EMPEROR ROLAND The grand Imperial Plaza is filled with the sound of the crowd's cheerful chatter as people bustle about in anticipation, the square bathed in the golden warmth of the sun. The vibrant banners hanging from the towering pillars flutter in the breeze, and the scent of fresh flowers fills the air. The music from distant performers hums softly, mingling with the excitement of the gathering.

I stand at the balcony of the royal dais, watching the crowd below with a somber sense of pride. National Founding Day. A day meant to be sacred, a day to honor the past, the struggles we overcame, and the prosperity we now enjoy. But beneath the celebrations, a deeper, unsettling tension lingers. Whispers of treachery, of forces at play behind the scenes—forces that may change the course of this day. But for now, I push aside my concerns and focus on the duty at hand.

I take a deep breath and step forward to the microphone, raising my hand to signal for silence. The crowd falls quiet, all eyes on me, their faces expectant. I gaze out over them, the weight of the empire's future pressing on my shoulders, but I remain steady.

"Citizens of Quesaria," I begin, my voice echoing across the plaza, "we gather today to honor a great and sacred tradition. On this day, we remember the birth of our empire, the sacrifices of our ancestors, and the strength and unity that has made us who we are. This is a day of reflection, a day of pride, a day to recognize all that we've achieved and the bright future that awaits us."

A hushed murmur rises from the crowd, their eyes glinting with pride, and I know they are with me in this moment.

"Though the years may bring trials, it is the unbreakable bond between us all that ensures we will overcome them. Our unity is our strength, and in times of peace, as in times of war, it is that strength that carries us forward."

I pause, looking out over the sea of faces, each one representing the heartbeat of the empire. My voice lowers slightly, and my words become more personal, more direct.

"As your emperor, it is my duty to protect the future of this empire. But it is not just my responsibility—it is ours, all of us, together. Every citizen of Quesaria plays a part in this journey. And today, as we celebrate this empire's past, we also look ahead to the future. A future led by my son, Crown Prince Xavier."

I turn to Xavier, who stands beside me, poised and regal. His calm demeanor is a stark contrast to the storm that rages in my chest, but I know he is ready. This moment is as much his as it is mine.

I gesture to him, my voice now full of pride. "Xavier, my son. It is your turn now, to speak to the people, to show them the strength and resolve that will guide us into the next chapter of our empire."

Xavier steps forward without hesitation. His posture is straight, his face calm but resolute, and as he addresses the crowd, I can feel the weight of his words—words that carry the future of Quesaria.

***

XAVIER The plaza falls completely silent as I step up to the podium. The eyes of the entire empire are upon me. For a fleeting moment, I feel the full weight of the crown, the mantle of responsibility settling more heavily on my shoulders than ever before. But I push the doubt aside. This is what I was born for. This is what I must do.

"People of Quesaria," I begin, my voice steady and clear, "on this sacred day, we gather not only to celebrate our history, but to honor the journey that has brought us here. We look back with pride at the struggles of those who came before us—those who laid the foundation of this great empire. It is because of their sacrifices that we stand here today, strong and united."

A wave of emotion sweeps over the crowd, and I feel a deep connection with them. This is not just my speech. This is our shared history, our shared future.

"We are an empire that has weathered countless storms. We have risen from the ashes of war, famine, and strife. And we have done so together, as one. It is this unity, this strength, that makes us invincible. And it is this unity that will carry us into the future."

I pause, scanning the sea of faces before me. The crowd is entranced, hanging on every word.

"Yet, as we look ahead, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. We are bound together by the sacrifices of the past, and by the promise we make to each other. It is not just my duty to lead you—it is all of our duties to protect the future we have built."

A hush falls over the crowd. The air feels charged with anticipation.

"And so, as we honor our past, we must also look to the future. We must build on the foundation we have inherited, and together, we will continue to grow. As your crown prince, I will guide us into this future with strength, with resolve, and with the unshakeable belief that we, as an empire, are stronger together."

The applause from the crowd is deafening, but I barely notice it. My mind is focused on what comes next, the surprise performance that will leave an indelible mark on the people of Quesaria.

"And now," I say, raising my hand to silence the crowd, "I'm sure many of you have heard whispers of a special surprise prepared for this year's Founding Day. A moment that will remind us all of the strength that flows through our veins, the greatness we've achieved—and the wonders yet to come."

The crowd stirs, their anticipation palpable. I smile, feeling the energy rise, knowing what is about to unfold.

"Now, let's welcome them!" I say, my hand pointing dramatically toward the sky.