“This just in… the new Governor General and First Secretary of the Province of Galahd in Lucis are to be inaugurated just hours before the coronation of Her Royal Highness Caelia the Third here in Altissia. We are informed that the general public will be allowed to attend the ceremony which will be held at the Government Estate. Stay tuned for the latest updates here on ABN.”

“Signore, are you ready?” Enrica asks, standing next to the door of Prime Minister Giovanna’s office.

“Those youngsters think they can run a province? What a joke…” he comments, getting up from his chair to put a coat on.

Giorgio briskly walks out of his office, leaving Enrica behind.

----------------------------

“So this is really happening?” Nathan asks himself, waiting inside a room adjoined to the Legislative Chamber of Accordo.

“It sure is, Nathan,” a familiar voice answers.

Nathan turns swiftly, spotting Jordan at the door, his signature smirk on his face.

“I… I didn’t expect to see you here,” he admits, straightening his posture.

“And miss you sneak glances at the prince? Not a chance!” Jordan teases, taking a few steps towards Nathan.

“What?! I was not doing that!” Nathan defends, his creeping blush betraying him. “Why do you care anyway? It’s not like I’m taken,” he adds.

“I guess you’re right…” Jordan trails off, pretending to inspect an antique painting of Altissia.

“He… he’s taken anyways…” he suddenly adds, noticing Jordan’s abrupt change in behavior.

“What was that?”

“Prince Noctis is engaged to one of his glaives, they probably knew each other before he became a glaive though…” Nathan theorizes aloud, taking a seat on an overstuffed sofa.

“Hah! So you do like him!” Jordan says, laughing as he sits beside Nathan.

“Well… not anymore I guess.”

“He’s too old for you anyways, don’t be too sad about it.”

“I am not sad about it! Stop making it seem like I fell for him at first sight!”

“Is the happy couple having an argument?” a voice interrupts, its owner none other than their topic of conversation.

“Y- Your Royal Highness! I- I didn’t know you’d be going in here!” Nathan blurts out, swiftly rising to his feet and bowing.

“Sorry for interrupting you guys but the ceremony’s going to start in a few minutes. Should we go over the directions again?” Noctis asks, casually leaning against the estate’s old walls.

“N- I don’t think so. I’m good.”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll leave you two alone now.” The prince walks out, not before giving Nathan another one of his charming smiles of course.

“He’s such a flirt, I can see why you like him,” Jordan jokes, careful to make sure the door is shut properly.

“Shut up!”

----------------------------

“Here we are, live from the Government Estate where the Ashwolf brothers will be sworn-in to their respective offices in just a few short moments. According to sources examined by ABN, Mister Nathaniel Ashwolf will be the youngest leader in Eosian history, turning nineteen next month. Do Galahdians think their new leader is fit for office? Stay tuned for the results coming up after this short break.”

“This is it, Nathaniel. Although I did not know her personally, I believe your mother would be proud of you. Lorenzia signing off.” Domani terminates his connection to Nathan’s earpiece as he straightens out his suit.

After calmly reaching the elevated podium at the front of the Legislative Chamber, he begins his speech, “Ladies and gentlemen, people of all backgrounds, nations, ethnicities, and allegiances. It is my utmost honor to welcome you all to the inauguration of Mister Nathaniel and Mister Charles Ashwolf. Accordo, and especially House Lorenzia, is pleased to be able to hold such a distinguished event on our very own territory. No matter your nationality, I hope that this will be an event that brings the two coalitions closer together.”

Respectful applause fills the room as Domani pauses for effect. He takes the opportunity to adjust the microphone’s height before continuing, “I will try to keep this short as we are running on a tight schedule thanks to another important event taking place later today.”

Some chuckles are heard from around the chamber with the exception of the Niflheiman delegation — who are visibly stern-faced as usual. Domani carries on, “I have heard that some question Mister Ashwolf’s ability and readiness in leading Galahd. While this is an understandable concern, I myself have no doubt that he has seen and understood enough to lead his province’s people into a new era of peace and prosperity. With his knowledgeable councillors — who shall be revealed in a few days’ time — I believe he will be able to build upon his mother’s renowned legacy. With this in mind, I shall take this opportunity to inform the public of my intention to relinquish my current position as heir to the Duchy of Lorenzia in order to serve on Galahd’s Executive Council.”

