The Seven Founding Fathers Revitalize the Kingdom

First Act

It was a quiet war room council and its something that’s not typical in this situation, if this attack is an act of terrorism, there must be a protocol that they will follow to address the situation, but George knew that in this medieval era or in this world doesn’t have.

“Okay before I do anything. My father was supposed to disown me after the state of the kingdom, unfortunately, this act of terrorism rescinds his verdict. What I am trying to say is are you going to agree that I will be the king? Despite his decision earlier?” George asked.

“In this case, the king does not complete the due process, just like you said. The king will announce his verdict to disown you after the state of the kingdom, but this unexpected thing happened. You’re still the second royal prince of the Kingdom of Ametus.” Algus explained.

“Thanks for the clarification, now first and foremost, who’s in charge in all ministry?” George began.

“All of the ministers attended the state of the kingdom. They’re all dead,” Algus said in a sad expression.

“Okay, so who’s the acting minister on their behalf?”

“No one. Since this is the first time that happened in history, we don’t know what we should be supposed to do.”

“What the..”

“Do we have any idea what happened?” George asked.

“Is too early to determine…” The noble said.

“Well, we’re gonna need something. The whole world is watching us right now.” Regarding the gem broadcasting system, it was broadcasted all around the continent, so any country who just have seen the suddenness of blackout will be alarmed. George clarified

“Exactly. We need to alert every one of our embassies to convey to each host nation that the Kingdom of Ametus is on a war footing and now is not the time to test us. Jay butted in thanks to his memories he confirmed that there is an embassy in this area and in any other nation. 

“Can you patch me to the three dukes at their duchies? Inform the joint chiefs we are going to battle readiness level 2!” Jay ordered.

“You can’t make that call”

“The commander in chief is gone!”

“That doesn’t give you the authority lower noble! And in fact, you don’t exactly have authority so shut your mouth!”

“We’re under attack. What more authority do you want? Besides the provisional king is here.”

“Who do you think you are you scum!”

“I’m not gonna sit on my ass and hope for the best here!” Jay argued with the nobles opposing him. He’s was accustomed to giving orders when he was the founding father. He served in the military and became a one-star general. For now, he’s acting like it like. It does not concern him if this is another world since their kingdom, their new home is under attack.

“Wait Jay, I need something to clarify.”

“Of course, your Majesty. Sorry for voicing out.”

“It's fine”

George was surprised, why there is not someone who will take their position? Even if it's acting minister. They are the one who is supposed to be here and yet all the people inside the war room council are just a bunch of nobles who doesn't know anything. He must address the situation first, he looked at Adams, he is secretary of agriculture in his former world.

“Adams, what is the standard procedure in this situation?” George asked as they are acting based solely on their past protocol in their former world.

“Well, first and foremost you must alert all our military bases in case of another attack. Secondly, the perpetrator of this terrible act is still on the loose, I suggest closing all our gates, no one in or out, and flood in our army and find him within the kingdom.” Adams explained.

“Uhm Sir George, I believe you must secure the security of the mining sites, agricultural sites, and our territory as well. This is the best opportunity for those who are hostile against us to attack this kingdom. “Alexander added.

“This act of terrorism will cause panic and tomorrow our economy will be plunged to the bottom, I suggest you issue a decree on limitations of purchasing meat, spices et cetera.” Pierce also added.

“Hey, hey what is your stupid friends are deciding our next course of action?” Algus seemed irritated.

George can see their dubious face about the insights of his co-founders, well it's understandable since they do not know who they are in the first place.

“It's fine because I need all mind that I can get! This is an emergency and I hope you all can understand it. So those who have something on their mind, you can freely speak.”

But the room fell silent, what are the roles of these nobles sitting on the desk? Observers? No one seemed to speak so he continued.

“Sorry, Pierce can you elaborate on what’ve you just said?”

“Sir George it’s a human instinct, when they feel fear, they will do anything that they can to secure themselves. The explosion caused fear among the populace and the consequences will be devastating. They will hoard meat and wheat. It’s basic supply and demand. The demands will ultimately increase while the supply decreases. And when that happens, prices varying from all food will increases to the point that they can no longer afford it and for another week there will be no food left for the merchants to sell. And as far as I know, this country is suffering from a food crisis. Making worst than ever before. In addition to that, this attack will cause the merchants from another country to stop coming here due to this attack. It will be a huge loss in our economy.” Pierce concluded.

“Thank you for your insights James Pierce, for now, you’ll be my acting minister of commerce”

“I’m glad that I would be of help.” James bowed, playing along with the charades.

“Next step is to close all our borders and freeze immigration, I want that bastard who killed our king dead or alive! Is that understood?”

This time the morale of the nobles, staffers, and knights rose as they saw a gleaming hope to George’s proactivity. It still makes them feel indifferent towards him.

