The announcement struck the Asterion like a thunderclap. Anuncia ruun-Aysun and Amaro Arundhani, both candidates in the basileal election, have formalized their union — in life and on the political stage. This alliance reshuffles the deck and could mark a major turning point in Asgartha’s political landscape.

“Like a newfound Concord.” With these words, Anuncia ruun-Aysun closed her speech before the assembly, while Amaro Arundhani quietly nodded behind her. There’s little doubt that this unexpected decision now stands as a bridge between the staunch supporters of the Rediscovery Endeavor and some of its critics. “The burden placed upon the people must not have been in vain,” Arundhani had declared earlier, before yielding the floor to his future wife. “To undo what has been accomplished would be a loss, plain and simple. And yet, it is essential that the people of Asgartha be the first to benefit from the Rediscovery Endeavor. Otherwise, the entire initiative would be nothing more than a narcissistic whim — a prideful and hollow feat,” he concluded firmly.

“It never was,” she immediately added. Arundhani then stepped aside, and the young woman addressed the Asterion dignitaries in a clear, unwavering voice: “The unity of the people — this is what a Basileus or Basilissa must embody. This role demands that all voices be heard, that all opinions be considered, no matter how discordant. A true leader must listen and build bridges, not walls. Asgartha must stand united, and it must mend its fractures.” With a tender gesture, ruun-Aysun then took the hand of her future spouse. “For the first time in our history, we ask you to vote not for a single individual, but for a couple. A Basileus and a Basilissa — together, in defense of the people, rather than in conflict. Yes, there will be disagreements and disputes — like in any household. But there will also be compromise and reconciliation. Because Asgartha is like a home: and everyone who lives in it is part of the same family. What we propose is to move forward once again, hand in hand.”

From a purely political standpoint, this move appears to be the result of a carefully calculated strategy. Both candidates enjoy powerful backing, and their respective platforms are likely to converge into a shared vision. Yet as the election looms, this is also a bold societal gamble in a time of sharp polarization. A winning risk — or the first step toward rejection? The votes will speak for themselves.