IBTCPOTME Novel - Chapter 161
**Chapter 161**
**< Coronation (2) >**
Saturday, January 1, 1848, 7:30 AM.
The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in the Zócalo Square of Mexico City, shone with unprecedented splendor in celebration of the coronation of the new emperor of the Mexican Empire.
The morning sun illuminated this historic moment, and the cathedral was adorned with deep green and red drapes, reminiscent of the Mexican Empire’s flag, with colorful flowers and symbols of the Mexican Empire decorating the entrance.
The ceremony began at 8:00 AM, slightly early in the morning.
Although it was a date corresponding to mid-winter, it wasn’t that cold in Mexico City, which maintains an average temperature of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
“I heard the citizens gathered from dawn to secure their spots.”
“Yes, I heard so, Your Highness. …This is the last time I’ll address you by this title.”
“I’ll count on you in the future.”
I nodded and patted Diego on the shoulder.
The citizens of Mexico City, and those who had come from afar for the coronation, gathered in the Zócalo Square from dawn to secure their spots around the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Zócalo Square was filled with people of various races and age groups.
“Is the Crown Prince becoming His Majesty the Emperor today?!”
“That’s right.”
Children, holding their parents’ hands, sparkled with curiosity and bombarded them with questions.
“To think I can witness this moment before I die.”
“It’s a blessing.”
The whispers of some elderly people could also be faintly heard.
Many people were displaying their joy and pride, holding the Mexican flag and wearing traditional costumes.
Foreign dignitaries also gathered in Mexico City to attend this important event.
Spain, which once owned Mexico, France and the United States, with whom we fought wars, and the United Kingdom, with whom relations have recently soured, all sat politely in the Metropolitan Cathedral, waiting for the ceremony, symbolizing the Mexican Empire’s international standing.
I, dressed in imperial robes, admired the interior of the magnificently decorated Metropolitan Cathedral, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The interior of the cathedral was adorned with dazzling lights, candles, and flowers decorated with gold and silver, while the marble columns and floor exuded a sense of reverence.
A golden throne for the emperor was set up on the central altar, and my father sat there. It was decorated with golden carpets and golden candles.
As I, my father, members of the imperial family, the guard, foreign dignitaries, government officials and members of parliament, high-ranking clergy, and choir members waited, 8:00 AM finally arrived.
The Prime Minister of the Mexican Empire, Sergio Martínez, slowly walked out to the center of the cathedral. He broke the silence that filled the cathedral and opened his mouth with a solemn expression.
“I express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has graced us with their presence, and I now declare the abdication ceremony of His Majesty Emperor Agustín I to begin.”
As the Prime Minister announced the opening, the first instrument of the military band began to play. The first notes of the Mexican Empire’s national anthem filled the cathedral.
“Please rise.”
The Prime Minister said.
Following his words, all attendees rose simultaneously, expressing their respect for the national anthem.
The military band’s performance grew increasingly grand. The sounds emanating from each instrument blended together, creating a heroic and hopeful melody.
The sunlight streaming through the cathedral’s stained glass windows made the musicians’ uniforms sparkle, bathing their silhouettes in gold.
After a while, the opening performance prepared by the military band ended, and my father ascended the platform in the cathedral.
“My people, and esteemed guests who have graced us with your presence,
Today, on the first day of 1848, I fulfill my final duty as Emperor of the Mexican Empire. It is an honor and a decision I make with a heavy heart to stand here and share this historic moment with you.
For 26 years since independence, we have built the Mexican Empire together. My decision to abdicate is to create a new opportunity for this nation to advance towards greater prosperity and stability.
Under my rule, we have faced many challenges and trials, but we have overcome them all together. I believe in the boundless ability and passion of the Mexican people. You have never betrayed my faith.
I sincerely thank you all for the achievements we have made together. Our time together has given me great joy and pride. Everything I have achieved is thanks to your support and love. Your courage, dedication, and indomitable spirit have brought this nation to where it is today.
What I want to ask of you is that you continue to maintain the spirit of unity and mutual support, even in this time of change and challenge. Our strength comes from our unity. When we support each other and move forward together, Mexico can overcome any obstacle.
Today, all my duties and powers as emperor pass on to my successor, the Crown Prince, but this does not mean the end of my love and dedication to Mexico. On the contrary, it signifies a new beginning. I will always remain a son of the Mexican Empire, and I wish for this nation to continue to grow and prosper.
My trust and expectations for the Crown Prince are very high. He is a wise, just, and capable leader. The best thing I can do as emperor is to make way for him now. I am confident that he will lead this nation to a greater future.
