Chapter 169 - A Bid For Change (1)

Albert sits alone in his office, the gentle ticking of the mantle clock offering the only rhythm to match his quiet reading. In his hands lies the final draft of his speech. He’s gone over it a dozen times already, yet he still reads it again, scanning each line like it might change the fate of the nation through sheer refinement. It’s been a week since he signed the executive order. As expected, the reaction was immediate…and hostile. Parliament nearly erupted. The clergy was swift and unanimous in their condemnation, calling it heresy in official statements. Yet, to his cautious relief, a small contingent of his allies stood firm. Their loyalty was enough to halt an immediate reversal. The order now rests in the hands of the judicial committee for constitutional review. A process that may take weeks, possibly months. For now, that liminal space grants him something rare in recent days. He now has time, which he's been tirelessly fighting against lately.