The night before the fated meeting…
Prince Astraeus knocked on the door of his father's study. He heard a voice from inside.
"Come in."
He opened the door and entered. He saw his father, under the midnight oil, sitting at his desk, surrounded by books and papers.
'Always a workaholic...' Astraeus thought with smile, his father deeply cared for his kingdom and its citizens.
He looked up and smiled. "Ah, my son. What brings you here?"
Astraeus walked towards him and bowed. "Father, I wanted to talk to you about something important."
King Andromedus gestured for him to sit down. "Of course. What is it?"
Prince Astraeus took a deep breath and spoke.
"Father, you know that tomorrow is the day of the council meeting. The one where they will discuss the future of our kingdom and our relations with the outside world."
"Yes, I know. It is a very important meeting indeed." Andromedus nodded.
Astraeus continued. "Father, I have been thinking a lot about this topic. About our kingdom and its isolation. About our people and their ignorance. About the prophecy..."
His father looked at him with curiosity. "And what have you concluded?"
Astraeus looked at him with determination. "I have concluded that we need to change. We need to open our eyes and see the world as it is. We need to learn from others and share with them. We need to find out who we are and what we can do."
"That is a bold conclusion indeed. And how do you propose we do that?" Andromedus raised his eyebrows.
Astraeus hesitated for a moment, then said.
"I propose that we send someone on a mission across Elibe. Someone who can explore its lands and cultures. Someone who can witness its wonders and horrors. Someone who can represent us and speak for us. Someone who can decide for us."
King Andromedus was silent for a while, then asked. "And who would that someone be?"
Prince Astraeus looked at him in the eye and said.
"Me."
==========
Prince Astraeus felt a surge of pressure and expectation from the advisors. He knew they were all looking at him as the key to their kingdom's future. He also knew that his father was waiting for his response.
He looked at his father, who smiled gently and nodded.
He gave him a reassuring glance that said: "It's your choice, son. I trust you."
Prince Astraeus felt a surge of gratitude and love for his father. He knew that his father was giving him the freedom and support to make his own decision. He was going to make the best of it and make him proud.
Prince Astraeus took a deep breath and spoke.
"Thank you all for your opinions and advice. You have given me much to think about." He took a moment and scanned the room.
"I agree that we need more information and knowledge about the outside world. I also agree that we need someone who can see for himself what it is like. Someone who can represent us and speak for us." He paused and looked at his father.
King Andromedus returned his gaze with a fatherly nod.
"That someone is me."
The council chamber erupted in gasps and murmurs. The ministers and advisors were shocked and surprised by the prince's declaration.
"I can't believe it!" One minister whispered to another.
"This is unprecedented…" Another muttered.
"I never thought he would take on such a risky mission." A third whispered.
Prince Astraeus continued. "I volunteer to go on a mission across Elibe. To meet its people and learn from them."
The room filled with excitement and disbelief. The council members exchanged glances, trying to read each other's thoughts.
The Minister of Defense and Security spoke up, his voice laced with concern. "Your Highness, are you sure about this? It's a dangerous task, and we don't know what kind of dangers lurk beyond our borders."
Prince Astraeus met his gaze with confidence. "I am sure, Minister. I am willing to take on this mission for the sake of our kingdom's future."
The Minister of Health and Social Care chimed in, her voice filled with worry. "But Your Highness, what if something happens to you? Who will take care of our kingdom?"
The prince smiled kindly. "I have faith in our people and in my father. They will take care of our kingdom while I am away."
The council members continued to murmur amongst themselves, still surprised by the prince's decision. But they also felt a sense of pride and admiration for their young prince, who was willing to risk so much for their kingdom.
"This is a brilliant idea, Your Highness. It will also give us valuable information and insights that we can use to improve our policies and strategies." The Minister of Foreign Relations and Affairs said with enthusiasm.
"Your Majesty, this is a foolish idea. Sending the prince on this mission will expose him to unnecessary dangers and risks." The Minister of Defense and Security said with concern.
"Your Majesty, It will have unpredictable consequences and implications for our economy and society." The Minister of Commerce said with caution.
"Your Highness, this is such a noble idea. Sending Prince Astraeus on this mission will demonstrate our values and principles as a nation. It will also inspire our people and culture to be more open-minded and creative." The Minister of Culture, media and heritage said with admiration.
"Your Majesty, this is a wasteful idea. It will cost us a lot of money and resources that we could use for more important things. It will also divert our attention and focus from our domestic issues and problems." The Chancellor of the Exchequer said with criticism.
Prince Astraeus turned to his father again.
"Father, will you grant me this request?"
King Andromedus rose from his seat and walked towards his son. He embraced him warmly and whispered in his ear. "Of course, my son. I'm proud of you."
The king then turned to watch the ministers' faces and reactions. He then spoke with authority and wisdom.
"Thank you all for your honest and valuable feedback. However, I have made up my mind. I believe that sending the prince on this mission is the best thing to do for our kingdom and our future. It is not only his personal choice, but also his royal duty."
He glanced at his son, who was sitting next to him, with pride and affection.
"Prince Astraeus is a brave and intelligent young man. He has a curious and adventurous spirit. He has a compassionate and generous heart. He has a strong and noble character. He is the perfect person for this mission."
He turned to the ministers again with confidence and determination.
"I trust him to represent us well and make us proud. I expect you all to support him and cooperate with him in any way possible. I hope you all will see this as an opportunity rather than a threat. An opportunity to learn from others and share with them. An opportunity to discover who we are and what we can do."
He then confirmed to the council one more time. "My son has made his decision. He will go on a mission across Elibe with my blessing and support."
He looked at the Secretary of State. "You will be in charge of organizing this expedition. You will report to me regularly on their progress."
He addressed at the other ministers and advisors. "You will all cooperate with this mission in any way you can. You will provide them with any resources or assistance they may need."
He turned his attention to the Minister of Culture, Media, and Heritage with a clear instruction. "Prepare the farewell ceremony for the prince." He then added with a tone of disdain. "And make sure the media does not interfere. They have caused enough trouble already."
He then looked at the Secretary of State with another task. "Prepare the official announcement of The Crown to the public about this meeting. It will be a solemn and respectful message, informing them of his departure and his mission."
He turned to everyone in the room.
"This is a historic moment for our kingdom. We are about to embark on a great adventure that may change our destiny forever."
He raised his voice. "Long live Prince Astraeus! Long live Asteria! Ad Astra!"
He then stood up and signaled the end of the meeting.
"That is all for today. Thank you for your time and attention. Meeting adjourned."
The council chamber echoed with cheers and applause.