EPISODE 165: FORGING A NEW AGE 5
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
CLANG!
The [Chosen of Madris] gazed around, his short but impactful speech finished. He returned to his seat, sat, and left the floor open for anyone who wished to speak—several moments of silence passed. The only sound was the flipping of documents that outlined the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy. Many already knew what this new system would entail, but scattered fragments of information were far different from solid documents. These documents stated everything the [Chosen] spoke of. Whether it be some early functions of the Overseer Branch, or how certain organizations such as the Central Imperius Authority would form. It held their initial responsibilities and how they were expected to function in the first few years.
Mixed responses stemmed from all three political factions controlling the state. The Royal Faction was already on board for the new change; however, their numbers weren’t more than half of the thirty-three houses. Such a system would never pass without a majority vote, even with their acceptance. Heads of these respective houses such as Liana Drumian, Or’gun Zeno, son of Master Zeno who helped establish the current era of golems, and more house heads were confident in this new system. And, even if they weren’t , they were far too deep in the camp of the Royal Faction to just back out at the last minute. Such actions would have far-reaching implications and consequences.
Those who remained in the Neutral Faction, Lady Andra Koi, Lord Kalvin Kain, brother of Celcus Kain, a core inventor of the Mana battery, and more who weren’t swayed to either side, calmly overviewed everything. Andra Koi was interested in the new system, but that didn’t mean she’d vote for it through that interest alone. She was Andra Koi, Head of the Koi House, and known as Hand of Western Wind. She could not just think of the immediate benefit, no, she had to calculate what a hundred, two hundred, or a thousand years down the line would look like for her family—as did many other heads. What would be best for the Koi House down the endless river of time?
“[ Lords ]… and [ Ladies ],” the voice of a young woman spoke, drawing the attention of all present. The cool gaze of Kabal Dioni peered at those who sat at her level. The third princess of the Kingdom of Dioni remained calm as the gazes of powerful people, some Prestiges, and Demigoddesses, landed on her.
“I have analyzed the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy and all its benefits—of which there are many, but there are many detractors as well. The legacy of our Great Houses, which have been a part of Edryan for centuries, millennia, or longer, will be simply pushed aside for this new system and way of life.”
Her cool gaze looked around the room, but they mainly focused on the parties who were in a neutral standpoint when it came to Edryan politics. These men and women, [Lords] and [Ladies], would be the figures she’d have to convince first and foremost. She didn’t bother directing her words at any of the Six Great Houses, but she would occasionally glance at those who previously belonged to Edryan’s Neutral Faction. Her main focus was the remaining members of the Neutral Faction.
“For generations, our bloodlines have safeguarded this nation's honor, wielding power not as a privilege , but as a duty bestowed by the Goddess herself. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy threatens to dismantle this sacred bond, reducing our ancient rights to mere votes, and our time-honored duties to the whims of the common masses. It is a system that seeks to strip us of our authority, our heritage, and ultimately, our purpose. Shall we stand idle as the pillars of Edryan are eroded by this radical experiment? Or will we rise to defend the very foundation upon which our great nation was built?”
Her words finished, Kabal sat back in her seat as the traces of her voice echoed in the minds of those present. The Old Power held a plan, and now it was only coming to fruition.
“You speak as if the Dioni have held a long-standing tradition in Greater Edryan or have truly shed blood in the defense of this nation. My Romus clan has sacrificed thousands of House members to ensure our nation remains united and prosperous. I believe it is imperative that we establish this system and allow it to progress while the [Seven Heroes] remain to protect our borders. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is a new path that will establish a [Golden Age] should we implement it properly,” Demigoddess Camilla responded.
The two represented their respective factions in their opening. Their words seemed to open up the floodgates in the Hall of Heroes as many people began to speak.
“And what of when the [Seven Heroes] leave? It will be up to the new generation of leaders to ensure Edryan remains safe. An implementation of such a system would disrupt the balance in Edryan and cause unforeseen problems,” Tendra stated.
