In a grand and luxurious stage that sat above five pillars. Five figures sat at each of their respective seats. Below them was a multitude of different races. Humans, Ice Elves, Dwarves, and Moonlit Fox Spirits were all intrigued and excited about this unexpected announcement.
At the sound of a bell, Jade stood up. Her elegant yet called beauty made the crowd quiet as if wishing to please her.
She walked over, and when she was at the very front, looking around, her gaze appeared cold. She sighed deeply in her heart as she spoke, "Everyone, it is a pleasure to meet you all. Yesterday was the day we, the Four Kings And Queens, had the Great Discussion. As you all know, the Great Discussion is a world-changing event, that is why it wasn't announced, and only a few knew of it. Now, this is the day when it will all be announced. But for now, we, the Four Kings And Queens will speak up to thank you all. I, Jade, the Queen of the Ice Elves, thank you all sincerely."
After finishing her speech, the crowd clapped at her words. Some cried while others were suspicious, but either way, it all calmed down once Zheng Wang stood up and walked up to the front.
Zheng Wang, who always appeared friendly, almost like a kitten, spoke, "It is my pleasure to speak with everyone now. I know you all must be wondering who or what will be announced today. But please, be patient. We, the Four Kings And Queens have brought with us a special guest to announce it. You may not be able to see her since the stage is quite high up, but please be interested. And I, Zheng Wang, the Human King, thank you all for all your support."
Hearing that Zheng Wang called him a woman confused Zixin, but he understood that it was unlikely for anyone to know his gender, especially since his sister had ordered Marshall to make Zixin wear a dress when this happened.
The crowd's mood became much calmer, and they were now happy and slightly excited. It seems like the Four Kings And Queens are following the plan and using their character to make the crowd feel the emotions of happiness and maybe even excitement more.
It was Mason's turn. Next; he stood up and walked forward; he looked intimidating yet seemed friendly to some of the crowd. He spoke up, "Hello everyone, as you all have heard from Jade, and Zheng Wang, this announcement will create a new order. Don't simply be happy, be excited! This announcement will be one of the most important historical points. Be excited for it, after all, you will all see the new world unfold before your very eyes. The greatest historical moment will be created here and now. Sigh, I thank you all, for helping us Kings And Queens rule our Lands. I, Mason Eisen, the Dwarf King, give his sincerest thanks to all of you."
Zixin noticed the bluntness in Mason's words, but it was rather curious. He has already told the most important part, yet it seemed like he was simply trying to incite feelings of excitement; he is truly formidable.
Zixin looked down, he saw the crowd cheering in excitement. It seemed like his turn would be here soon enough, but before that, Aiko stood up.
Mason went back to his seat as Aiko went up front. Her bright smile was enough to enlighten the hearts of the crowd. This certainly looks like an effect of an ability but it seemed like her natural charm was simply too high. She spoke up, her words sounding like an excited child, "Hello everyone! I don't know if any of you have ever seen me, so, unlike the other three, I'll introduce myself first. My name is Takechi Aiko, the Moonlit Fox Spirit Queen. I'm kind of old, so I hope that those who have seen me before are having a good life. Matters aside, the three told me to uh… hmm… what was it again?"
She looked back, and asked the three like a child, "Hey, what was I supposed to do again?"
Zheng Wang explained it to her, and she was nodding excessively while listening. This made the crowd laugh, the Moonlit Fox Spirit Queen is a child.
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After this, she went and looked back down, speaking, "Everyone, I hope you all will be happy to know that I am one of the main reasons the Great Discussion became a success. Well, I suppose, I've done my role now."
She walked back and sat in her seat. Zixin stood up and walked up front. From the crowd's perspective, he looked like a young woman, maybe around her early 20s. Her long white hair made her feel grand, almost otherworldly. Her deep black eyes made everyone in the crowd see an unyielding person yet one who seemed slothful. Her soft snow-white skin was simple, yet it made the crowd feel calm despite also feeling the pumped-up excitement. She wore a long and elegant white dress, each pattern upon it seemed to have deep meaning.
Zixin looked down below, he saw Marshall and faked a smile like he did before. He spoke up, "Hello everyone, my name is Zixin, Zixin of Longevity. This is most certainly the first time you have heard of my name. You may or may not be wondering: 'Who is this? And why is he here with the Four Kings And Queens?' I have already answered the former, but it was rather incomplete. Then, let me tell you all. Have you all ever heard of the Secluded Palace? Yes, I came from said Palace, I am the representative sent to take care of things. And as for why I am with the Four Kings And Queens."
