It was Election Day, and Karl had returned to his hometown to cast his vote alongside his children. Rafael stood in line with his father and sister, waiting for their turn at the polling station. As they approached the election clerk, their names were called out one by one.
"Karl Marino, Alexandra Nozomi Jamie Marino, Juan Rafael Jaime Marino," the clerk announced. The three entered the voting booth and sat behind the desk, quickly shading the numbers corresponding to their chosen candidates.
The glare of press cameras and the incessant clicking of shutters distracted Karl, who closed his eyes momentarily.
"I'm not comfortable in front of those cameras," Rafael whispered.
"Just vote quickly and submit it so we can leave," Karl replied quietly. They hurriedly completed their ballots and handed them to the election inspector before exiting the polling station.
After casting their votes, the Marino family swiftly returned to their home to monitor the election results. From their living room, they observed Sen. Marco and his wife casting their votes on television.
Rafael's stomach growled audibly as he glanced at the table, adorned with dishes like Roast Beef, Cream of Chowder, and Chicken Salad.
"Dad, I'm hungry," Rafael whispered.
Karl gazed at his son with a hint of amusement. "Are you suddenly a toddler again? Want me to spoon-feed you?"
Rafael chuckled. "No, Dad," he replied, moving towards the table to help himself to the dishes.
Meanwhile, Emi was seated beside Karl, much to the evident displeasure of Riko, who settled down beside them. "That's quite a cheap publicity stunt," Riko remarked, eyeing Emi critically.
"He's spent at least five hundred million just to secure votes," Emi commented.
Karl nodded thoughtfully. "That's a significant amount of money."
"Don't worry, I've instructed our team to intercept any money being distributed in the community," Riko assured him.
Karl looked at his wife with a faint smile, sipping from a glass of fresh orange juice. He seemed unsurprised by Riko's proactive approach. "Where did you stash his money?" Karl asked casually.
"It's safely in our children's bank accounts," Riko replied confidently. Emi, who was well aware of Riko's tactics, smiled and leaned her head on Karl's shoulder.
"That's going beyond our agreement, Emi. You know my stance," Riko reminded her gently, moving Emi's head from Karl's shoulder.
"It's just for today, Riko," Emi replied calmly, evoking a sly smile from Riko before playfully swatting Emi with a fan.
"You should be spending time with your daughter, not cozying up to the father of your daughter," Riko retorted, continuing her playful verbal jabs while Emi skillfully deflected them.
-----
That night, the Marino residence in Sierra de Oro City buzzed with excitement as supporters and guests gathered to await the election results. The atmosphere was tense yet hopeful, with everyone eagerly watching live broadcasts, anticipating whether Karl Marino would secure another term or concede to his opponent.
By eleven o'clock, all eyes were glued to the television screens, anxiously awaiting the outcome. Marino's allies had already secured victories in the House of Representatives, solidifying his political influence. As the night progressed, the focus narrowed to the presidential race, heightening the tension among the gathered crowd. At midnight, news anchors from major networks stood ready to declare the winner.
Seated with closed eyes, Karl maintained an air of calm amidst the palpable anticipation. Jiena and Rafael, visibly tense, clenched their fists, fully invested in their father's fate.
"The results are in; it appears President Karl Marino of Sierra de Oro City has secured another term as President of the Republic of the Philippines," declared one of the news anchors.
The room erupted in cheers and jubilation upon hearing the news. Karl, still somewhat stunned by the announcement, was embraced tightly by both Riko and Emi, who jumped with joy.
"I still can't believe it," Karl admitted, his voice filled with disbelief as he hugged his wife.
"We did it, Dad!" Jiena cheered.
"Congratulations, Mr. President," Kenneth added, echoing the sentiments of relief and triumph.
"We all worked hard to handle Sen. Lean and win this campaign. Let's give ourselves a round of applause," Karl said gratefully.
"Don't forget to thank these two ladies who played a crucial role in your victory," Jamie reminded him.
"Absolutely, I'm immensely grateful to Riko and Emi for their unwavering support through all the challenges," Karl acknowledged, embracing both women. "Their dedication made a significant difference."
Riko met her husband's gaze, seeing the sincerity and joy in his eyes, yet realizing that his victory meant a departure from their plan of retirement from public service.
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It was five days later at the Marino Mansion in Sierra de Oro, where Karl and his children had settled to await the upcoming inauguration. Meanwhile, Riko had returned to oversee preparations with government officials, focusing on details like podium designs while enjoying her dinner. During her meal, a maid entered and stood behind her quietly.
"Is there something wrong?" Riko inquired between bites of her vegetable salad.
"Ms. Emi wishes to speak with you," the maid replied.
Riko raised an eyebrow, dabbing her mouth with a tissue before gesturing for the maid to escort Emi to the living room. Entering the room, Riko found Emi reclining on the couch.
"I won't bother asking you to make yourself comfortable or sit down," Riko said, lighting a cigarette. "So, what brings you here?"
"It's about Karl and you," Emi began. "I contributed a lot to Karl's campaign."
"Because you were instructed by Takako," Riko interjected, exhaling smoke.
"But isn't it unfair that I worked so hard for Karl to win?" Emi pressed. "I deserve to be recognized as the First Lady too."
Riko couldn't help but laugh incredulously. "I didn't realize a mistress could claim the title of First Lady," she retorted.
"But I should have the same privileges as you," Emi argued.
Riko chuckled again, amused by Emi's audacity. "Are you naive or just foolish?" she replied. "I'm Karl's wife, therefore I am the First Lady. Jiena and Kyoko are my daughters and they assist me. Where exactly do you fit into that?"
"If you don't give me what I want, I'll expose everything," Emi threatened.
Riko's expression turned serious. "Then I'll reveal that it was all your doing," she countered calmly. "Now, go back to Takako and accept your fate."
