The Ticketmaster

Richard was the ruler of his nation, Arla. Arla ran a democratic system. The people voted to choose who their leader would be. Richard faced stiff competition in the race to become Arla’s ruler, and he won by a slim margin.

Even as he ran his government, he still had significant opposition. In Arla, food was centralized. Everyone had to get their food from the government. To do this they had to get tickets.

Richard was very occupied with the day to day business of ruling the nation, so he thought about handing the Food sector to someone who would answer to him. Then he thought about his best friend, Kelvin and sent for him.

When Kelvin arrived at the castle, Richard was delighted to see him.

“You are a difficult man to find these days” Richard said with a smile on his face.

“Well, I am a busy man, trying to make ends meet” Kelvin replied.

“It’s good to see you once again brother” Richard said.

“Same here Richard. I’m delighted to be here” Kelvin replied.

“I know you must be wondering why I sent for you all of a sudden. I have a job for you. I want you to be the ticketmaster. I want you to oversee the food distribution, ticketing and the revenue that comes from there for my government. You’ll have to report back to me regularly” Richard said.

“Wow, that is a huge offer. I’m honored” Kelvin replied with shock on his face.

“So does this mean you accept?” Richard asked.

“Yes I do” Kelvin responded.

That was the beginning of a new phase for Kelvin. He oversaw ticket distribution for food, he oversaw the revenue that came in from it. In no time, he was widely known as the Ticketmaster. Richard didn’t realize how powerful the position he gave to Kelvin was.

Source

Within a few months, Kelvin became the second most powerful man in the nation after Richard. Kelvin was meticulous and hardworking. He made sure that he ran this new position the best way possible. It was the best time ever for the people of Arla in terms of food supply. People came to Kelvin to seek favors, and to offer him wealth just to be on his good side since he had control over a basic resource in the nation, food.

Soon, Kelvin was the most popular man in Arla. His power, both financially and politically was almost comparable to that of Richard. Richard didn’t care about the level of power and influence Kelvin had attained because he thought that Kelvin was his best friend, and with the kind of work Kelvin had put in his job, he deserved what he had.

Little did Richard know that Kelvin had ambitions of becoming Arla’s ruler. The election to choose a new ruler was close and plans were underway on all sides. Kelvin had been strategically plotting with Richard’s opposition to overthrow him. They didn’t want Richard to go for a second tenure.
Kelvin managed to keep his ambition under wraps so that Richard wouldn’t catch onto it.

One evening, Kelvin called for a press conference at his residence. There, he announced his ambition to run for Arla’s ruler. Richard was in shock as he watched the press conference from his television.

It was the talk of the nation. Everyone was eager to see how this would play out between Richard and Kelvin.

Richard paid Kelvin a visit at his residence the next day.

“How could you do this to me?” Richard asked, visibly furious.

“It’s nothing personal. You’re not doing a good job as leader and I believe I can do better and move this nation forward” Kelvin asked

“You let the opposition get into your head. You let the money and power get into your head. You’re going to regret this. You’re fired.” Richard said as he stormed off.

Kelvin was not disturbed by Richard firing him. He already anticipated it.
Over the next few weeks, election preparations heated up. The two who were once friends, became mortal rivals.

There was a food crisis as Richard managed the ticketing for food himself. He was finding it difficult to manage it alongside the other affairs of the government. He was also skeptical about hiring another person for the position after Kelvin’s betrayal.

The day for the election came and Richard was in an early lead. However, he knew he couldn’t celebrate yet. By evening, things started to change. Kelvin’s numbers caught up with that of Richard’s and in no time, Kelvin took over the lead. From there the gap widened. Richard could not believe his eyes. By the end of the day, Kelvin won by a large margin. There was widespread celebration in the streets
Richard was in shock. It was the first time ever an incumbent ruler lost an election. He didn’t know how to bear the shame of being beaten by someone whom he introduced to the political scene.

Richard felt really betrayed, and he was barely seen in public after that day. He left the castle quietly for Kelvin to take over as the new ruler of Arla.