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Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: The Great Budget Blunder

Back in Cahaya, Roy K faced one of the most critical challenges of his tenure: the annual national budget presentation. This was no laughing matter or at least it wasn't supposed to be.

For most leaders, this would be a time to showcase their economic vision and reassure the citizens. For Roy, it was a moment to realize he had absolutely no clue how national finances worked.

Budget Briefing Gone Wrong

"Sir, we need to finalize the budget," Aziz said, placing a thick binder on Roy's desk.

Roy flipped it open, stared at the pages filled with charts, graphs, and numbers, and immediately closed it. "Too many squiggles, Aziz. Can't we just say we're spending money on good stuff?"

Aziz pinched the bridge of his nose. "It doesn't work like that, sir. You need to present detailed allocations for health, education, infrastructure, defense"

"Okay, okay," Roy interrupted, waving his hand. "I get it. We need to look smart. Can't you just write something fancy, and I'll read it out loud?"

Aziz glared at him. "This is the most important document of the year. If you mess this up, the entire country could panic."

Roy grinned. "Relax. When have I ever panicked anyone?"

The First Draft

Aziz spent the next two days drafting a meticulously planned budget speech. It was full of facts, figures, and carefully worded assurances.

Roy skimmed the draft, frowning. "This is boring. Nobody's going to remember this."

"That's the point!" Aziz exclaimed. "Budget speeches aren't supposed to be memorable!"

But Roy had other ideas. He rewrote sections of the speech in his own words, replacing "economic reforms" with "money magic" and "public sector efficiency" with "cool government stuff."

When Aziz saw the revised version, he nearly fainted.

"You can't call healthcare spending 'saving lives and making moms happy,'" Aziz protested.

"Why not? Moms will love it!" Roy argued.

Budget Day

The day of the budget presentation arrived, and the Parliament was packed. Ministers, journalists, and economists all waited with bated breath. Roy entered the hall with his usual swagger, carrying the budget binder upside down.

Aziz whispered, "Just stick to the speech, sir. No improvisation!"

Roy winked. "Got it, buddy."

He began reading, and for the first few minutes, things went smoothly.

"We are allocating 20 billion cahadollars to education, ensuring that every child in Cahaya has access to quality schooling," Roy read. The room nodded approvingly.

But then he started to go off script.

"And let's talk about food security!" Roy said, closing the binder dramatically. "We're going to make sure every citizen has access to cucumbers. Lots of cucumbers. Because cucumbers are healthy, delicious, and—let's be honest fun to look at."

Aziz buried his face in his hands.

Chaos Ensues

Roy's ad-libs got worse.

"For defense, we'll be investing in… uh… cool gadgets. Maybe some invisible tanks. And if we can't afford that, at least some really sharp spears."

The opposition erupted into laughter. One MP shouted, "Is this a budget or a stand-up routine?"

Roy grinned. "Why can't it be both?"

He continued: "As for infrastructure, I propose building more roundabouts. People love roundabouts! They're like amusement park rides, but for cars!"

The Speaker of Parliament pounded the gavel. "Order! Order!"

By the time Roy finished, half the room was laughing, and the other half looked like they wanted to stage a coup.

The Aftermath

The media coverage was brutal. Headlines included:

• "Cahaya's Funniest Budget Yet"

• "Roy K Promises Invisible Tanks and Cucumber Security"

• "National Budget or Comedy Special?"

Aziz stormed into Roy's office the next morning. "Sir, what were you thinking?"

Roy leaned back in his chair, feet on the desk, sipping a coconut. "Aziz, did you see the approval ratings? They're through the roof!"

"That's because people think you're a joke!" Aziz snapped.

"Exactly," Roy said, grinning. "Nobody's stressed about the economy anymore. Laughter is the best budget policy."

Aziz groaned. "Sir, the central bank is calling. They're worried about market confidence."

Roy waved dismissively. "Tell them to relax. We'll throw in a free cucumber with every tax refund."

The People's Reaction

Surprisingly, many citizens loved Roy's unconventional approach. Street vendors sold "Budget Blunder" T-shirts featuring Roy's face and a cucumber. Children played a new game called "Invisible Tanks," running around and pretending to be stealth vehicles.

Even the meme community had a field day:

• A popular video dubbed Roy's speech over scenes from epic battle movies.

• Someone Photoshopped Roy holding a spear while riding a giant cucumber like a horse.

While economists and analysts tore their hair out, the average Cahayan seemed oddly content.

The Unexpected Outcome

A week later, Aziz burst into Roy's office, looking pale. "Sir, you won't believe this. Foreign investors are pouring money into Cahaya."

Roy raised an eyebrow. "Why? Did they hear about my cucumber policy?"

"No," Aziz replied. "They think your speech was some kind of genius satire. They're calling it 'innovative political theater.'"

Roy grinned. "See, Aziz? I told you I know what I'm doing."

Aziz sat down, exhausted. "Sir, I give up. You're either the luckiest or the craziest leader in history."

"Both," Roy said, raising his coconut in a mock toast.

End of Chapter 11