Emi tried another threat. "I'll tell the media that you were involved in Koji Hanamura's murder."
Riko's throat went dry, but she maintained her composure. "You're quite something," she murmured. "I'll allow you to remain a guest hostess for now, but that's all. And don't think you've won this."
"You'd better keep watching me," Emi shot back confidently.
"Just know, you haven't heard the last of this," Riko warned, pointing a finger at Emi.
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Later that evening, under the canopy of stars, Riko hurried to their home nestled near the army camp in Sierra de Oro. Spotting Karl lying on the roof, lost in contemplation, she climbed up and settled beside him.
"It's been ages since we've done this, hasn't it?" Karl remarked, breaking the quiet between them.
"Yeah, ever since you promised to protect me and provide us with a good life," Riko replied softly, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken concerns. "And you've kept that promise."
"What's troubling you?" Karl inquired, sensing her unease.
"Emi showed up at our house this morning," Riko disclosed. "She's demanding the same power and recognition as I have."
"Why would she want that? You're the First Lady," Karl mused, puzzled.
"What should I do?" Riko asked, her worry palpable. "She's threatening to expose me as the mastermind behind the murders of three businessmen and your extramarital affairs."
"My affairs are hardly a secret. What more could she expose?" Karl pondered aloud. "Perhaps we should consider giving her what she wants. And about Arisa, Riho, and Yuuna—consider making them your handmaids."
"We're only discussing Emi here. Why involve them?" Riko snapped, her frustration surfacing.
"Because it would be fair to them," Karl explained calmly. "You've favored Emi due to Marla's achievements, while Riho and Yuuna's children are just average."
"Fine, I'll make them my handmaids," Riko acquiesced reluctantly. "But you won't have any contact with them."
"That seems like a reasonable compromise," Karl replied, trying to ease the tension between them.
------
On a sunlit day at the end of June, the military parade unfolded before their leader and his family, with crowds cheering fervently, chanting "Marino" as they observed the procession.
At nine in the morning, a coaster arrived and parked near the grandstand. Stepping out with anticipation, the Marino siblings ascended the stage. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that the inauguration was graced by leaders from across Asia.
"Surprised?" Sergei greeted them warmly, representing Russia as its President.
"Uncle!" Jiena exclaimed joyously, rushing to hug her godfather.
"Rafael, it's been quite some time," Kosaka said warmly, embracing the eldest Marino son.
"Uncle Kosaka, congratulations on your election as Prime Minister," Rafael replied respectfully.
Among the attendees were the other members of the Seven Guardians, including Barbara Li, Hong Kong's chief executive, Ely Hung Kimpo, Singapore's President, Michelle Peng, and Pion Byao, now vice chairmen of the Penthouse Corporation. Tiffany, Karl's former sidekick turned guardian, was also present.
Taking their seats, the Marino siblings eagerly awaited their parents' arrival. Soon, the Sages stood and bowed slightly, signaling for them to follow suit. Takako, the other sage, had arrived.
"Good morning, everyone," Takako greeted warmly, her presence commanding respect as she settled into her seat among the dignitaries, clad in a sharp corporate suit that underscored her authority.
A short while later, Arisa, Riho, Emi, and Yuuna arrived, quietly taking their places behind the Marino siblings. Following closely behind were Karl's siblings—Ricardo, Riria, and Akiko—each bearing expressions of pride and anticipation. Nearby, Julio Cardinal Marino, the esteemed Archbishop of Manila, occupied a prominent VIP seat, a testament to the familial and spiritual support present for this historic occasion.
The morning sun bathed the grandstand in golden light as the sleek presidential limousine arrived, halting gracefully in front of the assembled crowd. Karl emerged with poise, dressed in the traditional Barong Tagalog, embodying the dignity and heritage of his office. Beside him, Riko, radiant in a Baro't Saya, exuded grace and elegance as they made their way towards the stage, where the nation's future awaited.
Approaching the stage, Karl stood tall, his gaze sweeping over the disciplined ranks of military personnel standing at attention. Behind him, Jamie, now serving as his trusted executive secretary, leaned in to whisper, "Sir, they're saluting."
Responding with a crisp salute of his own, Karl inspected the troops with a mix of solemnity and pride before stepping forward to the podium.
As the clock neared noon, Karl took his place at the podium flanked by the Chief Justice on one side and Riko, the steadfast First Lady, on the other. The anticipation in the air was palpable, the weight of the moment underscored by the hushed reverence of the crowd.
"Are you ready, Mr. President?" the Chief Justice asked solemnly, his voice carrying the weight of legal tradition and national significance.
"I am," Karl affirmed with unwavering confidence, raising his right hand and placing his left upon the constitution, which was held firmly by Riko. With a clear voice, he recited the oath that would formally bind him to the highest office in the land.
"I, Karl Marino of Cagayan de Oro City, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines. I will, to the best of my ability, preserve and protect the Constitution, execute its laws, uphold justice for every citizen, and dedicate myself to the service of the nation, so help me God."
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers as Karl completed his oath, marking the official beginning of his presidency with a profound sense of duty and purpose. Turning to embrace his colleagues from the Penthouse Seven, Karl's eyes sought out Takako, whom he approached with a grateful smile, gently kissing her cheek in acknowledgment of her unwavering support over the years.
"This victory is ours to share," Karl murmured warmly, his voice filled with appreciation for their enduring partnership.
Takako returned the smile with equal warmth, placing a reassuring hand on Karl's arm. "Together, we have overcome many challenges, and now, together we will lead our nation forward."
Returning to the podium, Karl surveyed the sea of expectant faces, feeling a surge of pride for what had been achieved and a deep sense of responsibility for the challenges that lay ahead.