Whispers begin to fill the air as the Neospacians exchange glances, trying to grasp the implications of the Celeston family's newfound status. Some are overcome with excitement, recognizing the honor bestowed upon their allies and friends. Others, however, cannot shake off a sense of unease, their minds drifting back to the history of the Deity Queen's Mother and the chaos she had nearly unleashed upon the world.
One Neospacian, a veteran warrior named Rylan, steps forward, his voice quivering. "Howl, forgive me for raising this question, but... what about the Deity Queen's Mother? Should we not be cautious? We have seen firsthand the destruction she nearly brought. Is it really wise to entrust such power to not one but the ENTIRE family connected to her?"
His words hang in the air, stirring a collective restlessness among the crowd. Neospacians exchange worried glances, realizing the weight of Rylan's concerns. The memory of the Deity Queen's Mother, a formidable adversary who had nearly devastated Neospace, still lingers fresh in their minds.
Howl, aware of the tension in the room, raises his hand, signaling for silence. His voice resonates with authority and reassurance. "I understand your fears and doubts, my fellow Neospacians. But I assure you, My Celeston family has proven their loyalty time and again. They have fought alongside Neospacians, defended Neospace, and shown unwavering dedication to the cause. Their strength lies not in the darkness of the past but in their commitment to a brighter future."
Yenza, his initial shock subsiding, can't help but let out an excited giggle, his usually composed demeanor momentarily forgotten.
"Oh my stars! Did you hear that, Liona? We're royalty now! Isn't it just fabulous?!" He claps his hands together, unable to contain his giddy delight at the announcement. "Amazing announcement, brother! Amazing!"
Liona, standing beside Yenza, folds her arms and rolls her eyes playfully at his exuberance. Her feline nature, always yearning for freedom and adventure, has kept her at odds with the responsibilities that come with being part of the Celeston family; however, in this moment, she finds herself intrigued by the possibilities that lie ahead.
"Well, Howl," Liona says with a sly smile, her voice full of sarcasm. "This is quite the 'unexpected' turn of events. It seems our family is destined for luxury and fame whether we like it or not."
Liona's comment carries some amusement. While she may not fully embrace the idea of royalty, she recognizes the importance it holds for the unity of Neospace. Deep down, she understands that the Celeston family's role goes beyond their personal desires.
On the other hand, Wendy, the thoughtful and introspective member of the Celeston family, remains lost in her own musings. As the news sinks in, her mind begins to analyze the implications of this development. She ponders the responsibilities that will be placed upon their shoulders and the potential consequences for their family and Neospace as a whole.
Wendy's expression becomes contemplative, her brow furrowing slightly as she weighs the possibilities. Her analytical nature leads her to consider both the positive aspects and the challenges that await them. While she refrains from commenting at this moment, her mind is already at work, formulating strategies and contemplating the impact of their newfound status.
Purgus, the representative for the poor Neospacians, gathers his courage and steps forward, his voice resonating with determination and a hint of anger. He looks directly at Maer, the Mother of the Celeston family, as he addresses the gathering.
"With all due respect, this meeting feels like a mockery to us, the struggling Neospacians," Purgus declares, his tone firm. "While the Celeston family is being celebrated and bestowed with the title of royalty, let us not forget the role they played in the hardships faced by the poor."
He pauses for a moment, allowing his words to sink in, as murmurs of agreement and curiosity ripple through the crowd. Purgus continues, his gaze unwavering.
"The destruction of our homes and towns, the instability we have endured—it all traces back to the actions of the Celeston family. Their pursuit of power and influence has come at the expense of our livelihoods and well-being. We have struggled to rebuild, to find stability, while they have thrived."
As Purgus speaks, his words strike a chord with many present, especially those who have experienced firsthand the consequences of the Celeston family's actions. Their dissatisfaction and losses begin to find a voice through Purgus, their representative.
Maer's expression remains composed, her eyes fixed on Purgus, betraying no hint of emotion. She understands the meaning of Purgus' accusations and the pain endured by the poor Neospacians.
Purgus, undeterred by Maer's stoic demeanor, continues to voice the frustrations of the impoverished Neospacians, demanding accountability and justice. The atmosphere in the room grows tense as the stark division between the privileged and the underprivileged becomes more apparent.
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Purgus points directly at Maer, his words seemingly directed at her, but Howl's patience begins to wear thin. He steps forward, his voice carrying authority and a touch of anger.
"Enough!"
Howl's voice booms through the hall, silencing the murmurs and redirecting attention towards him. His gaze locks onto Purgus, his eyes burning with determination.
"If you have something to say, say it to me directly. Do NOT insult my mother or my family."
