Chapter 35 Fitran Memories (6)
The great hall of Gaia had never been as crowded as it was that morning. The walls, once silent to the cries of the people, were now filled with whispers of fear, while the air felt tense, as if the entire space was holding its breath in anticipation of a defining moment. In the midst of this tension, Iris, the Queen of Gaia, stood on the stage, calling for an open session—not to plan for war, but to advocate for change.
In her graceful hands, she held a thick stack of manuscripts: the New Legal Regulations, meticulously crafted by Fitran. This document articulated the principles of deliberation that resonated in every corner of the hall, emphasizing the importance of the people's voice, the need for a balanced distribution of power that had long been skewed, and the abolition of the execution caste that oppressed the lower classes. Each page seemed to come alive, radiating a burning hope for a better future.
Behind her stood Fitran, a figure of determination. Beneath his calm demeanor lay a fiery spirit, ready to face whatever might come. Though unarmed, his gaze was sharp as a sword, seemingly capable of piercing through the fog of injustice enveloping the hall, inspiring courage in the hearts of the listeners witnessing this historical moment.
At the front, the nobles whispered in various tones, creating a symphony of diverse emotions. Some scoffed, displaying skepticism and hatred clearly etched on their faces, while others appeared cautious and anxious, as if waiting for the Queen's reaction. "Our Queen is possessed by rebels," said one noble from the ranks, his voice trembling with doubt, allowing uncertainty to creep among them like thick fog. "This is a coup disguised as love," another chimed in, his tone laden with skepticism and distortion, as if each word were a direct assault on the heart of their hopes.
Amid the uncertainty, Iris stood tall, radiating an aura of courage that seemed to build a protective wall around her. Her majestic voice rang out like thunder, "From this day forward, Gaia will no longer consider poverty a sin," she proclaimed, her voice echoing through the usually silent walls, awakening dormant hope in the hearts of those listening, igniting a newfound spirit in the souls of the doubters.
Several council members stood, their faces flushed, indicating a surge of anger and discontent. "Your Highness," cried Marquis Erval in a challenging tone, his voice like a thunderclap, as he sought to assert his esteemed position, "you cannot overturn a millennia-old order just because of one night spent with that monster!"
There is a self-awareness that every individual must confront. "This is akin to facing King Gamma, Chaos," he continued, his voice quivering with a defiant tone that revealed deep dissatisfaction. "Look at the cursed birth of that illegitimate child, Cleo, which stands as a disgrace to the Gaia nation. We, the nobles, have struggled for millennia, as if chained, to preserve the honor of this name from an unforgivable stain."
"And you are that stain," he said with an emphasis that made each word feel like sharp arrows piercing the heart of pride. Each letter seemed as heavy as stone, suffocating the already heated atmosphere. The dim light in the room illuminated the contrast between them, creating dramatic silhouettes that reflected the tension enveloping the two souls, as if the night sky bore witness to this conflict.
Fitran stepped forward with remarkable courage, standing tall beside Iris, ready to defend his friend's honor. However, Iris quickly raised her hand, signaling him not to intervene in this escalating situation, indicating that this was a battle she had to face alone.
"I did indeed share a bed with him," Iris replied, her voice strong like a hammer shaping iron, expressing a helplessness stifled by fear. "But what I brought to my bed was honesty, not a sword. Not politics."
"I have made mistakes in the past, which is why I feel unworthy to speak with you all," Iris said, her voice trembling like a fraying string, yet remaining firm. With a piercing gaze full of meaning, she continued, "In the past, I often behaved indifferently, prioritizing myself over others' interests. But now, I stand before you as someone who wishes to be a true leader, someone who listens and understands." She took a deep breath, adding, "I want to hear everything from you." Although her voice seemed soft, it resonated throughout the vast hall like a bell calling for change, reflecting new hope among those present.