“Knight Algus, is there any general who I can call?"

“There is, those are the three dukes. The general of the Army Carmine Fortress, admiral of the navy, Lucy Contour, and the general of the air forces Geraint Lift. All of them didn’t attend the state of the kingdom as they are watching from their duchies.”

“I need them to patch now, use the gem broadcasting system if you have to. And tell them I need their cooperation. I will dispatch all the royal armies to flood and find the perpetrator, protect our mining sites and agricultural fields.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” Then Algus leaves and carried out his duty.

“Is anyone claiming responsibility? Or if not is there any country that will do such an act?”

“It could be the principality of Bayronian! That is the only country who holds hatred against us since we took their agricultural lands five decades ago.” The noble who was sitting on the long table blurted.

“Okay, do they have an ambassador here?”

“Yes sir,”

“Then tell him he’s got thirty minutes to come here. Use the gem broadcasting system if you need to.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

George finds his designated seat, he beckoned his co-founders to take a seat, as they are vital and the only people he can trust at this point. This suddenness of the change of throne is a problem to him as no one will ever recognize his authority. He needed a swift action to tell them he’s the one they've only got to solve this issue.

“Your Majesty the dukes are now waiting for you. Please follow me.” Knight Algus bowed.

“Okay lead the way” he continued “and Jay” he gave Jay a wink and he responded with an okay hand gesture and grinned.

 George stands to his seat and followed Algus. Arriving at the room he saw a gem that has a diameter of two meters. George browses his memories to know more about its mechanism. According to it, the gem was a system of delivering the voice of the king to all regions of the country. In the Gem Voice Room in the place, there was a floating gem illuminating a bright light that has been said to be imbued with the magic of the spirits of the air, sylphs, and the spirits of the water, undines. It has various applications similar to online meetings, news broadcasting et cetera. But the gem seems are only used when the king is declaring war, the state of the kingdom, and communications from the dukes. With that said he approached the gem and saw nothing but a white light floating in the air. He asked Algus about it but he said that they chose voices only. It’s impressive to have an option like a messenger or zoom that you can turn off your camera and mute your voice. If that was the case, he started speaking.

“Uhm, Greetings dukes, and duchess, I am George Ametus the provisional king of the Kingdom of Ametus. Sadly, the timing is regrettable for me to speak with you in this terrible situation. I am here just for a simple thing. Deploy your forces and protects all our agricultural sites, mining sites, and our port. Especially the land that we took over to the principality five years ago. That’s all” He concluded.

“…”

There is no response, but he cannot wait much longer as he has an appointment with the ambassador that is supposed to be here at this time. A moment passed he heard a sudden voice.

“You’re the second prince of the Kingdom of Ametus, the prince that will be disowned by the prince due to his inept, abominable, and mischievous acts that caused harm to the royal family's dignity and integrity. Why would we follow such an incapable leader to tell us what we should do?”

A young man's voice that seems clearly to be displeased and angry blurted.

“Why would you follow me? It's simple, we are under attack and on a war footing. If you’re just being stubborn and don’t have something good to say, then please keep it to yourself. We are in an emergency here. And as the king of the Kingdom, I order you to alert and order your troops as I have the duty to protect my people."

“What the f**k did you just say? People? Your brother is supposed to inherit the throne because you're the opposite of him. If only you are the one who died not him.” An angry voice came out from the gem.

“May I remind you that you’re talking to the King of Ametus, would you please address him appropriately, Sir Geraint? And watch your manners! He is still one of the royal family” A woman voice scolded him.

"A royal family that will expire after the state of the kingdom."

"Geraint!" The woman yelled at him, it was so intimidating that it sends chills to anyone who heard it.

“I’m sorry duchess, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Let me tell you something if I may? I may not be the guy that you needed in this time of crisis, but I’m the only one you’ve got, I prince George Ametus do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the king and will, to the best of my ability to preserve, protect and defend the Kingdom of Ametus.” He continued “this is not the time where should assess one’s capability. This is the time that we must unite and face this crisis. *sigh I’ll already dispatch my troops in the capital to prevent riots, panics, and another attack so please help me even if it is just now.”

Did he get them? It might look convincing if he said those words, so he grabs it.

“Understood, the Air force is at your command, but only this time. I still cannot accept you as my king.”

“I duchess Lucy Contour and with my navy, we are at your command.”

“Only this time, I general Carmine Fortress and the rest of my army is at your command.”

“Your orders your Majesty.” A soothing woman’s voice said. It was Lucy the admiral of the navy.

“Do what I’ve just told you to do.” And with that, George leaves the gem broadcasting room.

He returned to the war room council and saw his co-founder skimming through files and documents that they have requested once he finds his seat. James Pierce beside him leaned his head towards him.

“Mr. President I believe that we have a serious problem internally. If possible, I can report it to you tomorrow since this isn’t the right time.”

