the archons behind him. Eros’ daggered eyes sent Benito’s fur standing on edge, but he refused to relent. He walked back to the archons and stood to attention next to them, and awaited the Kaiser’s arrival. That wait was uneasy, neither three nor their respective underlying seemed content with being beside each other, but none dared express such, dare invoke the wrath of the gods or Kaiser.

Soon enough, their wait was rewarded, and the Kaiser entered the abbey. Unlike at his speech, the Kaiser had now adorned a striking purple cape, his shoulder draped in white fur atop his epaulettes, which were presumably removed. None could deny that the Kaiser looked authoritative Looked like he could demand the unconditional loyalty of any in the Abbey as he had done his Barkginian Guard.

Silence fell upon the Abbey, the only sound being the steps of the Kaiser and the more modestly dressed Prime Minister alongside him. This silence continued as the pair made their way down the Abbey, their slow steps being traced by the crowd. Their path seemed unobstructed until the Kaiser sharply stopped shortly before the chapel.

Just as sharply as he stopped, the Kaiser pivoted left and held out his claws to a member of the crowd; Elias Bronzetail. He responded with the precision of a rehearsed action; a freshly unsheathed sabre being gently placed upon the Kaiser’s claws.

The Kaiser rested the sabre in his right claw while he gently traced its length with his left claw, before he attached the bare sabre to a small hoop on his waist. As if he had never stopped, the Kaiser continued his walk towards the throne and passed Benito with a subtle smile. The guard simply nodded in return.

The Kaiser paused just a foot away from the throne, his head tilting down to look at the golden crown that sat upon it. Lifting his right claw to the sabre hooked at his waist, the Kaiser turned around dramatically and swept his cape in the process.

“My griffons!” The Kaiser exclaimed, his sabre raised towards the crowd, “It has not been since Grover the Great has a Kaiser placed this crown upon their head. It has been four Grovers too long.”

Most of the crowd resisted muttering in response, but Benito head a few weak souls that let their shock and curiosity disrespect the Kaiser. As much as he wished to express his disdain, the dog resisted shaking his head not wanting to disrespect the Kaiser in turn,

He returned his eyes to the Kaiser as he hooked the sabre back to his waist and made his final pace towards the throne. The Kaiser allowed for one final moment of hesitation and extended a claw towards the throne. He let out a whisper of “Celestia.” too quiet for any but Benito to hear. With his resolve returned, the Kaiser harshly grabbed the crown with both hands and lifted it upon his head.

To Benito, it seemed as if the world had stopped. His eyes could not divert from the divine sight. After twelve years, the Kaiser had ffulfilled his father’s final wish. Benito felt a sense of completeness wash over him.

“Under the watchful eyes of the divines,” Benito was brought back by the Kaiser’s regal voice. The Kaiser looked towards a large, stained window expressing the coronation of Grover the Great, but traced his eyes along the sunlight shining through it, “A new Kaiser has been crowned! Hail to thee, Kaiser Grover von Greifenstein, Sixth of His Name!”

With his declaration, the crowd erupted into chants of “Hail to thee, Kaiser,” that overshadowed the anthem being played in the background. After years of waiting, after years of watching the young Kaiser’s impatient manoeuvring, the moment had finally come. He would follow in the footsteps of Grover the Great like no other Kaiser had done. He would live up to the legacy his father had always wanted him to.

“Hail to thee, Kaiser.” Benito chanted under his breath, letting a small smile finally escape his stoicism.