The Rise - Chapter 13

The conversation between Leon and his grandmother, Hilda, was nearing its end. She already explained to him the mechanisms of the Shadow Council and the role of Unitare High School in politics.

“Your mother, Jessica, had one of the strongest student councils to date. Of the seven she picked for her second student council, six of them are either on the board or are chairpersons of the most powerful companies in the country. Two of them are currently running media conglomerates.” said his grandmother

“That’s why she was able to create a third party so easily” added Leon

His grandmother puts down her finished tea cup

“In politics, if you have the media on your side, anything is possible.” she said

His grandmother continued to explain how Unitare High School was made to create a Cottonwood dynasty. It was no coincidence that Jessica Cottonwood won the presidency twice in a row. The idea was that the next generation of influencers – who were the children of those currently in power – would get used to Jessica being their leader, it also allowed for them create bonds that last to this day. This trust and psychological imposition that is built across the years in the school was manufactured by Hilda to ensure that when Jessica entered politics she would have the most powerful people supporting her.

“However, that alone wasn’t enough. People grow up and forget their high school days and their high school friends. This is where the Shadow Council comes in. There are levels in the shadow council and those that enter from the high school are at the lowest of the hierarchy. They work together in order to reach higher levels and thus higher levels of influence. This allows them to build even stronger bonds and loyalty. Jessica and her student council have reached the heights of the Shadow Council.” expanded his grandmother

Notable names on the shadow council are Alexander Lapuzi – Leon’s father, Theodore Tomhawk – the current Prime Minister and Kevin Tundra – Justin’s father. However, there are no royals on the shadow council. Not being in the shadow council essentially meant you have no influence over political matters.

“You see Leon, if you’re not on the shadow council, you have no chance to make it in politics. That’s how I designed the system.”

“That way, you make sure everything goes through you first.” inquired Leon

“Yes.” she replied

“Then that must be boring. You’re the lioness of the political world – you’re already at the top. Where’s the so-called thrill of the rise in that?” said Leon

“I live that thrill through those around me. Primarily, the rise of my daughter is indescribably thrilling.” she uncrosses her legs and stands upright on the couch “And perhaps, the rise of my grandson may be on its way.” she smiled gently

Leon places his hands on his thighs and looks down

“So far all I’ve heard is that I don’t stand a chance in this election.” he said

“I won’t lie and tell you it’s going to be easy. Especially that a royal is now running.” she said

“Sinclair?”

“Correct. A few years back I could choose the winner of every high school election – since Elizabeth, your vice principle, worked directly for me. After all, this wasn’t a real election. Kids would vote and the vice principle would announce the winner, no one was checking if the winner actually won. But that principle sold himself to the Vinzents.”

“The principle is checking the votes on behalf of the royal family?” asked Leon

“Not only checking them, but making sure I can’t tamper with them. The royals knew I would never let them touch that position, which is why they waited until they had someone on the inside to have one of their own run.” she explained

His grandmother poured some more tea for herself and Leon, then began drinking.

“And I can’t get rid of that principle, he’s untouchable, at least for now.” she continued

“But even if the royals get into the Shadow Council, you have full control over it don’t you? Why would you be worried?” asked Leon

“There are still some fanatic royalists in the Shadow Council that will die just to see the royals back in power. I could deal with them, but frankly at my age, I’m not quite confident in my ability to squash a rebellion” she said

“By creating a system in which a select few control entire power structures in the country, you’ve created a perfect way for the royals to reinstate their power.” lashed out Leon

His grandmother smiles and takes a deep breath.

“Am I being lectured by my grandson? That’s how the world has always worked, a group of elites controlling the masses under the guise of freedom. Ordinary people cannot be trusted with the matters of a nation, it’s the fundamental flaw of democracy.”

His grandmother’s words kept him silent. Whether she was right or not, everything she said had a supreme sense of authority that Leon felt helpless against her. She was always right when she spoke like that.

But he still felt comfortable around her, he was afraid to speak up but at the same time he felt like he could tell her anything. He stood up from the couch suddenly. She raises her eyebrows looking up at him with a wonder on her face.

“I think I’m starting to understand why I’m here. It was suspicious, you never cared to meet your grandson until you found yourself in trouble with the royals. It just so happens that I suddenly decided to run and that it’s convenient for your cause. But I guess it all makes sense now, maybe you knew how I’d react to my father’s arrest and maybe you thought that was the only way to get me to run.”

His grandmother stood up slowly with her head down at first then raising it looking directly at Leon. Her hands were cupped together in front of her as she tilts her head smiling at Leon amused. She was towering over him, Leon felt small in her presence as she stood up. He became nervous as his grandmother showed her true colors and just how menacing she can be by simply imposing her dominance over him.

“Go ahead Leon, don’t hold back. What do you have to say?” she said still amusingly smiling

Leon pauses

“You’re behind my father’s arrest, aren’t you…”