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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 53 A New Tanzania
Prince Banan stopped and unfolded the newspaper to read. The reporters outside recorded this moment, with the clever journalist and Prince Banan looking towards the same direction for the camera. Many years later, this journalist would still keep a thick stack of photos featuring him and the prince at home.
The headline on the newspaper read, "A New Army, A New Nation." Below it, a subheading stated that New Army military discipline looks towards the future of Tanzania. The report mentioned that multiple units of the New Army entered the Southern Cities during the ceasefire period, maintaining strict military discipline, not disturbing the residents while sleeping on the streets, paying fair prices for daily necessities, and extending a helping hand to those in need, contrasting sharply with the National Defense Force led by the king.
Some believed that the strict military discipline of the New Army offered a glimpse into the dawn of Tanzania's future. People eagerly anticipated a new appearance across various sectors; in the future Tanzania, everyone would have food to eat, jobs to do, and freedom to enjoy. Prince Banan did not expect that an unintentional command of his would have such a significant impact. Gratefully looking at Zhang Qiu and others, he raised the newspaper high and faced the cameras with rifles and flashbulbs, proclaiming loudly, "The future of Tanzania will be even better than described in this newspaper. Please witness it with me and help create it!"
Prince Banan's brief words fell like sparks into a pile of dry wood, instantly igniting a response from those gathered around. Soldiers on both sides of the road held hands tightly to stand their ground, their bodies swaying under the pressure of the crowd, faces showing signs of struggle. Zhang Qiu, struck by inspiration, took out his phone to take pictures. Seeing this, Lucia also pulled out her phone and began snapping photos alongside Zhang Qiu.
Officials from the king's side observed the intense atmosphere on-site with expressions of fear. One official stepped forward to urge Prince Banan: "Your Highness, we should go inside quickly. These people outside seem mad; I'm worried someone might rush out and harm you."
"No, no, no, they are not mad. Look, they have been suppressed for too long; they finally got what they deserve today, and they are very happy. Don't worry; people will not harm those who truly care about them," Prince Banan replied nonchalantly with a smile, correcting him. He remained very optimistic about the situation.
Amidst music and cheers, Prince Banan and his entourage walked along the red carpet into the king's temporary Temporary Palace in the south. It was a European-style marble building, spacious and bright inside, with sunlight streaming through windows on both sides of the roof around eight or nine o'clock. The venue for signing the peace agreement was arranged in the hall; Zhang Qiu looked around as people came and went, with areas cordoned off for guards and reporters on both sides.
In the center of the plush carpet stood a rectangular mahogany desk where representatives from the king's side—including King Muwadis IV—sat on one side. Upon seeing Prince Banan enter, they all stood up. At that moment when Prince Banan saw his father, he paused for a moment in place as countless complex emotions surged within him.
The father and son faced each other in silence while Sibuso Ramini arranged for representatives from Both Parties to take their seats. Zhang Qiu, Lucia, and Azure Hawk were all qualified to participate in negotiations; however, Azure Hawk refused to attend. Despite Zhang Qiu's strong encouragement for him to join this historic meeting, Azure Hawk insisted that his identity was not suitable for appearing at the negotiation table. Ultimately, only Zhang Qiu and Lucia sat beside Prince Banan, leaving one position empty throughout.
Both Zhang Qiu and Lucia felt an indescribable emotion participating in the north-south talks for the Tanzania Kingdom. Historically speaking, wars such as the Northern Expedition unified China and the Civil War unified America; now youths from two countries sat together after a hundred years to personally witness another nation's unification—this could not be anything but fate's arrangement.
After both parties took their seats, the doors of the Temporary Palace closed. A host began speaking: "Today is December 17th in public year 2012; here we sign a peace agreement between North and South Tanzania. Present from the king's side are... present from the prince's side are..." With each name mentioned, an individual stood up to acknowledge those around them. The identities of Zhang Qiu and Lucia sparked discussions among reporters present as they speculated why these two individuals with different appearances and skin colors were present at the north-south talks in Tanzania.
Once all representatives were introduced by the host, they immediately moved into negotiations. Specific details had already been discussed via Telegram, so today's meeting was merely a formality. The conditions proposed by the king's side were mostly accepted by Prince Banan except for one stipulation regarding a hundred-man guard retained by the king. To stabilize matters, several names were proposed by the king's side to be exempt from punishment; Prince Banan agreed there would be no retribution afterward. Of course, those individuals had to relinquish all power they held.
Half an hour later, representatives from both parties signed documents while the host publicly read aloud four major clauses from "The Royal Privilege Ordinance."
