Welcome, Senator
As it turns out, my father left David specific instructions on how the ceremony should proceed. Obviously, the instructions also applied to our clothes. The traditional togas were already prepared, and the senator's faithful butler strictly ensured that my father's instructions were carried out flawlessly. The elite of the republic loved to emphasize their connection with the ancient Roman republic. Although none of us had anything to do with the ancient Romans, we still proudly bore the names of Roman patricians, wore Roman togas and convinced the people and ourselves that the current and ancient, great Roman republic were one and the same. And in our veins beats the blood of the ancient Romans.
When I went out into the yard, accompanied by the girls, it was already two hours after midnight. I was sure that our attire would contrast sharply with the clothing of those present, but my father knew the Republican elite well. Probably half the crowded courtyard was wearing togas. Lots and lots of togas and even more diamonds. Cleverly placed lighting gave a supernatural touch to the splendor of this multitude of jewels, and flaming torches along the alley enhanced the mystical atmosphere.
The soft rustle of fabric, as senators moved and conversed in hushed tones, mingled with the distant crackle of the torches. Somewhere in the background, water from a nearby fountain trickled steadily, its melody providing a calming backdrop to the heightened anticipation in the air. Every step I took, every glance I shared with the girls, was under the watchful eyes of the republic's most influential, all waiting in bated breath for the night's proceedings.
Every major media outlet was there (an unprecedented 180 million people watched the live broadcast, I later learned). I have to admit, given that my father was a very popular person, I expected at least a warm welcome. Unfortunately, my expectations did not take into account who had gathered in my yard that evening. First of all, there were people who, just a few hours earlier, during an extended meeting, had very “bravely” betrayed my father and moved to the cardinal’s camp. In addition, there were those, let’s call them fanatics, for whom questioning scientific dogmas was a completely unacceptable, blasphemous, and treacherous act, so for them, I personally represented absolute evil. It is also worth mentioning another group, probably the largest - people for whom principles didn't matter; people who instinctively felt the weakness of the Cornelius family and, based on this, allowed themselves the luxury of casting mocking and arrogant glances at me.
Considering the events that had unfolded in recent hours, I can probably be forgiven for overestimating the loyalty, integrity, and dignity of the elite of our republic. It might be forgivable, but today there is too much at stake. Too many lives could be lost due to my carelessness. All the neurons in my brain were busy searching for ways to neutralize the new problem when someone put a hand on my shoulder and warmly whispered, “Look at these vermin, how quickly they forgot their duty to Val. Everything he did for each of them. But it’s okay, my boy, I’m with you, I haven’t forgotten anything,” he told me and hugged me in a friendly manner. I didn't know the motives of the Consul of the Republic when he publicly expressed his warm feelings towards me. Whether he was sincere or had some ulterior motive, but any ally was critical to me at that moment. The Consul knew this and publicly expressed his support. I won't forget this. Never.
This passage gives a good overview of Consul Mbako's political journey and the dynamics of his relationship with Senator Publius Cornelius Validus. It also offers insight into the sociopolitical landscape, where regional or racial differences impact one's political progress. Here are some suggestions to make the text more cohesive and detailed:
Consul Mbako hailed from the royal family of one of the southern provinces of the republic. About 50 years prior, his kingdom was absorbed into the republic, and since then, the Mbako lineage consistently held a seat in the Senate. To be precise, they did not represent the province as much as they championed their own interests. Having been kings for over a millennium, they seamlessly transitioned to Senate seats and continued their rule unabated.
However, when Mbako assumed his role in the Senate, he exhibited an ambition that surpassed provincial interests. His oratorical skills were unmatched. I recall, as part of my education, Demetrius took me to the Senate just to hear Mbako's eloquence. While widely respected, many still saw Mbako as merely a provincial figurehead, not the vanguard of the republic's politics. Perhaps, there were numerous reasons, but I perceived only one glaring truth: Mbako's southern appearance made him an outlier in the eyes of our elite, who had little patience for diversity.
Without Senator Publius Cornelius Validus – my father – Mbako's political aspirations might have never transcended provincial boundaries. Although I'm unsure of my father's reasons, it's undeniable that his backing was pivotal in shaping Mbako's illustrious career. When Mbako decided to contest for the consul position, he faced stiff competition from the incumbent. Despite his popularity, few believed he could win. Yet again, my father's intervention changed the tide in Mbako's favor. Subsequently, the political unrest between the elected and the incumbent's supporters was quelled by my father's influence, leading to another triumph for Mbako.
Let's go back to the courtyard of my villa. Mbako somehow released me from his embrace and said loudly:
“Ace, you know very well how much I respected your father. I not only respected him, but also loved him with all my heart. We all and the entire republic are indebted to him." Mbako demonstratively wiped his tear-stained eyes and hugged me again.
How easy it is to change the opinion and attitude of our society. After Mbako hugged me, the crowd's attitude towards me changed from cold, arrogant hatred to warm sympathy. And I found a glimmer of hope there that our plan would not end in complete disaster and that at least a few people would oppose the order to destroy me, Clio and Fia.
Back in the courtyard of my villa, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Mbako eventually let go of me and projected his voice for all to hear, "Ace, it's no secret how deeply I respected your father. My respect went beyond mere admiration. I loved him with every fiber of my being. His legacy is imprinted in every corner of this republic, and we owe him an eternal debt of gratitude." His voice quivered with emotion as he demonstratively wiped away tears before pulling me into another embrace.
It was staggering to witness the rapid transformation that washed over the crowd. Previously radiating cold disdain and arrogance, their demeanor shifted to one of warmth and compassion. Such is the power of influence and the sway of public sentiment. With this unexpected turn of events, hope ignited within me. Perhaps our plan wouldn’t end catastrophically. Perhaps there were still a few who would stand with us against any mandate to harm me, Clio, and Fia.
For a few more minutes, I received nods and murmurs of sympathy from the republic's esteemed rulers. Then, His Holiness, standing tall and imposing, signaled for silence. He drew me close, his voice carrying the gravitas of the occasion, and proceeded with the ceremonial questions.
“Do you agree to accept all the obligations imposed on you by the will of Publius Cornelius Validus”
"Yes"
"You agree to receive, preserve, and grow the assets of Publius Cornelius Validus?"
"Yes"
"You agree to take the name Publius Cornelius Validus"
"Yes"
"You agree to dutifully serve the Senate and the people of the Republic?"
"Yes"
“You agree to take the oath before the citizens of the Republic and the Holy Academy and become a senator.”
"Yes"
“So be it,” With that, His Holiness handed me Saint Isaac’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, gestured for the oath. Raising my right hand, I began, “I am a representative of the oldest patrician family of the Republic, I accept with all honor the wealth and glory of my family, I vow to uphold and enhance it. Accepting my father's revered name, I commit to the privilege and duty of a Seventh Republic senator. I will lay down my life for the Senate's honor and the people’s welfare.”
When His Holiness proclaimed, "Welcome, Senator!", the air practically vibrated with the combined voices of the elite responding,
"Welcome, Senator!"
