Chapter 52: The New President
In the days after Edmund’s passing, Elria held its elections in a city still steeped in grief. Seraphina couldn’t shake the feeling that the overwhelming sympathy for her loss had unfairly influenced public opinion in her favor. Yet, under mounting pressure from the political party—and Edward himself—she had little choice but to move forward.
Edward had finally stepped into the background, allowing her to take center stage. With his silent support, few dared to challenge her ascent. It unsettled her, making her question why he had changed his principles, but she understood—he had to set aside everything for her sake.
As anticipated, the results were conclusive. Seraphina, the youngest president in history, took the oath of office as the 15th President of Elria, winning by a landslide. Her opponents never had a chance.
Seraphina sat in the Cabinet room, in the same chair where her father had once made decisions that shaped Elria. He had always wanted her to take up his mantle, and now she had. She had fulfilled his dream, but at what cost?
Since childhood, she had aspired to be like him, to lead as he had—but now that the dream was a reality, she felt overwhelming emotions. She clenched her fist as tears streamed down her cheeks while she struggled to hold back her crying.
She heard a knock at the door.
"P-President—" A young woman’s voice came from the doorway.
Seraphina quickly wiped her tears and turned away, trying to compose herself as best as possible.
The secretary, Lucy, clutched a stack of files in her arms and peeked. She had never seen a president cry before—not that she had much experience; this was her first time serving under one.
"Are you okay, Miss President?" Lucy asked cautiously.
"I’m fine," Seraphina replied. "What brings you here?"