A Story From Zinnia

Section 13: New Crown Prince

Nathaniel's death sparked a new polemic in the kingdom. Xavier is now rising as crown prince of Zinnia according to the law in force which raises a lot of scathing criticism from the parliament who considers himself unworthy to be king. The Parliament assumed that Xavier preferred to have fun rather than do his duties as prince. They also assume that Xavier's performance is not as good as his brother used to be, plus Xavier who is very young and considered less 'polite' to lawmakers is very inversely proportional to his brother.

Just like Xavier whose life has changed a little, he is honestly very afraid of his future. He never thought of being king. As if there was no time to grieve, the royal duties that flow daily keep this 13-year-old busy every day. The attitude and the way people around look at him is no longer the same, like there is a wall that makes them increasingly reluctant to approach him, even though Xavier wants to be friends with everyone. Similarly, how the palace staff who are now treating him very 'carefully'. Her cherry persona that was as bright as the sun was gradually changing.

Outside of going to school, Xavier now chooses to be more silent and struggling with his books. Whether it was in his room, his study room, or the palace library.

"Your Majesty." Tap Liam outside the door of Xavier's den.

"Lake in." Xavier

"This is your schedule for the next week." Said Liam while thrusting the file.

Xavier said nothing, he took the file and read it.

"Your Majesty, as you know King Arthur will be holding a press conference with many of the media crew tomorrow and-"

"I will not be present. Tell that to dad." Xavier refuted even before Liam finished his speech.

Liam was silent, knowing that Xavier should have been at the press conference.

"Okay, Your Majesty."

The day of the press conference was held in the parliament building. There are already many reporters and other media members waiting. King Arthur and the rest of the staff were still preparing in the waiting room.

"Xavier is not present?" Ask King Arthur.

"No, Your Majesty." Answer Elthon.

"That kid... He should have been next to me for a time like this. How can the people know and trust their future leaders like this." Said King Arthur a little upset.

"Your Majesty, everything is ready."

"All right, we're starting."

King Arthur entered the room. Everyone in the room stood respectfully. Followed by a flash from the camera of the reporters who were taking pictures. King Arthur now stands on the podium to give his official royal statement and his speech regarding yesterday's events.

"Good day dear Zinnia people. The public was shocked by the sound of an explosion coming from the waters of the Nirvana Sea. Zinnia's territorial area was illegally entered by the Calendula state. They sent 3 warships and 6 warplanes. Our military managed to make their warships retreat from our waters, but unfortunately, unexpected events were carried out by their warplanes. They chased and flanked Zinnia's 01 fighter plane, which was then boarded by my son, Prince Nathaniel Ashton Rayton. The chase caused his plane to crash and explode on the spot. Because of this incident Prince Nathaniel was declared dead while serving with honorable titles. The Zinns had tried to discuss diplomatically with Calendula, but they chose to keep quiet. There was not a single word of forgiveness or guilt that they had expressed. For this incident..."

Reporters and journalists heard in person prepared to take note of King Arthur's official statement.

"Zinnia officially cut all forms of cooperation with Calendula both in the political and economic fields unilaterally, boycotting imported products from Calendula and prohibiting anyone Zinnia citizens from leaving, settling, working, and working, and studying at Calendula. And we expressly forbid anyone of Calendula's side to set foot back on the land of Zinnia. Thank you." Thank you."

This is the official statement made by King Arthur. The question and answer session was opened for the media.

"Until now we do not know the exact motive because the Calendula chose silence, we speculate that they were trying to kill the king." Said King Arthur.

All who heard were dumbfounded. What's the matter exactly?

"Your Majesty, does Calendula really want to fight back with Zinnia?"

"Is there an unsolved political dispute from the past?"

"Will Zinnia not be harmed by cutting off all cooperation?"

"Isn't this including the attempted murder of the king?"

"Is there a penalty?-"

The questions of the media are constantly being asked.

"Please calm!" Said the palace chief of staff who managed to make things back to be conducive.

"I, King Arthur, will not allow another war to take place on the land of Zinnia. They are the first to act, Zinnia will not be harmed just because it breaks cooperation with the traitorous state. We will continue to increase the security of the people and military power so that the people do not need to worry. What Calendula did was already harming themselves and making a deep wound for the royal family. They were wrong in choosing the enemy."

"Then what about Prince Xavier who is now the crown prince?"

"Why isn't Prince Xavier coming today?"

Back again with this endless question.

"Of course he was very sad. We are all grieving and grieving the sudden loss of a long-standing figure in our lives. Xavier is still a young man, but that doesn't mean he can't do anything. He is very smart and competent. I hope the people can start believing in him just as you believed in Prince Nathaniel. Thank you." Thank you." Said King Arthur.

"Your Majesty, then where is Prince Xavier now?"

"Your Majesty when will Prince Xavier appear at the official event?"

"Your Majesty"

King Arthur, who had finished his statement, stepped off the podium and rushed back to the waiting room, though reporters and reporters were still incessantly asking endless questions. I think that statement is enough for today. King Arthur's head was made. He just wanted to go back to the palace.

"How exhausting." King Arthur said with a breath.

"What about the investigation?" Ask King Arthur.

"Nil Your Majesty, Calendula still chooses silence."

"What do they really think? Is it only then that they think Zinnia will collapse? You stupid fool."

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry if I'm presumptuous, but what about Prince Xavier? She must be depressed." Elthon

"Xavier... The boy... What should I do to him? Even though he is not an adult, he is not a child. Sooner or later he'll understand."