"First, the title of the king remains unchanged, and he will continue to be treated with the respect due to a monarch. Second, no inquiries will be made into the king's mistakes during this war. Third, after the king abdicates, the government will allocate funds annually for his living expenses. Fourth, the king's private property will be protected by law."
After the host finished reading, representatives from both parties held the agreement for a group photo. The royal photographer captured this historic moment, and as the last photo was taken, King Muwadis IV and Prince Banan Muwadis clasped hands. The surrounding reporters erupted in excitement, and Prince Banan said loudly, "Friends in the press, please don't panic; we will leave time for everyone to take photos."
Prince Banan's promise calmed the atmosphere. After the royal record-keeping was completed, media reporters were allowed into the center of the venue to begin taking pictures, during which questions were continuously asked. The king's side remained silent, while only Your Highness answered questions from Prince Banan's side. When someone asked about Zhang Qiu and Lucia, Prince Banan affectionately took their hands and smiled, saying, "They are my best friends."
The peace talks continued intensively as the king, prince, and a few representatives moved to a room on the second floor of the Temporary Palace where technicians had already set up equipment. As the clock struck noon, King Muwadis IV stood in front of the camera to deliver a televised speech announcing his abdication.
Wearing black wide-brimmed glasses, the king looked weary as he read his prepared abdication statement to the camera. His voice was transmitted via television, radio, and the internet to Tanzania and every corner of the world. An old empire was collapsing; Tanzania was about to embrace a new beginning.
After announcing his abdication, conservative ministers who followed the king also announced their resignations, which had been previously agreed upon. Civil officials who had begun researching policies during the war were brought south by Prince Banan. Immediately following the signing of the peace agreement, a series of orders were issued. The Tanzania Kingdom was renamed The First Republic of Nasantania and would implement a constitutional monarchy. For one to two years thereafter, Prince Banan would oversee all affairs; once stability was achieved, democratic elections would commence, with Prince Banan participating as an independent candidate in Tanzania Republic's first election.
After handling a series of national affairs, it was already late at night, and all of Tanzania was engulfed in celebration. Enthusiastic people took to the streets singing and cheering as bright bonfires illuminated every inch of land. The Temporary Palace also buzzed with activity throughout the night; high-ranking officials received orders to be dispatched to various cities while military restructuring took place under Prince Banan's temporary command. Most countries around the world sent congratulatory messages celebrating the establishment of The First Republic of Nasantania. Everything was moving in a positive direction as Prince Banan successfully took control of the situation.
Zhang Qiu, Lucia, and Azure Hawk stood on the roof of the Temporary Palace gazing at the starry sky. Lucia looked up and sighed, "Everything feels like a dream, and now that dream has awakened."
"I can't imagine what we've been through," Zhang Qiu reflected on past events that felt both near yet distant.
"Now that things here are over, it's time to go home, right?"
Azure Hawk's comment broke the atmosphere but he wasn't wrong; Zhang Qiu nodded and said, "Yes, we will leave within this week."
"Okay." Azure Hawk simply replied with one word and fell silent.
Lucia looked at Zhang Qiu and asked, "Are you not reluctant to leave so soon?"
"Very reluctant," Zhang Qiu took a deep breath, opened his arms to embrace the night sky. "Lucia, I will come back here again; there are so many memories of us."
Lucia smiled and said, "When you come, don't forget to call me."
"You guys are here; it took me a while to find you!"
Prince Banan rushed over, panting. Zhang Qiu and Lucia looked over and asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing happened, nothing at all." Prince Banan saw the worried expressions on Zhang Qiu and Lucia's faces and quickly alleviated their concerns. He then continued, "Well, nothing serious happened, but there is something extremely important that still needs to be dealt with."
"What is it?" Zhang Qiu and Lucia asked simultaneously.
"The War Maniacs!" Prince Banan reminded them. "You two haven't forgotten already, have you? I haven't forgotten; they have already been captured by the king, and we are just waiting to deal with them." Prince Banan looked at Zhang Qiu. "I remember you have a grudge against them; today I give you the chance for revenge."
After catching his breath for a moment, Prince Banan continued, "Of course, I want revenge too. If it weren't for Azure Hawk, I would have died at their hands. These War Maniacs are enemies of all Tanzania. I've already taken care of significant military and political matters; it's time to free up my hands for revenge. Let's go!"
Prince Banan led the way, and Zhang Qiu and Lucia quickly followed. Azure Hawk, standing nearby, brightened up and hurried after them.
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