#872 The Speech

I’m still here, witnessing the grand day of the founding of the Human Republic.

The ceremony venue is packed with people eager to witness this momentous occasion.

There’s a good number who seem to be thinking, “I don’t know what this is about, but it seems fun, so why not join in?”

Amidst all this, the inaugural president, young Ritheseus, is set to declare the commencement of the Human Republic and deliver a speech about its vision.

It’s what you’d call an inaugural address.

The rule is that the leader of a nation must give a speech first.

So, Ritheseus is up for the speech, too.

Men and women, young and old, crammed into the ceremony, all eyes fixed on the yet unoccupied podium, eager to size up their new leader.

And then... someone finally steps up to the podium.

It’s...

“...The Demon King?”

I, watching from the wings, am baffled, too.

To everyone’s surprise, the first to take the stage is none other than Demon King Zedan, the ruler of the neighboring nation.

“I wish to begin with my congratulations on the emergence of a new regime for humanity and its young leader.”

An unexpected prelude begins.

Before the main act takes the stage, someone else warms up the audience.

That’s the prelude.

The head of the Demon Kingdom, now considered a supreme ruler on earth, serving as the opening act? That’s quite a luxurious staffing.

Though young in his rule, the Demon King is full of vigor and already a veteran.

His speeches, in clear and impressive language, easily captivate the audience.

“As we step into an era where humans and demons join hands...”

He speaks, drawing all attention.

But this creates a tricky situation.

Especially for Ritheseus.

Because the better the previous speech, the higher the bar is set for him.

After all, Ritheseus is today’s main character; his speech needs to be the most splendid.

Comparing his words to those of a seasoned veteran like the Demon King... 

Who came up with this setup?!

“...And so, I wholeheartedly bless the future of the human race.”

As the Demon King concludes, thunderous applause erupts.

A perfect opening.

The Demon King has certainly warmed up the crowd, but if Ritheseus cools it off, it would all be for naught.

Following this, the next person to take the stage is not Ritheseus, but...

Somebody else.

“Arowana?”

Now, it’s Mermaid King Arowana.

Why is he here?

“It’s time for all mankind, not just those on land, to join hands and walk together... So, as a representative of merfolk, I’ve come to bless the new beginning of the humans.”

I see.

A step towards global unity. But doesn’t this raise the bar even higher for Ritheseus?

Although younger than Demon King Zedan, King Arowana is also a seasoned ruler.

His speech is sure to be effortless.

After two kings’ exemplary speeches, a complete newbie like Ritheseus must outdo them.

The pressure intensifies.

“...I could really use a cup of tea right about now, if you please.”

Arowana’s speech ends.

Now, the stage is more than set!

Two kings from the world’s three nations have spoken. All that’s left is the young leader of the new Human Kingdom!!!

Go for it, Ritheseus! Give us a speech so impressive and impactful that it could be in textbooks, rivaling your senior leaders!!!

...And just when the bar couldn’t get any higher...

The next person to approach the podium is, once again, not Ritheseus.

“...Letasreit?!”

What on earth is she doing?

There’s no hint of the will to hide, not even as a representative of the old power.

Letasreit, a former princess from the now-defunct royal Human Kingdom, showing up at the celebration of the new regime’s birth? What could her reason possibly be?

“…Good day, everyone. My name is Letasreit.”

And there she goes, introducing herself like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

“Today, people from all over the Human Kingdom have gathered here. And I thought to myself... now is the perfect opportunity to significantly advance my grand ambition!”

What on earth is the former princess scheming this time?

“In other words, beans! Let’s all eat beans!!!”

So, as usual, it’s just her being her.

“Beans are rich in protein and are even known as ‘the meat of the field’ because of their nutritional value! They have the potential to be a staple food alongside grains. And they’re low in fat, making them perfect for beauty-conscious ladies! Isoflavones in beans are known to enhance women’s beauty!!!”

And thus begins Letasreit’s relentless bean presentation.

Her knowledge is second-hand to me.

On the stage of the Human Republic’s founding ceremony...

It’s mind-boggling what she’s doing, but somehow, it resonates with the audience and sparks an interest in beans.

“I had no idea beans had such wonderful effects...!”

“Maybe I should try a bag...!”

If there were phones here, they’d probably be dialing to order some right now.

As expected of a former royal, she has a natural talent for capturing people’s hearts.

It would be scary if she were still aiming to restore the old Human Kingdom, but for now, her interest seems entirely focused on selling beans, so I guess there’s no problem.

Except there’s a big problem right now.

Because this is the moment for the inaugural speech of President Ritheseus!

The situation is already heated up thanks to the fantastic opening acts by the Demon King and Arowana.

And as if the bar wasn’t already set high enough, her successful bean pitch just raised it even more!

No! I don’t want the first president’s historical speech to lose out to a bean promotion in terms of excitement!

So, the next person to take the stage isn’t Ritheseus!

How many opening acts are there today?!

The next speaker is... my son, Junior?!

None of this is making any sense.

Unlike the previous two kings and the former princess, what does Junior have to do with today’s event?!

“...Why is a child speaking?”

“Is that kid part of the new administration...?”

The audience is just as baffled by Junior’s sudden appearance.

Amidst the confusion, my child, Junior, speaks from the podium...

“...Yes, we can.”

A phrase that smells faintly of plagiarism.

But it resonates with the audience nonetheless, changing the look in their eyes with just a single phrase.

“Yes, we can?”

“Yes, we can. Yes, we can...!”

It’s like a wave of resonance spreading deeply among the people, echoing and amplifying with each repetition.

“Yes, we can.”

“Yes, we can!”

“Yes, we can! Yes, we can!”

Yes, we can!!!

Yes, we can!!!

Yes, we can!!!

Yes, we can!!!

An incredible frenzy spreads under Junior.

What’s even happening?

Amidst the eloquent speeches of many, only Junior has managed to stir the crowd with a single phrase.

It’s still a mystery why he came out, but the atmosphere is now heated beyond compare.

Now is the perfect time for the day’s true star, President Ritheseus, to take the stage!

I believe he’s going to record the greatest excitement ever!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Please lend your ears!!!