Rudmer Island - Rudmer (Council Hall)

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Over 180 individuals assembled in the grand circular hall on Rudmer Island for a council meeting.

The room was filled with a mix of ages and genders, all united by a common tension over the recent developments.

The announcement of the new governing structure under the Sylind family had stirred a strong mix of reactions, from curiosity to outright resentment.

A relatively young man in his early thirties started talking to the woman wearing blue clothes.

"So, what do you think, Nelda?"

Nelda looked at the man and shook her head.

"Is it worth anything?"

The man smirked.

"Of course."

"In the end, the recent changes are something that nobody expected."

"Despite us being part of the Silver Empire, the Empire was nice and easy to us; it gave us a chance to form our council and appointed each of us to different and big governmental powers."

The face of the man then sunked down a little, and he added.

"But, right now, they are giving us a family named Sylind, who were just a baron-level family that has no members because of the events between other nobles and some wicked empire officials."

Nelda listened and then added; her eyes showed that she thought differently.

"I am not sure about it."

"I do not think that this Sylind family is a weak family or a family without any power or some sort of advantage."

The man held to his chin and then took a deep breath.

"Yeah, you may be right."

"Can you tell me your reasoning?"

Nelda laughed and simply added.

"Do you think Empire would be having fun with giving their second biggest island and the %7 of their riches to the just a nobody family?"

The man then nodded.

"Yeah."

"That seems unlikely as you put it like that."

"No empire would give their 10% of yearly earnings without a fight to another family."

Nelda then added again, pointing a finger.

"I think there was a battle between the Sylind family and the Empire; it is just not a conventional and easy-to-see battle."

The man thought and then smiled, saying nothing.

"The council is starting; let's see what others think," he said, and his eyes focused on the center.

At the center of the gathering stood a man with a long, graying beard, dressed in formal silver clothing that denoted his status as a representative of the Empire.

His demeanor was calm, as if he had prepared for this moment well in advance, knowing it would not be met with universal acceptance.

As he began to address the council, a few voices rose above the others, breaking into shouts of defiance.

"We refuse to serve a family we've never even met!" One voice called out angrily.

"I don’t want to be ruled by strangers—our allegiance is to the Empire!" shouted another.

The outbursts echoed throughout the hall, a wave of discontent spreading among the crowd.

"We do not want any family to control us!"

"We only pay our respects to the Empire; other than the Empire, nobody should have control over us."

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The man in silver clothing held his stance, patiently waiting for the commotion to subside.

He appeared neutral, almost expectant, as if he had anticipated this exact reaction.

When the noise died down to a murmur, he raised his hand, commanding silence, and began to speak with a measured tone.

“My fellow council members,” he addressed them, his voice calm but firm.

“I understand your hesitation, and I respect your loyalty to the Empire. But let me remind you that the Empire has not taken this decision lightly.

The agreement with the Sylind Family is a strategic choice, one that has been made with the Empire’s best interests in mind—and Rudmer’s as well.”

There were mutterings, but no interruptions.

The man continued, his voice growing stronger as he sensed the crowd’s attention settling on him.

“The Sylind Family is known for making a huge and important official agreement with the Empire."

"I believe they bring with them not only experience but a vision that aligns with the prosperity and security of Rudmer Island."

"And while I understand that some of you feel wary of this change, remember that our duty is to uphold the Empire’s directive.

"It is not a matter of personal preference, but one of loyalty.”

Another voice broke out, “What if we don’t want their rule? Are we just supposed to submit because they say so?”

The man paused, meeting the speaker’s gaze before answering.

“Yes,” he said simply, “because that is our duty as citizens of the Empire. The Sylind Family will bring stability, and I assure you, they are not here to upend your lives or diminish your standing.

"On the contrary, they have committed to working with the island’s officials, merchants, and leaders. This is a partnership, not a hostile takeover.”

A hush fell over the crowd as his words sank in. The man glanced around the room, gauging the reactions of those present. Some looked convinced, others still skeptical.

"Of course it would be not easy," he thought within his mind. All of these people were shrewd and smart diplomats and merchants in their own right.

They are not easy to fool and convince.

He knew he needed to reassure them, to foster a sense of cooperation that would allow for a smoother transition.

"The Empire has provided Rudmer with resources and support to ease this transition. The Sylind Family will uphold this support while ensuring our island's prosperity grows."

He gave out a cold breath and continued, his voice taking on a steely edge.

“Anyone who undermines this arrangement would not just be defying the Sylind Family—they would be defying the Empire itself.”

At this, a tense silence filled the room. His words had struck a chord, and he knew he had given them much to think about. His gaze softened slightly as he added,

“I urge you to give them a chance. The Sylind Family is committed to this island and to every individual who calls Rudmer home. Change is always difficult, but with it comes the potential for growth and greater strength.”

The crowd remained quiet, processing his words. Although skepticism lingered in some faces, others showed reluctant acceptance.

For many, their loyalty to the Empire outweighed personal misgivings, and they began to see this new alliance as a matter of duty.

The man in silver gave a nod to the council, satisfied that his message had resonated.

He had done his part; now, the people of Rudmer would decide for themselves how they would receive the Sylind Family’s rule.

But in the back of his mind, he knew that any resistance would be handled swiftly, and the power of the Sylind Family would soon speak for itself.

Compared to the others, as council president Leon Redis, his information was more deep.

He knew that the Sylind family reaches this point of taking over Rudmer Island from the Empire without an all-out battle because of their power.

The alliance between the Third Circle in the Dark Realm and the personal mage power of the Sylas Sylind, the patriarch of the Sylind Family.

Compared to the others, he knew these things, and he moved according to what he knew and what he was dealing with.

Leon stood tall and closed his eyes for a moment and then started talking, his voice carrying an air of finality that held the attention of everyone present.

“Let me make one final statement,” he declared, his voice resonating with authority.

“To those among you who may feel unwilling or unprepared to serve under the Sylind Family, I offer you this single chance to step away—without consequence. If you cannot, in good conscience, support the transition we’re undergoing, you are free to leave this council now. No questions, no penalties.”

The room was silent, the weight of his words settling heavily upon everyone present.

A few council members shifted uncomfortably, casting glances toward each other, unsure whether to stay or to leave.

The man gave them a moment to process the offer, understanding the importance of allowing them this choice.

But as the silence grew, it became clear that no one would move.

He continued, his voice calm but charged with the power of his next words.

“Know this—though the Silver Empire and Sylind Family have reached an agreement, Rudmer Island is no longer a part of the Silver Empire. It is now a part of the Sylind Family.”

He paused here. The room remained breathless, every gaze focused on him, waiting for his next word.

“Or, perhaps,” he said, drawing out the words with a subtle smile, “I should say the Sylind Empire.”

His voice lingered over the last two words, and they seemed to hang in the air.

Murmurs rippled through the assembly as the council members took in the implications of this new designation.

This was the first time the words and statement of "Sylind Empire" were used in an official setting.

The term “Sylind Empire” carried a promise, a warning, and a vision all at once.

The council members exchanged glances, each understanding that from this day forward, they were no longer merely officials of a Silver Empire—they were part of something else, something that demanded both loyalty and adaptation.

Satisfied, the man inclined his head and stepped back. The council meeting had marked the dawn of a new chapter for Rudmer Island.