Chapter 188
Zalan gulped, their face turning paler. "We..." The Changeling choked out. "We wanted change..."
I nodded. "See?" I gave their cheek a playful pinch. "Not so hard, is it?"
They whipped their head away from my hand while scowling.
"Now, what is it you want to change? The government? You want to do away with the ruling class? Perhaps you’re tired of having little or no political involvement?" I asked, then gestured around me. "You have the rulers of six different countries more than ready to listen to what you have to say."
Zalan took a weary glance around the room, then back at me. "They only listen when you lot show up," they pointed out, grinding their teeth.
Negging it is, then, I concluded. "Why would they otherwise? Or are you deluded into thinking you have anything of value to say under normal circumstances? That can’t be it, right? You can’t be that stupid."
Zalan glared at me. "You wouldn’t get it even if I explain it."
"Psh," I scoffed. "How hard can it be? What is it? Equality of opportunity? Equality of outcome? Hyper-competitive economy? Representation of the populace in government office? That I would understand since Lumin Kingdom doesn’t exactly have representative democracy like other countries, but I doubt there’s heavy social issues that would warrant the need of minorities in office."
Zalan raised an eyebrow.
"I may be two and a half months old, but I’m neither stupid nor alone," I sighed. "Sociopolitical circumstances aren’t really hard to grasp." I turned to Gordon. "Are there ways for people to become Nobles, even if they’re not Tigeas?"
He nodded. "Naturally, Your Excellency," he replied. "One such example is Lord Punten who you’ve met in Riverfield. He’s a Human who started a business and achieved results worthy of receiving the title of Baron. Not enough to become a Court Noble, however, but he’s on the right track."
Seriously? I wondered in surprise. I turned to the Changeling. "See? Easy. Start a business, acquired a fat purse, be a decent person, and you’re on your way to being a Noble who has a say in politics." I circled Zalan and placed my hands on their shoulders. "But that’s too much work, right? You want it right now. For everyone. But this is a Kingdom, you see."