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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Fifty-Three: A Brand New Tanzania
Prince Banan stopped and unfolded the newspaper to read. The reporters outside recorded the scene, with the clever ones looking at the camera in the same direction as Prince Banan. Many years later, this reporter would still have a thick stack of photos featuring him and the prince at home.
The headline on the newspaper read, "A Brand New Army, A Brand New Country." The subtitle stated that the discipline of the New Army looked 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 discipline, not disturbing civilians while sleeping on the streets, paying fair prices for 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 discipline of the New Army offered a glimpse into Tanzania's bright future. People eagerly anticipated a new appearance across various sectors; in 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 above his head 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 speech was like a spark falling into a pile of dry wood; those surrounding him immediately responded. Soldiers on both sides of the road held hands tightly, struggling to remain in place as they were jostled by the crowd, their faces showing expressions of strain. Zhang Qiu suddenly had an idea and took out his phone to take pictures. Lucia saw this and also pulled out her phone, joining Zhang Qiu in taking countless photos.
Officials from the king's side observed the intense atmosphere at the scene with fear in their eyes. 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 and finally received what they deserve; they are very happy. Don't worry; the people will not harm those who truly care for them," Prince Banan replied casually with a smile, correcting him. He remained very optimistic about the situation.
Amidst music and cheers, Prince Banan and his party walked along the red carpet into the king's temporary palace in the south. It was a European-style marble building that was 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; there were many people coming and going in the venue, 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 froze for a moment, feeling a surge of complex emotions.
The father and son faced each other in silence while Sibuso Ramini arranged for both parties' negotiation representatives to take their seats. Zhang Qiu, Lucia, and Azure Hawk were all qualified to participate in negotiations; however, Azure Hawk refused to attend. Zhang Qiu strongly urged Azure Hawk to join this historic meeting, but Azure Hawk insisted that his identity was not suitable for appearing at the negotiation table. Reluctantly, only Zhang Qiu and Lucia sat beside Prince Banan while one seat remained empty throughout.
Both Zhang Qiu and Lucia had indescribable feelings about participating in Tanzania Kingdom's north-south peace talks. Historically speaking, northern expeditions unified China through military campaigns; similarly, civil wars unified America. A century later, young people from two countries sat together witnessing 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; both parties from north and south of Tanzania are here to sign a peace agreement. Representatives from the king's side include... representatives from the prince's side include..." At each name mentioned, an individual stood up to acknowledge those present. 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 Tanzania's north-south talks.
Once all representatives were introduced by the host, they immediately entered into negotiations. Specific details had already been discussed via Telegram; today's meeting was merely a formality. The conditions proposed by the king included that he would maintain a guard of one hundred men while Prince Banan fully agreed to everything else. To stabilize matters, several names proposed by the king would be exempt from punishment; Prince Banan promised there would be no retribution afterward. Of course, those individuals must relinquish all power they held.
Half an hour later, representatives from both parties signed documents as the host publicly read out loud four major clauses of 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 on site. 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 raised. The king's side remained silent, while only Your Highness from Prince Banan's side answered questions. When someone asked about Zhang Qiu and Lucia, Prince Banan affectionately took both of 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 and were waiting. As the clock struck noon, King Muwadis IV stood before the camera to deliver a televised speech announcing his abdication.
Wearing black wide-brimmed glasses, the king looked haggard as he read from a prepared statement. 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 promptly announced their resignations, which had also been prearranged. 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 everything; once stability was achieved, democratic elections would commence. At that time, Prince Banan would participate in Tanzania Republic's first election as an independent candidate.
After handling a series of national affairs, it was already late at night; all of Tanzania was in celebration. Enthusiastic people took to the streets cheering and singing, with bright bonfires illuminating every inch of land. The Temporary Palace also buzzed with activity throughout the night as high-ranking officials received orders to be dispatched to major cities; military restructuring temporarily centralized command under Prince Banan. 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 tilted her head back and sighed, "This all 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 have come to an end, it's time to go home?"
Azure Hawk's words broke the atmosphere but were not incorrect; Zhang Qiu nodded and replied, "Yes, we will leave within this week."
"Okay." Azure Hawk simply responded with one word and fell silent.
Lucia looked at Zhang Qiu and asked, "Are you feeling 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 here."
Lucia smiled and said, "When you come, don't forget to call me."
"You guys are here, making it hard for me to find you!"
Prince Banan ran over, panting. Zhang Qiu and Lucia looked over and asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing happened, nothing at all." Seeing the worried expressions on Zhang Qiu and Lucia's faces, Prince Banan quickly reassured them. Then he continued, "Well, nothing serious happened, but there is something extremely important that hasn't been dealt with."
"What is it?" Zhang Qiu and Lucia asked simultaneously.
"The War Maniacs!" Prince Banan reminded them. "You two haven't forgotten about them so soon, have you? I haven't forgotten; they have already been captured by the king, and we are just waiting to deal with them." He 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 major military and political affairs; 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's eyes lit up as he hurried after them.
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