章 12: Acceptance

"As an autocrat of this nation who holds the most power in the government, it'll take time for me to create a legislative body as I have to consult a plethora of ministers," Alexander explained and continued. "But I can assure you that you will get the representation the people desperately need."

Gabon touched his chest as heaved a sigh of relief. "I understand your majesty, your assurance alone is enough."

A small smile emerged on Alexander's face. "It is my desire to ensure happiness and dignity of my people. am the image of my people and with the help of God, I will do all my power to bring the country to prosperity and glory."

"Yes Your Majesty."

"So let's get on with something I can do right now as an autocrat. I will issue a proclamation tomorrow about the people's needs, the wage regulation, the working days, improvement of working conditions, and immediate release of those who were wrongfully jailed among other matters. As for the war with Yamato Empire, I've reached the embassy of Ruthenia in Edo for a peace treaty. Though there are still preparations that need to be met I assure you that the war with the east will end at the soonest time possible." He declared.

"I thank you for your immense generosity Your Majesty," Gabon said with a grateful smile on his face.

"Now, you can now let the people outside know that your goals have been achieved."

"Yes Your Majesty!"

...

Outside the Winter Palace, George Gabon stood on the platform where he address the sea of people waiting keenly for the news.

"People of Ruthenia! I deliver a message from the Emperor himself, Alexander Romanoff that our efforts have not been in vain!" He declared, raising his fist high.

The people cheered after hearing Gabon's declaration. Some wept with joy while others are in tears of hope and gratitude.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live Ruthenia!"

"People of Ruthenia! Our emperor listened to our pleas and he shall bring us the change that we have yearned for so long!" Gabon roared as he added.

Loud thunderous applause thundered the sky after George's declaration. People wept because of joy, women hugged their children tightly, and some even kissed their partners.

The soldiers tasked to protect the Winter Palace smiled seeing the people celebrating their victory. The civilians who were crying their hearts out just a few minutes ago were now smiling, laughing, and enjoying the moment. They were happy that their efforts has been rewarded.

Somewhere within the sea of people, a certain individual watched this victorious scene unfold while remaining hidden among the crowds. They wore a black robes covering his whole body, hiding their appearance, age, and gender.

"This...is bad," the robed figure muttered after seeing the state of his surroundings.

Judging from the voice, the person was male. His expression was hidden under the darkness of his hood, but the tone of his voice showed no panic, despite his words.

"What should we do sir?" Another robed figure asked.

"This is something that I didn't expect from the young emperor. I never knew he'll accept such progressive reforms." The man who seemed to be the boss replied calmly. "This is a miscalculation on my part, I guess we shall reevaluate who we are facing here."

"Yeah...I thought so too," the subordinate nodded his agreement.

"The emperor might be young but I can tell that he isn't stupid. He showed himself in front of the crowds in just a minute, invited the priest, and continued their discussion there. They are cautious. And after they concluded the meeting, the people's support suddenly. They might be aware of our existence here."

"Shall we fall back?"

"Yes, we'll have to think of another way, this is going to be hard on our part. Now that the population is favoring the Emperor once again with his promise, we will have to devise another way to tip the balance."

"Understood."

Upon agreeing to fall back, the two discreetly left the streets, wading through the crowd, and disappeared.

...

Inside the Winter Palace, Alexander was watching through the window. Observing the people as they slowly dispersed after George Gabon's full speech.

"Your Majesty," Sergei called from behind. "You agreed to the petition?" There is a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.

"I have no choice Sergei, what do you want me to do to reject them? It'll only add fuel to the fire. We have to give the people something."

"But what will happen if they demand more? Will you accept their demands? Sir, you're giving the people a taste of democracy and once they tasted it they'll ask for more and more and more until there is nothing left for you to control..."

Alexander scoffed at his remarks. "But isn't Britannia Empire a constitutional monarch?"

Sergei covertly rolled his eyes in dissatisfaction.

"Sergei, you wanted to protect the Ruthenia Empire am I right?"

"Yes Your Majesty," he vowed resolutely.

"Hmm...that's odd, you want to protect the empire yet you don't want it to change...it's kind of baffling don't you think?" Finally, Alexander looked at him, their eyes locked.

"Do you know the reason why the Ruthenia Empire is falling behind Europa?" Alexander asked, Sergei, didn't answer as he remained silent.

"It's because you are afraid of change. As times change so do the people, we can't live in the past forever. We must accept the reality in order to go forward. I'm not like my father who chose to return the rule of autocracy nor my grandfather that repressed the minorities who have their own culture and language."

"Yet sir, giving the people freedom invites unwanted demand for independence. As the emperor of the Ruthenia Empire, you have a duty to keep the empire together and expand its glory by conquering lands."

Alexander sighed as he sat on the edge of his table. He removed his military hat and spun it around his fingers. "I might not be studious, but I sure didn't forget the role of the emperor. We are just doing reforms, a complete overhaul of the system. If we wanted to catch up with our neighbors and never repeat the humiliating defeat from the Yamato Empire. For that, I need your help, Sir Sergei."

"Sir..." Sergei's eyes widened in surprise.

"You've been serving the Empire for more like twenty years. You have a lot of experience in bureaucracy and for that, I'm considering you an asset."

"I'm only protecting the dynasty of the royal family, Your Majesty," Sergei said as he saw Alexander walking toward him.

"With the support of the public, we will be able to do a lot. People are the source of strength, without them, there will be no Ruthenia Empire." Alexander said as he stopped in front of him. "It's time to change, Sergei, are you going to be with me in this endeavor?" Alexander asked earnestly as he offered a handshake.

Sergei remained silent for a moment. He looked at Alexander as he nodded his head. "For the glory of Ruthenia Empire, of course!" And shook his hand.

Alexander clapped his hands together as he returned to his seat. The young Emperor has successfully gathered the support of change. "So when are you going to leave for the Yamato Empire?"

"The first session will be conducted in a week, so I will leave three days."

"Then do you have time tomorrow? I have something to discuss with you about the new legislative body I plan to implement."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sergei answered as he bowed before him. "Do you already have an idea in mind?"

"Hmm...I have a rough draft in my mind so we'll probably discuss this tomorrow."

"Understood. I will take my leave now, Your Majesty."

"Yeah, sure," Alexander waved his hand casually.

...

Thirty minutes later, Alexander spent his time alone in the office drafting a new constitution with reference to his homeland in his world, the United States.

Good thing that he read it once and has a photographic memory that allows him basically to remember everything that he read or see.

Still, it's not enough. He doesn't have much knowledge when it comes to politics and his closest advisers would surely find a loophole in his would-be constitution.

"Looks like I'm going to be busy today." He sighed inwardly. Ever since he assumed the role of the emperor, it's always worked after work after work.

Why does he have to inherit such a failing state? He could've been reincarnated in another country with little to no internal conflict or probably reborn in a simple family.

Speaking of family, something instantly comes to his mind.

The bacteria colonies that he is growing in the lab he left five days ago, must've been completely grown.

"I'm going to check on them later." He mumbled to himself and hoped that he can find a strain of actinomycete streptomyces griseus in one of the Petri dishes.

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