Chapter 33: Vote!!
Zagreb, Zinmo, and Milan exchanged bewildered glances, their hesitation palpable. The allure of the throne was undeniable, yet the thought of antagonizing the entity capable of providing such formidable equipment to Josephine gave them pause.
Noticing their indecision, the old man’s voice cut through the air. "Anyone who joins her will become my enemy!"
A hush fell over the courtyard. Josephine, who had been poised to act, froze, her gaze sweeping across the faces of the assembled family heads. The twenty men and women gathered on the castle grounds instinctively lowered their eyes as her unwavering stare passed over them.
"I won’t force or threaten anyone," Josephine stated, her voice clear and resonant, "but if you choose to join me, I will ensure your protection."
"Hahaha!" The old man let out a booming laugh. "Protect them?! There are precisely two reasons why I have emerged from my seclusion! Firstly, your reckless announcement! And secondly..." He turned his attention to the twenty family heads.
"Most of you represent the top families of your respective clans. The Lion Clan," he gestured towards Zagreb, "the Snake Clan," his gaze shifted to Milan, "even the Tiger Clan," he fixed his eyes on Zinmo.
"All twenty of you are heads or representatives of your clans! Your decision today will seal your fate! Because, as I speak, ten thousand Wendigos are converging on this very location! And you will require someone as formidable as me to defend yourselves! Otherwise...?" He paused:
"More than half of you haven’t even crowned an Elder yet! The Elders who are present are all Heavenly Rank or below! I am far stronger than she is! Or whoever might be in that starship! In fact, I even doubt there’s anyone in there at all! Because if there were, why haven’t they shown themselves?!"
The beastmen and women slowly, cautiously, nodded their heads. The news of an impending attack sent a shiver of unease through them, yet Malik’s presence offered a glimmer of hope, a promise of assistance.
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[Aboard the Starship.]