I express my deepest gratitude for your affection and support. With all my love and respect, I wish you all and our beloved Mexico eternal prosperity.
Now, I bow my head to bid you farewell. As Emperor of the Mexican Empire, and as your companion, I sincerely thank you all.
Thank you.”
My father calmly announced his abdication and expressed his gratitude. It was a speech that resonated deeply in the hearts of many.
Silence followed my father’s final words, and I was the first to clap.
Clap clap clap clap clap-
Soon, thunderous applause erupted. Some, moved to tears, still clapped enthusiastically.
The applause continued for quite a while.
My father raised his hand slightly, and the applause subsided. He looked at the document placed on the podium.
It was a document formalizing his abdication and transfer of the throne. The Chief Justice, who had been prepared in advance, announced the contents of the document.
“According to this document, Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu, Emperor of the Mexican Empire, voluntarily declares his abdication and transfers his throne to the Crown Prince. …(Omitted). This document shall come into effect immediately upon signature, and the document shall be permanently preserved in the Imperial Archives.”
As the Chief Justice placed the document back on the podium, my father slowly picked up a pen and signed the document.
Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu.
After signing, my father descended from the podium with a dignified stride and sat in the prepared seat.
The Prime Minister said,
“Honored citizens, and esteemed guests who have graced us with your presence, we have just witnessed His Majesty Emperor Agustín I signing the historic moment of his abdication.
Now, to honor this momentous occasion, Bishop Garza Valdesteiros, as acting Archbishop of Mexico, will offer a prayer blessing the abdication of His Majesty Agustín I. Through this prayer, we seek the blessings of heaven for His Majesty’s reign, sacrifice, and boundless dedication to the Mexican Empire.”
The vacant position of Archbishop of Mexico was being held by Bishop Garza Valdesteiros of Sonora. He ascended the platform and opened his mouth with a reverent expression.
“Almighty God, we stand here today before a historic moment in the history of the Mexican Empire. We are together in this moment of abdication, a decision made by our leader, Emperor Agustín I. We respect His Majesty’s noble decision and seek the blessings of heaven for His Majesty’s future journey.
Lord, the Mexican Empire, which Your Majesty led, has been able to continuously grow and develop, even amidst all the challenges and adversities it has faced, thanks to Your Majesty’s wise leadership and indomitable spirit. Now, as Your Majesty embarks on a new path, guide Your Majesty with endless wisdom and powerful protection.
God has always been with Your Majesty, guiding Your Majesty with a shining path in all Your Majesty’s decisions and actions. May Your Majesty’s abdication be a catalyst for a new era of prosperity for the Mexican Empire. Guide Your Majesty’s successor and all the people of Mexico on a path of peace and prosperity, so that our nation may become a stronger and more united nation.
Now, we accept with God’s love the weighty decision of Emperor Agustín I, and we pray for His Majesty’s health and happiness. We also hope that our people will all inherit Your Majesty’s will and together create a future filled with love, justice, and peace.
Almighty God, hear our prayer. Amen.”
“Amen.”
After his reverent prayer, the choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral, which the cathedral is famous for, began to sing.
The choir members all stood up and began a harmonious and reverent chant. Their voices echoed along the marble walls, filling the silent cathedral with sacred music.
The choral piece was about praying for the future and peace of Mexico, with a moving melody and lyrics that resonated deeply.
And finally, it was my turn.
As the successor, and as a citizen, it was time to express my gratitude to my father. I walked up to the platform, looked at my father, and opened my mouth.
“My beloved father, and the great Emperor of the Mexican Empire, His Majesty Agustín I, I express my deepest respect and gratitude.
You have made countless sacrifices and dedications for this nation. Your efforts in dedicating yourself to the freedom and prosperity of the people will be forever remembered in the hearts of all of us.
Today, you have made another courageous decision for the future of Mexico. I accept this immense responsibility with a heavy heart and promise to do my best for the Mexican Empire, inheriting your will.
Under your rule, Mexico has made great strides. You have given us independence and freedom, and inspired by your wisdom and courage, I will strive to create a Mexico where all citizens can enjoy a happy and peaceful life.
Thank you once again for your efforts.”
My father nodded with a pleased expression at my tribute, and I returned to my seat.
This concluded all the events of the morning. Looking at my watch, it was just past 11:50 AM.
The Prime Minister said,
“This concludes the abdication ceremony. We will have a brief lunch break before the coronation proceeds.”