Ernest returned to the Party Headquarters with a heavy footstep and along the way, he ran into Kleist.
"Ernest? What happened? You looked tense," Kleist noted.
"There were interlopers during my speech and we need to convene an emergency meeting to address that issue," Ernest said.
"Well forget about that, there is something you need to know," Kleist said.
"What is it?"
"Our official party leader, Anton Weber, is planning on merging with another party," Kleist revealed.
"He wants to do what?!" Ernest exclaimed. This can't happen. His influence in the party has been soaring significantly, and having them merge with another party would diminish the influence he had been earning so much effort to build. The Crentian Workers Party's unique identity and purpose were critical to its strategy, and a merger could dilute that vision.
Kleist nodded, looking slightly uncomfortable with Ernest's reaction. "Anton is currently in talks with the Crentian Nationalist League. It's one of the oldest parties with a considerable following. The leaders believe that a merger could strengthen our position in the upcoming elections."
Ernest shook his head, his jaw set in determination. "Weber's jumping the gun. We don't need to merge; we need to stand firm on our principles. Where's the meeting taking place? I need to talk to him."
"It's in the conference room," Kleist replied. "But they're in the middle of negotiations, and it's not open to all party members."
Ernest wasn't about to be turned away by that. The potential merger threatened everything he'd worked for. If he didn't act now, the party's momentum could stall, and his influence would be compromised.
"I don't care if they're in the middle of negotiations. I need to see Anton. This is important," Ernest said, his tone resolute. He headed for the stairs, not waiting for Kleist's response.
Kleist followed behind, his pace quickening. "Ernest, you know how these things work. We need to tread carefully; barging in might cause more harm than good. If you have concerns, let's bring them up in the next leadership meeting."
Ernest stopped on the staircase, turning to Kleist with a sharp look. "There's no time for that. This merger could undo everything we've achieved. I can't just sit back and watch it happen."
Kleist nodded. "Fine, but be careful. If you disrupt the meeting, it might create more tension between our party and the Nationalist League. And we can't afford that right now."
Ernest resumed his ascent, determined to make his voice heard. The conference room door loomed ahead, and he could hear faint voices from the other side. Without hesitation, he barged through the door.
The room fell silent as party members turned to look at him. Anton Weber was seated at the head of the table, flanked by representatives from the Crentian Nationalist League.
"Ernest, what are you doing here?" Anton asked, his tone clipped. "We're in the middle of important negotiations."
"Negotiations that could change the course of our party," Ernest shot back. "I need to understand why we're considering a merger with the Nationalist League. This wasn't discussed with the rest of the leadership."
Anton frowned, clearly displeased with Ernest's interruption. "This is a strategic decision, Ernest. The Nationalist League has resources and influence that we can benefit from. It's a chance to expand our reach and gain more support in the upcoming elections."
Ernest crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "By merging, we're sacrificing our identity. The Crentian Workers Party has built its foundation on a distinct vision, and merging with another party could compromise that. We need to grow on our own terms, not by aligning with someone else."
The Nationalist League representatives exchanged glances, sensing the tension in the room. One of them, a tall man with a stern expression, spoke up.
"This merger could be mutually beneficial. We share similar goals, and together, we could accomplish much more."
Ernest shook his head. "We might share some goals, but our methods and ideologies are different. I don't want our party to become a watered-down version of something else. We've worked hard to build our platform, and I won't let that go to waste."
Anton leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "Ernest, this isn't your decision to make. It has not been a year since you joined the party and I don't think I need input from someone who hasn't yet experienced the complexities of political negotiations."
Ernest felt his frustration boiling over. "A boost that comes at the expense of our party's values? If you go through with this, I'm out. I refuse to be a part of a movement that compromises its principles for political convenience."
Anton raised an eyebrow. "Is that a threat, Ernest? Resigning won't stop the merger. We're trying to build something bigger here, and if you're not on board, maybe this isn't the right place for you."
Ernest clenched his fists, his frustration palpable. "It's not a threat; it's a fact. If you go through with this merger, I will resign. I won't stand by and watch everything we've built turn into a generic nationalist platform. Our party stands for more than just gaining influence. We stand for the people, for Crentian workers, and for reclaiming our nation's dignity. If you can't see that, then you're in the wrong party."
After saying that, Ernest walked out of the room where Kleist was waiting.
"So, you are leaving?"
"No, I am not," Ernest said in a hush. "I have a plan, call on a meeting tomorrow with other party leaders and invite some members of the party. I have an announcement to make."
***
Day has passed and Ernest has called on another meeting, this time with all the party leadership, Anton Weber included. Alongside the party leadership are some members of the Party.
Ernest was standing while the rest were in their seats.
"I have found out that our party leader is attempting to merge with another political party. And I'm not on board with that. So I have made a decision to resign as the Party's Minister of Propaganda. I have made a lot of contributions to the party, and you know too well my importance in the party. So you can either back me, or you can make do without me. The choice is yours."
Concluding his words, Kleist rose to his feet.
"I have a proposal. Why don't we elect a new party leader?"
All eyes turned to Kleist.
"What are you talking about, Kleist?" Weber demanded.
"I firmly believe that it's in the hands of Ernest who will restore the glory of the Empire of Crentis. He has the qualities of a leader and I am willing to back him up. Let's make a vote for a new party leader," Kleist proposed, his voice gaining confidence. "If we truly believe in democracy, let's see where the party's loyalty lies."
Anton Weber's eyes narrowed. "This is an outrage. We can't just hold an impromptu vote because of one man's threat to resign. The Crentian Workers Party has a structure, a process for leadership changes."
Kleist stood his ground. "Yes, we do, and that structure allows for democratic decisions. If you think the party doesn't want a new leader, then there's nothing to worry about. But Ernest has proven himself valuable, and his influence is growing. If he walks away, it could destabilize everything we've worked for."
Weber looked around the room, noticing that some of the party members were nodding in agreement. The murmurs among the ranks suggested that Ernest's threat to resign had struck a nerve. Weber's position seemed less secure than he had anticipated.
Kleist stepped forward, taking control of the situation. "Let's proceed with the vote. All those in favor of electing Ernest as the new leader of the Crentian Workers Party, raise your hands."
One by one, hands began to rise around the room until everyone but one person had raised their hand.
Anton Weber stood alone and the room grew quiet as everyone waited to see what Weber would do next. It was clear that Ernest's influence had swayed the party's leadership, and the majority was on his side.
Anton Weber's fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white. "So, this is how you want to do it?" he asked, his voice cold. "You want to replace me because of some disagreement over a merger? This party was built on compromise and negotiation. If you throw that away, you're headed for disaster."
Kleist met Weber's gaze, unflinching. "The party was built on principles, and those principles can't be compromised for political gain. Ernest understands that, and he has the party's support. If you want to stay, you'll need to align with our vision, not try to change it."
Weber looked at Ernest, who stood at the center of the room with a calm but determined expression. The silence grew tense as everyone waited for Weber's response. It was clear that he was outnumbered, and the momentum was not in his favor.
Weber finally spoke bitterly. "Fine. If you all want Ernest to lead, then I'll step down. But don't come running to me when things fall apart. This isn't as simple as you think, and leadership comes with responsibilities you can't even begin to understand."
Ernest scoffed softly. "Watch me,"