Travers’ Gambit
The following takes place following: Travers: Rock Bottom Redux
Later that night, a weary Prime Minister Kyle Konrad stepped out of his car at the palace and was led into the Queen's reception chamber. He was surprised to find Travers there, sitting with Queen Mayuri, her husband Wesley, and Master Devlin, who stood with his arms folded in the corner.
Travers: "Hello, Kyle! Been a while..."
Kyle: "Indeed it has, Travers... You look a little worse for wear..."
Travers: "Temporary setback..."
Queen Mayuri: "Thank you for coming so late, Prime Minister Konrad. As you know, we have a very serious problem in our nation, and I feaQueen Mayuri:r, despite our best efforts, we simply do not have the democratic means to fix it."
Kyle: "I agree. It's quite dire. I'm making headway, though. As you no doubt are aware, I managed to get our old friend Mr Boothe into the position of Home Secretary... But the corruption runs deep. I’m still facing resistance within the Cabinet."
Queen Mayuri: "I understand, and I thank you for your efforts, but Travers-san has a rather bold proposal, and I would like you to hear him out, Kyle. I understand you may have reservations, but I ask you to remember what is at stake..."
The Queen turned to Travers and gave him the floor. Travers began making his pitch. Surprise flickered across Konrad’s face. Even the Master, unsure of why he was summoned, looked taken aback.
Afterwards, they all sat in silence. After a few moments, the Prime Minister spoke up.
Kyle: "I can't say I like it... But it might be just what we need... I'm in. If we proceed, I’ll notify loyalists closest to me."
"As am I," the Queen said with a gracious nod. She turned to Master Devlin. "My husband believes we will have the support of the Council, Senpai?"
Master Devlin: "Yes, Your Majesty... I will see to it."
Queen Mayuri: "Good... Well, Travers-san, I wish you the best of luck, for all our sakes..."
Travers: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Rejuvenated, Travers practically danced his way out of the palace. Wesley stopped Master Devlin, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Wesley: "Are we sure this is a good idea? Given what happened last time?"
Master Devlin: "Not at all, but unless you have any better suggestions?"
Wesley fell silent, unable to provide one.
Master Devlin: "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on him."
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Waldonia in Shock: Queen and PM Call Snap Election, Push Radical Reforms
By Ermintrude Maine-Anjou, The Waldopolis Chronicle
Waldonia woke this morning to a major political upheaval after a rare joint appearance by Queen Mayuri and Prime Minister Kyle Konrad at the Royal Palace last night.
In their brief but solemn address, the Queen and Prime Minister announced that Parliament has been dissolved and that a snap general election will be held within weeks — less than a year since the current constitutional monarchy was established.
The Palace confirmed that a comprehensive constitutional reform bill is being prepared. At its centre is a proposal to replace the newly established parliamentary government with a directly elected President, marking the most significant shift in governance since the monarchy was reformed earlier this year.
The Queen described the reforms as “a necessary step to safeguard the stability and security of the realm,” while the Prime Minister stressed that the changes are intended to restore public confidence in the country’s institutions.
Campaigning for the election begins immediately, ushering Waldonia into one of the most unpredictable political seasons in its modern history.
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****
Kate Lockley sat in her Wallywood office, feet propped on her desk, reading the morning edition of The Chronicle. Her nameplate glinted in the sunlight: Kate Lockley, Private Investigator. The door creaked open, and she looked up to see Master Devlin and a grinning Travers standing in the doorway.
Travers: "Hello, Detective Hot Stuff. I might have a job for you..."
Kate raised an eyebrow, setting the folder down, clearly intrigued.
The Waldoverse continues in Election Season