James whispered it must be a sensitive case, with that George just nodded. After a few moments there is a messenger suddenly entered the war room, he immediately kneeled and continued.

“Sir a report from the duchess Lucy Contour, the admiral of the navy. They have spotted a flotilla of destroyers off the coast Remaine strait! They are blocking it as we speak.” The messenger concluded; he’s really exhausted.

All of the nobles inside the room gasped George and his co-founders, on the other hand, looks unfazed.

“Your Majesty, that’s where the forty-five percent of our imports are coming through.” His secretary of interior reported, while he was gone, he was requesting documents regarding the geopolitics, geography, trades, and transportation networks.

“Your Majesty, this is a purposeful provocation by the Bayronians to take advantage of the night’s events and choke us by blocking the main trade routes of the Kingdom. Just as we’re on our knees they’re gonna step on our throat. James said urging him to step up.

Just outside the royal palace, the security is tightened no one can enter without clearance. Lumi was blocked by one of the royal guards of the palace. She can’t get in.

“Look, I don’t have time right now. My name is Lumi and I’m Prince George Ametus chief attendant! The provisional king.”

“Look, I already told you that we have our orders! And we can’t let anyone go through.”

“I was in there this afternoon”

“Well. A lot’s happened since then in case you haven’t noticed.”

Lumi scoffed, she cannot really convince him. Working with one of the inept princes surely made her not famous, so guards do not know her.

“Step back from the gate.” The royal guard ordered and give her an intimidating look.

Back in the war council room. Jay has full clearance about the relationship between the Kingdom of Ametus and the Principality of Bayronian. 50 years ago, due to expansionist policy of the king’s reign caused an upset roar to the principality. The only agricultural fields that they have been taken by them. The principality and all its populace are enraged towards since them and always waiting for the opportunity to take their lands back by moving their troops there and creates skirmishes. But it always ended in a stalemate due to the Ametus being superior in numbers, strength, economy, and population.

Jay and George are having an amicable conversation, or not. Nobles are just watching the founding fathers exchanging words for words to each other like they know what they are doing.

“How many more ways I can say this? In the morning, our economy is going to go over a cliff and the Bayronians are just seizing the moment.”

“Look what do you want me to do, Jay? Declare war? Why not? 40 minutes ago, the three dukes have given me the authority over them. I guess I’ve had it long enough to try it out.”

“We’ve just been attacked. The Bayronians thinks it can test us right now, and a full, swift show of force is the only way to remind them that our kingdom’s flag is still flying strong tonight.”

“And all I’m saying is that I think there are different ways to show force.”

Jay was irritated and began to release his commander aura as he leaned towards him urging him to attack the principality.

“What you need to understand is the Bayronian respect only one course of action, and that is action. This is not some consumer group waiting for a photo op with a figurehead.”

Thomas chuckles slightly. He’s referring to his past when he was the HUD secretary, who is closer to the president but it also similar to the past of George Ametus, all he cares about is his boasting that he’s a royal prince and is always with the King during each of its meetings.

“Figurehead. Well, Jay, this figurehead paid attention during every minister meeting, where they’ve dealt with this very issue. And the Bayronians have tried to close off the strait of Remain for the last 30 years, so I am having a difficult time believing that they just up and decided to do that tonight.”

“And how can you be so certain of that?” Jay winked, must have been sort of a signal.

George lay his head onto his hand resting and trying to contain his laughter in these charades.

Jay, you’re doing it flawlessly, your acting is good, I’ll f*****g treat you later.

Meanwhile, the nobles in the war council room can’t believe what is happening. How the inept prince can keep up with the issues and respond beautifully, and as for Jay who is arguing with him seems insightful and proactive. With that, they smile in relief.

George feinted his disappointment to Jay and regained his composure with a sigh.

“When is the Bayronian ambassador due to arrive?”

“He’ll be here shortly,” Algus said standing beside him.

“Okay, Jay you can contact admiral Lucy and scrambled her fleet. I believe that one ship will be overwhelmed by a flotilla of Bayronian navy.”

With that word, Jay feinted his excitement to the order.

“But they are not to engage. We are going to do this my way. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try yours.”

Saying that he stood and leave the war council. His co-founders and the nobles stand as they give respect to the king.

He went to the drawing-room of the palace where he will meet up with the ambassador of the Principality of Bayronian. He was waiting for him standing in the room filled with luxurious furniture and its extravagant designs. The chandelier has filled the room with light to show the beauty of the drawing-room.

The drawing-room door opened it was the knights Algus.

“Is he here?” He said.

“Yes, he’s waiting just outside.”

“Send him in.”

The knight beckoned the ambassador to enter the room. The ambassador entered the room, a man in his late 40s. Wearing what seems to be a noble coat. His body is thin as if a strong wind hit him. He will be sent flying.