“It would be best for such a system to be enacted now while powerful levelers remain as insurance. A centralization of the government would be much easier for the latter generation to handle,” commented Akeem Oni.
Lady Laura Ursisus scoffed. Her voice cut through the clamor of the room like a sharp blade. “It is a simple matter to speak of a [Golden Age] and centralization when the strength of the nation sits high. But hold no naïveté—change, especially one of this magnitude, will not come without its costs. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is ambitious, perhaps far too much in Edryan’s current state. We risk destabilizing the delicate balance that has kept Edryan prosperous for generations.”
Her words echoed through the chamber and many heads nodded in agreement to what she stated. Above them, the rulers of Edryan kept silent. The mother and son duo would not participate in the discussion below to not hold too much effect on the overall discussion. This was a chance for the Great Houses to truly discuss without a need to cater to the monarchy.
“Hmmm,” Vivian Consus said, adjusting his glasses. His grimoire was held comfortably in his hands, while he immediately drew the attention of all. “There is a cost to be paid for everything—food, iron, grain, pain, or pleasure, a price must be paid. Our ancestors paid a price in establishing this country and bringing it to prosperity, and we as descendants have yet to elevate it to a greater height. You say right now, as our [Chosen] prepares to lead the magi to fulfill our Goddess's goal, is not the best time to solidify our state into one— I say, if not now, then when ? If not Him —then who?”
Tendra Lorde glanced at Lady Adel, as did other members of the Old Power. This was a game of chess and the knights, rooks, and more had made their moves. The battlefield was bloodied and picking up as the discussion continued.
Lady Mariah Adel’s voice was soft, but just like Vivian, it drew the attention of all present. “Our ancestors, in their wisdom, forged a system that has withstood the test of time, a system built not on the whims of the moment but on the enduring principles of stability and continuity. The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy, as grand as it sounds, seeks to upend this foundation in the name of change. Change is NOT what Edryan needs now, not after all it has experienced in the last century.”
She paused just enough to let her words sink in before continuing. Her soft voice grew firmer, and her gaze pointedly went to Simra Enlar. The young woman, barely out of girlhood but considered an adult by the system and world standards, sat quietly in her chair listening to the words of the leaders. When she saw Lady Mariah Adel’s pointed stare, she grew uneasy, but did her best to keep it from showing.
“Our state has only just begun its initial recovery from a …temporary dissolution of one of its grandest houses. The destruction caused by such actions tore at the very foundations of this country—her people, the [Common] man,” with each word her voice only grew louder, firmer.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“ I lost my brother, husband, and more at the hands of the Enlars as they grew greedy for power—to reach a height many in Edryan have dreamt of. A height our [Seven Heroes] have accomplished at their demise. We cannot justify a change that will lead into an abyss. Now, we would enact a change that arguably sounds stable and just—for it gives a chance for all of Edryan’s citizens to rise, but it remains untested and sits on that abyss we are to take a leap of faith into. I… for one, am not that confident light will be at the end of that leap.”
Simra shrank partially as the gazes of many landed on her. She wished she could hide behind someone or something, but she knew she couldn’t escape from this matter. Not after she was already involved in a world she didn’t understand.
Just as the silence grew in the hall and many gazes began to leave her body, the young girl spoke. “I do not know the mistakes of my ancestors—nor do I have an understanding of the atrocities that were committed during the rise of our great Queen. I do know of the [Common] man and what they’ve experienced. Of the [Lords] and [Ladies] present, I perhaps know too well coming from a background those of your station would consider [Common].”
Her voice was soft but steady as was her gaze.
“The greatness and glory you speak of—it is not seen by the [Common] man. Not in the way mentioned. Most men and women are only trying to prosper, and add Vitality into their life for a more fulfilling time in the Mortal Realm. They do not have opportunities, not until recently as our [Chosen] has created a public school system. They do not have opportunities, ” she repeated her last words—her voice grew firmer before she continued.
