The Queen Departs

"Our Cabinet Government is elected by the Lower House, reviewed and approved by the Upper House, and takes office after my appointment for a term of three years. Theoretically, each Cabinet Member can serve a maximum of two re-elections, holding office for up to five terms. The Cabinet Government holds executive power and is accountable to me. The nation's army, apart from the Guard Army, is entirely managed by the Ministry of Defense. On this foundation, I, as the ruler of the nation, possess supreme authority, including supreme military power. If the Cabinet Government proves ineffective, I can dissolve it and order the Lower House to hold new elections. What do you all think?" Arthur said with a smile, his words sending chills down the spines of the Prime Ministers.

The Prime Ministers' thoughts were simple: to build a federal state by leveraging their existing colonial rights.

Even if Arthur took some power, they could still become high-ranking officials in the new Duchy based on their colonial foundations.

But if Arthur's plan was implemented, they would have to compete with all Australians for everything except their existing experience and status.

In other words, their privileges would be completely stripped away. To enter Australia's high echelons, they would have to rely solely on their own abilities and their reputation among Australians.

"Your Highness, according to your proposal, wouldn't the rights of our nation's monarch be too extensive? Of course, I'm not questioning your abilities. But when the next ruler, or the one after that, is a monarch of mediocre ability, our nation could very well fall into decline," Prime Minister Evan said tentatively.

It was now clear that Arthur intended to establish a specialized Duchy with a dual monarchy, while the Prime Ministers desired an autonomous federal union. These were two completely opposing concepts.

"That's not something we should be considering right now. Besides, if a future monarch lacks sufficient ability, they can delegate their powers to the Upper House for exercise. With the Upper House's assistance, I believe the nation won't be plunged into crisis," Arthur replied with a smile, directly rejecting Prime Minister Evan's probing.

The nation's political system and his own rights were Arthur's bottom line. Australia was Arthur's greatest foundation, both now and in the future. Arthur would absolutely not allow anyone to threaten his position.

Moreover, this was the most opportune time to establish a high degree of royal authority in Australia. If Arthur conceded now, it would be difficult to increase royal authority in the future.

Seeing Arthur's resolve, the Prime Ministers were at a loss for solutions and could only remain silent, frowning inwardly as they considered their options.

"Finally, let's discuss the changes to the states. Australia's largest administrative divisions will be states, and we will have a total of six states, corresponding to the existing six colonies. The position of Governor is crucial for both the states and the government. Therefore, the selection of state governors must be done with utmost care. State governors will be elected by their respective State Assemblies and officially take office after approval by the Upper House. Each governor's term will be four years, with a principle of allowing four re-elections, for a maximum of six terms. Governors will hold executive power within their respective states and will be accountable to the Upper House and to me. Judicial power within the states will be reclaimed, and the judicial system will adopt unified national rules. This will quickly eliminate the isolation between the former colonies and accelerate cultural and economic exchange between the states," Arthur said with a smile, his words landing like a bombshell on the hearts of the six Prime Ministers.

If Arthur's earlier appointment of them as interim Cabinet Members had felt like a concession, then the new regulations for the states were now like sharp blades piercing their chests.

According to Arthur, future states would only possess executive power and would be accountable to the Upper House and Arthur. Although re-elections were permitted for four terms, without significant achievements, the position of governor would likely be difficult to maintain.

This also meant that if the six Prime Ministers wished to ascend to Australia's high echelons, they would have to find ways to challenge the Upper House and the new Cabinet Government.

However, neither of these institutions was easy to enter. More importantly, they would need Arthur's support.

In this way, all their fallback options had been cut off by Arthur. To remain in Australia's high echelons, they would have to demonstrate their abilities and earn Arthur's trust.

The Prime Ministers had not considered resistance, but facing Queen Victoria's presence and the fleet stationed outside the port, they wisely abandoned the idea.

After the Prime Ministers chose to accept their fate, the meeting proceeded rapidly.

Arthur and the Prime Ministers briefly settled on the government system, the powers of various institutions, and the reforms for the states, after which the meeting officially concluded.

In the following days, Arthur accompanied Queen Victoria on a tour of Sydney's streets and reviewed the Australian Army, which had now become a unified force.

After a few days of rest, Queen Victoria's complexion had significantly improved, and she occasionally began to smile.

During these days, the Prime Ministers, also serving as interim Cabinet Members, began to implement reforms in the colonies under their charge.

All residents of the colonies received news of their transformation into states, and discussions about Arthur's contributions erupted everywhere.

Indeed, Australians had long yearned for the unification of the colonies into a single nation. Although it was not the democratic republic they had envisioned, Arthur had officially announced the establishment of an Upper and Lower House, granting Australians their due rights.

Under these circumstances, how could Australians not be grateful to Arthur, the ruler who allowed them to trade and travel freely throughout Australia?

May 7, 1900, Sydney.

Ten full days had passed since Arthur's arrival in Australia. In these ten days, Australia had undergone earth-shattering changes.

The progress of transforming colonies into states was rapid due to the widespread welcome from all Australians.

In just over a week, the original state borders and outposts had been completely abolished, replaced by state borders and patrol posts.

Residents of the former colonies now referred to themselves as state residents and began to travel freely between states.

The formation of the Upper and Lower Houses was also taking shape. State governments had begun notifying all residents about the upcoming Lower House elections and were searching for locations for the State Assemblies in the capitals.

However, at the same time, there was also bad news for Arthur: Queen Victoria was about to depart.

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