He chuckled and spoke as his smile widened, "From today forth, the Four Races Alliance is now over."
This news hit the crowd like a storm crashing its endless rain upon this realm. The crowd went wild as their combined voices sounded like a brewing storm. They were all panicking and confused, after all, they were all thinking, Why, why did this have to happen? Why did the Four Kings And Queens have to be so happy when they were speaking? Have they gone mad?! Haven't they forgotten why this Alliance was made?
Zixin then spoke once more, this time, because the crowd was so loud, he had to speak up in a louder and more domineering tone, "Everyone, please calm down. I have great news that all of you will wish to hear. If misfortune arises, won't fortune come after it? Today, I, Zixin of Longevity, declare the creation of the Five Lands Alliance."
The crowd went wild. A new alliance? What? So this is why the Five Races Alliance was destroyed. But, five lands? What's the fifth land? These thoughts were running through all their minds, after all, they only knew of the four lands.
Zixin spoke once more, explaining to them, "Blessed Land of Isolation, this is the fifth land. Everyone may have never heard of it. Just as the name implies, this land is isolated from the outside world. I was only able to leave our land because of the search for the mysterious Secluded Palace. It is truly a fortunate event, isn't it? We, natives of the Blessed Land of Isolation, cannot leave it unless an outsider enters and leaves with us. The Blessed Land of Isolation is willing to trade several different goods, from potions to the most exquisite of crafts. I hope that everyone wishing to find an opportunity uses this chance."
…
At a grand and large ballroom. Several nobles were celebrating the creation of the Five Lands Alliance, this included the Four Kings And Queens.
Zixin simply stood in a corner, drinking tea. He would normally drink wine, but because of his condition, he cannot.
Even though he is a person of high importance, no one came near him; they seemed to be avoiding him. He can't be bothered to guess as to why that is and simply watch the show. A grand performance was being held by an orchestra with the music soothing one's rash heart.
Out of nowhere, Asher, who came with someone, went in front of Zixin. Zixin noticed that Asher was with… Ruby?
Zixin simply looks at them before greeting them kindly. Asher and Ruby also greeted him.
Asher seems to notice that Ruby is staring at Zixin with an interested look. This caused Asher to ask her, "Ruby, have you met, um… Lady Zixin before?"
"Yes, and you should know that it's not Lady, correct?"
Asher simply laughed at that like he was caught. But this made him confused. Then, he suddenly realized something.
He asked, "Lord, did you two meet at the brothel?"
"Yes."
"Were you interested? Is that why you entered?"
Zixin simply explained his thought process, "I was looking for an apothecary. I thought that someone from the brothel or the brothel itself would have a connection to an apothecary. So, I entered not to find pleasure but to find a cure."
Apothecaries and Healers are all very rare. In this world where each usage of ability will cause a backlash, apothecaries who can make cures and Healers who can heal using their ability are high-priority assets that each Land would heavily focus on. Unfortunately for them, most Apothecaries and Healers are rogue and wanderers. To be chained and locked to a certain group only is a big downside to them. There are so many who will be willing to do anything just to get the help of them, so why should they lock themselves from this opportunity? Yes, the benefits of joining an organization may be good, but the endless opportunities outside are much more than inside an organization. Of course, this is not definite, some of them still join organizations.
Asher then used this opportunity to ask Zixin about the lullaby he sang to them, "Why did you sing the lullaby that one time in the Palace?"
"Rather simple really. Remember my body issues? I have been promoted to surgeon, and since I lack the talent to make my cures, I had a change of plans. The moment my eyes spotted you three, a plan emerged in my mind. This plan may sound rude and gross, so, you are free to stop me at any moment while explaining this. The lullaby had the effect of sleep, and when the target is asleep, the second effect occurs numbness. The target would become numb to all sorts of harm to himself. I planned on using this opportunity to cut your body apart and use your vital organs to replace mine. On second thought, it is a bad idea." Zixin simply explained, he seemed indifferent while explaining it.
Asher was horrified, while Ruby was intrigued.
After departing, Marshall came to Zixin and handed him a letter.