“If you want to be anything in this world, then you must have the class and strength to back it up. No [Common] man has that. Most are [Workers] who travel from job to job to feed their families. They are [Common] and easily available. Should they get sick, then they are easily replaceable. Should they not work, then they will die . Life is that simple for them, at least it was . The public education system enacted by our [Chosen] has given rise to many [Uncommon] and even a few [Rare] talents—making them more valuable and difficult to let go of. Many at Imperius Academy have had their contracts brought by many noble houses or merchant businesses to establish their fortunes. All changes brought in the last ten years have been a result of our [Chosen of Madris] bringing attention to these matters and personally enacting them. I believe the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is another one of these changes that will not fail us. It will not fail the nobles who partake, nor will it fail the [Common] man, who needs such a system more than anyone .”
The many gazes of the Great Noble Houses changed as they viewed this young woman in a new light. Many expected her to fold under the pressure once hostility was directed in her direction. Instead, it seemed her resolution grew firm and her confidence showed itself.
“She is right,” a new voice entered the conversation.
The Council of Nobles turned to gaze at the new speaker. Tendra frowned, and the members of the Six Great Houses looked interested as one of the neutral houses spoke. Lord Elbaf Usaap was a tall, thin man with curly hair and a long nose. He gazed down and over his glasses at the surrounding nobles.
“The [Common] man has experienced a forty-five percent chance of breaking through to [Uncommon] in my territory over the last five years. Since the inception of the Public School System, the rate at which [Uncommon] and [Rare] classes are appearing is growing exponentially. Regardless of the benefits or distractions of the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy—our Chosen’s methods have not failed.”
“Just because they have not failed does not mean they cannot fail,” Tendra countered. He realized his mistake only after he finished.
The atmosphere of the room shifted. There were many who hadn’t voiced an opinion. They’d allowed the openers of the two factions to start the flow of the discussion. Now Tendra’s words forced those present to tread carefully.
“Do you doubt the choices of our [Chosen]?”
Liana Drumian chose now to speak. Her heavy gaze settled on the younger man. It was rare for her to wear a dress, but for this occasion she had, and it revealed her bare arms and rippling muscles. Her broad and well-defined back was open to the elements, where the top of a tattoo that traveled down her lower back could barely be seen. When she spoke, her voice was calm and collected, but the weight it held felt like the pressure of a blade on Tendra’s neck. It came out very soft but was easily heard by all present. It didn’t matter whether it was the thirty-one Great Houses or those who held the privilege to be present during their discussion. Everyone seemed to hold their breath, and Tendra scrambled internally.
Tendra wanted to open his mouth, but his throat seemed dry. His hands grew clamped and sweaty as his brain and skills worked overtime to come up with a solution. The silence extended and seemed drowning as no one spoke. Tendra had to speak and clear his mistake.
“Tendra meant no offense, nor did he question the method of our [Chosen]. It is only the pressure of such a monumental change that could lead our Great Edryan down uncharted paths. We all want what is best for Edryan ,” Kabal quickly stated, coming to the prince’s rescue.
“ His words are Her words. His actions are Her actions. Do you question Her actions? ”
Marna Gamal’s cool voice questioned. The Prestige’s face was serious, and a hard, cold expression gazed both at Kabal and Tendra. Questioning the choices of the [Chosen of Madris] was something…
No…
One…
Did…
Kabal and Tendra felt a cold sweat travel down their backs. Kabal looked at Lady Adel, whose gaze did not meet hers. Tendra likewise did the same for Lady Ursisus, who followed the actions of Lady Adel. This was a quagmire none wanted to partake in.
“ We are straying from the topic of discussion. ”
Those present instantly looked toward High Queen Titiana. Tendra let out an internal sigh, thankful for her rescue. One must be meticulous when discussing the benefits or detractions of the [Chosen of Madris].
“ This discussion is only meant to talk about the benefits and detractors of the new system of government. ”
CLANG!