As Howl's voice echoes through the hall, Maer's anger begins to bubble up within her. The insult directed at her and her family stings deeply, and her instinctual reaction is to retaliate. However, before her anger can consume her, Liona steps forward, her presence commanding and composed.
"Mom, hold on, don't do it," Liona's voice rings out, carrying a calm authority. Her lioness nature merges with her consciousness, guiding her actions. She places a gentle hand on Maer's arm, a silent signal to temper her fiery response. Maer's eyes flicker with emotions, taking a deep breath to regain her composure. Liona turns her attention to Purgus, her gaze steady and intense.
"You have voiced your concerns, Purgus. Now then. Are you done?"
"NO!"
Purgus shouts Loudly, and he begins to explain some of the things that were destroyed by the previous Celestons. All of the building damages, the lost food crops, the land which was taken from them, and while he was explaining, Maer's anger, which had momentarily subsided under Liona's guidance, surges back to the surface. Her power flares for an instant, causing the air around her to crackle with energy. Liona senses the rising tension and swiftly intervenes once again.
"Mom, calm yourself, we've got this!"
Liona's voice is firm yet soothing. She steps closer to Maer, her lioness instincts taking over as she exudes a calming presence. Her hand rests on Maer's arm, transmitting a soothing energy that helps quell the fiery surge within her.
Maer's eyes meet Liona's,frustration and gratitude reflecting in her gaze. She takes another deep breath, allowing the power within her to recede. Though the desire to defend her family and confront Purgus remains strong.
Yenza's frustration reaches its peak, unable to tolerate Purgus' insults any longer. He steps forward, his voice filled with anger and determination, and shouts at Purgus, defending his family.
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO INSULT US! We have done nothing wrong, you jerk! So get down off your horse, unless you want to get beaten down!"
Purgus remains unfazed, his gaze steady as he locks eyes with Yenza. He stands his ground, refusing to back down. The tension in the room escalates as the confrontation intensifies.
Howl, sensing the growing conflict, swiftly intervenes. His voice carries a stern command as he addresses Yenza. "Yenza, step back! This is not the way to handle this situation." His tone brooks no argument, his authority as the leader of Neospace clear.
Yenza's anger is momentarily halted as he realizes the gravity of Howl's words. He takes a step back, his chest heaving with emotion. Though reluctant, he understands the need to respect Howl's authority and maintain order within the hall.
Purgus, seeing the reprimand, smirks triumphantly as he addresses Yenza, capitalizing on the moment.
"Seems like even the privileged Celeston family has its weaknesses. You can't protect Neospace if you can't even control your own emotions."
Just then, Wendy is jolted out of her shocked state by Liona's touch, she takes a moment to collect her thoughts. She looks at Liona, gratitude evident in her eyes for the grounding presence. Liona, sensing Wendy's regained composure, begins a conversation about Purgus.
"Wendy, have you noticed how Purgus seems determined to challenge us? It's clear he harbors deep resentment. I can feel my lioness instincts urging me to give him the wrath of my fists, but I must exercise restraint. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think I should give him the Royal Beatdown, or what?"
Wendy's brows furrow as she ponders Liona's question. She considers Purgus' behavior and the reasons behind his hostility. "I... I'm not sure, Liona. It's hard to understand why he's acting so mad towards us. I think he's experienced a hard time that have led to him hating us.. Or maybe there's something else we're missing, some issue that's fueling his anger.".
Howl, recognizing that Purgus has expressed his grievances, takes a step forward and raises his hand, signaling for Purgus to step back. His voice resonates with authority as he addresses the determined individual.
"Purgus, your concerns have been heard, and I assure you they will be addressed. However, this meeting is not the appropriate forum to delve into the details. I invite you to discuss the remaining issues with me after the gathering."
Purgus, fueled by frustration, refuses to back down.
"You Celeston fools are nothing but a bunch of spineless cowards! Your family name is full of incompetence and idiocy! Howl, you're just a pathetic excuse for a prince, unable to make a single wise decision! Maer, you're the worst thing for this kingdom as the Deity Queen, incapable of leading your family with any sense of purpose! And the rest of you, well, you're just a bunch of worthless brainless leeches, living off the undeserved power of your family. Pathetic!"
His words strike a nerve, and Maer, despite Liona's attempts to calm her down, can no longer contain her anger. Maer's eyes blaze with a fierce fire as she steps forward having a wrathful aura around herself.
"ENOUGH! I have shown restraint, but you PERSIST in insulting my family and disregarding the respect we have offered. Your words have crossed the line one too many times! Your insolence in the presence of the Deity Queen and your audacity to insult the Celeston Family reveals a lack of understanding of your place in this world... I will show you your place, and you will accept your fate!"