Chapter -13 The speech for Greeks

Hearing the exuberant crowd, their cheers, Otto couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fulfilment for his tireless effort. He really felt happy watching that his going to be own citizens were waiting for him just to receive him. Suddenly, A great idea sparked in his mind. So, after turning back to his Butler Michael, he ordered him,

" Michael, do we have any megaphone at our disposal?"

"We don't have, milord."

Michael answered with regret. Determined to address the crowd personally, Otto thought for a little moment and then decided to think about other options.

"I want to give a speech. Make an arrangement for a megaphone. Maybe our ship has one already. Inquire the British Admiral Simon if this ship has it or not, quick. Michael."

"Very well, milord. I shall do so immediately, Wait for some time."

Michael hurriedly went off to discuss with Admiral Simon.

A short while later.....

Michael came back with Admiral Simon and handed over Otto a megaphone.

Otto gave them a grateful smile for their prompt response and took the megaphone firmly in his hand. Thereafter he turned towards the standing citizens with positing the megaphone in front of his mouth. He took a brief pause to collect his thoughts and to throw off all the tense feelings from his mind. Then he began speaking in Greek fluently, the language of his beloved citizens.

"Greetings, my dear citizens of Greece. Can you hear my words?"

Otto's voice echoed through the megaphone, reaching every corner of the bustling crowd. The astonishment on their faces was noticeable as they listened to him fluently express himself in their native tongue. People had known him as a Greek enthusiast which had given him a great popularity among Greek citizens. But they never thought he could speak fluent Greek, as if he were born and raised in Greece. They agreed to his word with a louder response.

After watching this astonishment among people, Otto understood the reason of their astonishment and continued with a subtle voice,

"You may be curious as to how I, a Bavarian German, can speak in Greek so proficiently."

Otto continued, his words ringing with sincerity.

"I assure you; it is nothing but a testament to my firm commitment to our great nation and its people.

I know that our kingdom is now poor. It has gone through a devastating war for freedom. A lot of citizens lost their relatives, their Childrens, their family members in this war."

A lot of people from the crowd had tears in their eyes, because his speech reminded them about their family members, relatives who had fallen in the devastation of the war. Some of them did not even receive their family member's dead body.

He took a deep breath and again continued,

"From the moment I set foot on Greek soil, I resolved to immerse myself in your language, culture, and history. I learned a lot about this country and about you. I wanted to connect with you on a deeper level, to understand your hopes, dreams, and aspirations. I have seen your determination. I really want to commit myself in rebuilding this country."

The crowd, attracted by Otto's words, leaned in closer, their eyes fixed on him. The air crackled with anticipation as he continued, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction.

"I stand before you today, not as a foreign ruler, but as a fellow countryman. I am dedicated in building a Greece that prospers, a Greece that upholds the values of democracy, justice, and progress. Together, we shall forge a future that embraces education, innovation. Kingdom of Greece will be a place where people can die for their country but not by starvation."

Otto's resounding words radiated a flame of hope within the hearts of the gathered peoples. They began to realize that their new king shared their aspirations, their beliefs and genuinely cared for their welfare.

"I solemnly pledge you, my fellow Greeks."

Otto proclaimed in a resolute voice,

"That I will devote my every moment of time to serving you, to listening to your needs, and to nurturing a society where each and every one of you can flourish. This is not just my mission; it is our collective endeavour. Together, we shall embark on a remarkable journey towards a brighter tomorrow. A lot of storms may attack us in the future. We will just have to make sure that we are united, by working together, we shall destroy any storm that crosses our path. May the God bless us."

Then he gave them a light bow and said

"And also thank you to everyone for coming here. Please make a way for our soldiers so that they can travel to the destination."

As Otto concluded his speech, the crowd made a way for them to pass. They got astonished again seeing a Royal bow to them. Since it was not something that could be seen in 19th century. Not only were they astonished, but Otto's subordinates were also inspired. They decided to dedicate themselves to him as much as they could.

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers for them were reaching a crescendo. They were cheering for him throughout the whole path.

In that moment, Otto knew that his decision to address them directly had been the right one. The bond between leader and citizens had been forged, laying the foundation for a prosperous and united Greece under his reign.

This day would become a memorable day not only for him but also for the whole Greek nation.

After the speech Otto walked on the horseback to Palamidi fortress in Nafpilon. It was decided that he would live there until the construction of a new Royal Palace would be completed.

After he went to fortress, he met with his prime minister Ioannis Kapodistrias. He discussed with him and then there he met with other ministers. After a long conversation, Otto called his Butler Michael to arrange his room so that he could sleep. After his Butler completed the arrangement, Otto went for a sleep since he was tired.

He will never know that because of this speech in 3rd January, 1832, he will be renowned as the father of Greek nation after his death. As for his speech, it will be known as 'The speech for Greeks'.