“Mr. Ambassador,” George said.

“Your Majesty”

“Please” He pointed to the sofa and beckoned him to seat there. George also sat on the sofa, the ambassador is just across him, between them was a small table.

“Please… Please allow me to begin… by extending… to you and the Ametus people my country’s most… sincere sympathies… on this horrific tragedy. If there is anything our people ..can do in response to this the…tremendous act of cowardice, rest assured, we will do it.” The ambassador concluded but to George’s the former president notices his breathing pattern, eye contact, and stuttering halfway. This is an indication that someone’s lying. But since he’s the president of the free world in his former world. He must approach diplomatically. If they are the ones who bombed and exploded the theater, he will use this opportunity to gain people's trust. It is very effective in his world.

“I appreciate that... You can begin by removing your warship destroyers from the Strait of Remaine.”

“Yo…your Majesty, excuse me, but I believe you have…been misinformed.”

He’s still stuttering, what the f**k is the principality is doing by sending an ignorant and stupid ambassador. It was clear he’s lying. He knows the position of their ship. Did they overestimate the stupidity of the second prince? Well too bad for them it's not him anymore.

“Is that a fact?” He gives off a stern look. He is completely in control.

That should make him think a second.

“Yes. We… we have moved no such destroyers into the Strait of Remaine.”

“My minister of defense has war-game this out. They’re waiting for me to give them the green light. Which I assure you, I will do. Unless you pull your warship back wherever your port is within the next three hours.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Mr. Ambassador, you may know much about me as being stupid in the kingdom, but what you should know is I’m about as straight a warrior as you’re gonna find in Ametus. So, you should believe me when I tell you that I do not want, as my first act as the king of Ametus, to attack the Principality of Bayronian. But as both of us know, it’s not always up to us how history plays itself out. Now, I have chosen to believe that your country is not playing on our emotions tonight, but nevertheless, you will feel the full impact of them if you do not comply with my demands. Mr. Ambassador dock your destroyers or the lead story on the morning news will not be about the attack of our capital but the devastating attack on yours. Please, Mr. Ambassador. Let’s not get off on the wrong foot here tonight.” George concluded that should do it he thought.

‘Mr. President, I will speak to my government.”

George smiled and immediately stood and thanked him by shaking his hands. The intimidating aura released by George is gradually decreasing as the atmosphere of the air when George is talking is tensed.

The ambassador was about to leave the room but before he reaches the exit, George speak.

“Mr. Ambassador.” The ambassador turned his head to George.

“Three hours if your ship does still not dock within the given time, I will be left no choice but consider it as a provocation as an act of war, we have a legal option since you violated the international waters territorial water law signed by all the countries here.

20 minutes later the same day at the Royal Palace he gathered his co-founders in his king administrative office. And he told them what he knows about the Principality and the Ambassador.

“But the thought is not evidence, we need to find a way that will make them tied in the bombing,” Adams said.

“If they are really the perpetrator of the bombing then you have to take action and it will lead to inevitable war. You have the temporary support of the dukes and duchess.” Benjamin added.

“Which you’ll be benefited for it. This is the time where you will gain the trust of the people. But first, off you need to address the nation and assure the people that their government has not fallen.” John also added.

“I will do that if they don't comply with the time limit. But I need you to transfer all your knowledge to a book, be it engineering, sciences, blueprints, et cetera. I will use them to strengthen our national power and rescue this kingdom. I have changed my mind; this will be our new home and I will take care of this kingdom like my country.” He continued “And James what were you saying earlier? We have an internal issue?” George claimed.

“Yes, as I have said, there is embezzlement going on behind the scenes. Anyone can notice it if can read a ledger. I can trace it back and figure out who are those people, and if I find them, we will make them pay the reimbursement and if not then we will strip off their titles and seize their assets. Also, we can make funds from that to your future policies that you will implement, we have so many things that can be sold. This kingdom is obsessed with embellished golds and they don’t even notice that they are killing the one killing them. I also know how the kingdom is suffering from a food crisis. I will be working with Adams to solve it.” James concluded.

“It feels like we’re back from square one, working together. Jay thank you back there I think they bought it.”

“Yeah, their impressed faces make me cringe. Ahahah”

“Hey, Jay? Can you make an aircraft carrier here?” George asked he was half-joking and half-serious.

“You’re doubting me? I have a saying that as long as you have the materials, I can build it. But it will take years since we don’t have manpower capable and machinery.”

“Well, I have a solution for that. I found out that this body has magic, and it is a cheat. If you check your memories, I believe you it has magic too.”

“Let us industrialize and modernize this kingdom my fellow founders and we’re going to defeat fantasy with science. Brothers forever”

“I will find all the materials you need and refine it as one of the renowned mineralogists,” Alexander said.

“Brothers forever!” They cheered in unison.