Ayane Yoshiyama
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Queen Ayane is the absolute monarch of the Compassionate Queendom of Ribenia. She is a monarch of the Ninth Line, the longest-ruling dynasty so far in Ribenese history. The Ninth Line began in the eleventh century when Sakura the Radiant united Ribenia as one nation after a period of turmoil, and brought stability to the realm. Today, Sakura remains a pivotal figure in Ribenia's history, and her direct descendants are able to justify their authority through their illustrious ancestor.
Ayane's grandfather, Shintaro the Wise, was another of Ribenia's most beloved monarchs. He was one of few men ever to rule over a traditionally matriarchal society. King Shintaro introduced democracy and numerous other reforms, but by the end of his reign corruption dominated the political scene, and it has often been said that the wise old king himself was the only political figure to remain untainted; whether or not that was true, it is a belief his grand-daughter has perpetuated in the minds of her subjects.
During her reign so far, Ayane has continued to modernise the country, introducing measures to ensure a strong economy, while insisting upon the rights of the people to decent living conditions. She has abolished the democratic institutions brought in by her grandfather and perpetuated by her mother, on the grounds that democracy was, she claimed, an obvious failure, and that the monarch alone knew what was best for people and country.
After having, at first, outlawed freedom of the press, the Queen eventually softened her stance. Freedom of expression is now tolerated, to a certain degree and as long as it is not perceived as critical of the monarchy itself.
Ayane has become known primarily as a queen deeply committed to world peace. She has opened a diplomatic centre in Ribenia (which remains a neutral country), outside the city of Kyeta, and has helped mediate international conflicts to prevent or end wars. She has become known as "the Compassionate Queen".