Several gasps are heard along with shocked expressions. Even the Chancellor of Niflheim seems slightly amused. The chamber’s volume slowly rises as conversations spark out and outrage ensues. Security personnel quickly rush into action, restraining a number of furious citizens from passing the reserved section nearest to the dais. After about a minute, the chamber is once again silent. Domani softly clears his throat before resuming, “And now, without further ado, I have the honor of presenting His Majesty King Regis Lucis Caelum the One Hundred and Thirteenth and his son, His Royal Highness Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum!”

Energized applause fills the room as everyone rises from their seats. The king and prince meet at the center of the dais as they approach each other from opposite sides of the chamber. They turn to face the people before standing beside both sides of the elevated podium. The sound of camera shutters fills the room before Domani announces, “And now, we welcome Governor General-designate and First Secretary-designate, Mister Nathaniel and Mister Charles Ashwolf!”

More camera shutters are heard as photographers take their first photos of the two newest faces in politics. The two brothers manage to gracefully make their entrance to the center of the dais before bowing to the king and prince. After concluding the customary greeting, they turn towards the general public for the first time. Nathan starts shaking as anxiety takes over, something that he hasn’t felt for a while. Thankfully, Charlie notices and puts a hand on his shoulder as they wave towards the people watching.

“A refined entry by the two Ashwolf brothers. Latest polls show a 54 percent approval rating for Galahd’s new leader, a good sign as Mister Ashwolf begins his tenure. What is your opinion on these two fresh figures in politics? Be sure to post your thoughts on ABN’s website.”

Once the initial shock wears off, Nathan turns towards the right side of the room while his brother turns towards the left side. The noise dies down as Domani humbly asks the king and prince to make their way to the center of the room where Nathan and Charlie are waiting patiently.

“It is my great pleasure to finally swear-in Galahd’s newest Governor General and First Secretary, two brothers born from a mother who has carved her place into Lucian history through enduring countless trials and tribulations. It is my hope that these two siblings will be able to guide Galahd through any ordeal that awaits them in the future.”

Applause erupts as the king finishes his short speech. As it dies down, he places an ancient, starry-blue book on a pedestal beside Nathan. Nathan steals a glance at the book which bears the title “Cosmogony” written in old Lucian. Guess taking that class was useful after all.

“Mister Ashwolf, please place your hand on this book as we begin the ceremony,” the king instructs, turning to face Nathan. This is the first time Nathan closely examines the king, noticing the prominent creases on his face and his hair rapidly losing its color and structure. And yet he still somehow emits a commanding aura, his steely gaze making Nathan nervous before it softens as he smiles encouragingly.

Nathan steps closer to the pedestal and carefully lays his hand on the book. He feels a tingling sensation and a sudden sense of strength as the sacred book shares some of its power with him. Moving his eyes to look at the king, Nathan notices a surreptitious nod, confirming his senses.

“Please swear the Oath of Allegiance exactly as it is written,” the king orders, holding out a piece of official-looking paper for Nathan to read from.

Nathan takes a deep breath before he begins, “I, Nathaniel Sodalis Ashwolf, do solemnly swear that I shall be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Regis the One Hundred and Thirteenth, King of Lucis and its territories, His Heirs and Successors in accordance with the Law. May the Astrals guide me!”

Scattered applause fills the room but it is quickly silenced when Domani says, “May His Majesty and Mister Ashwolf join me at the podium please?”

“The people who clapped probably forgot about the second oath you have to say,” Charlie whispers before Nathan and the king make their way up to the elevated podium.

Once King Regis and Nathan are on opposite sides of the podium, Domani steps back, allowing Nathan to step forward in his place.

“Mister Ashwolf, if you would please read the Oath of Office into the microphone,” King Regis directs, placing another piece of paper next to a second copy of the Cosmogony on the podium’s surface.

Nathan gingerly places his hand on the book, feeling its now-familiar sense of power spreading throughout his body. Taking another deep breath, he starts to read the words his mother must have read all those years ago, “I, Nathaniel Sodalis Ashwolf, do swear that I will well and faithfully execute the duties of Governor General of the Province of Galahd, to enforce and uphold its laws, to protect and serve its people, and to always keep the interests of its people at the forefront of my mind when exercising the powers that have been bestowed upon me. May the Astrals guide me!”

“And that concludes His Excellency, the Right Honorable Nathaniel Ashwolf’s ascension to his new position as Governor General of Galahd. ABN wishes him the best of luck. This surely will be a historical event that will no doubt be taken down in history books throughout Eos. Perhaps this will be the start of a new era of young politicians... only time will tell. Reporting live from Altissia for the Accordoan Broadcasting Network, I’m Rosetta Caruso.”

Little did anyone know, it wouldn’t be the only historical event to take place that week.