( Still Closed Meeting Flashback )
"I understand regarding the houses and clothing part, but what are you talking about, creating something from scratch?" Mother Isafold asked, curiosity lighting up her eyes as she leaned forward slightly in her seat.
Her gaze shifted toward Mother Silja, who was already gathering her papers with a cute sad pouting face, her movements were very slow taking her time of the world. The rustling of documents filled the brief silence in the room.
"By the way, Silja, keep going. You have work to do," Mother Isafold added with an teasing encouraging nod.
Mother Silja nodded back, though tears glistened in her eyes, the weight of responsibility mixed with gratitude shining through. She turned to leave, her steps were a bit shaky as she moved at the front with several researchers trailed behind her. Their collective footsteps echoed through the grand hall, creating a rhythmic pattern that gradually faded as they made their way toward their designated workspace.
"Bye bye! Do your best, Mother!" Gloomy called out, waving with noticeably more energy than usual. His hand moved back and forth enthusiastically, his whole arm getting into the motion.
"BYEEESS DO YOU BEST MOTHER SILJA!!!!" Sio shouted with her trademark explosive enthusiasm, practically bouncing on her feet as she waved both arms wildly above her head.
Queen Mother paused, reorganizing her memories as she prepared to explain. Her expression grew thoughtful, distant for a moment as she recalled the events that had sparked this whole endeavor of creating something new.
"Well, one day Tool Guy showed us some interesting inventions he'd made while playing around. I found it absolutely fascinating that there are other ways to mimic some of the Energy powers besides the traditional Eirnet Energy power." She gestured animatedly as she spoke, her hands painting pictures in the air. "So naturally, I asked for more details about how they worked and what made them possible."
"Oh, I know those stupid inventions he made! Haha, it was hilarious to see his reaction when those things didn't work!" Little Princess laughed loudly, remembering the scene with obvious delight. Her eyes sparkled with mischief at the memory.
"Hmm, if they didn't work, why was Queen Mother interested in them?" Lewis asked from her side, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"ACK! Just go with the flow…..they didn't work because it was useless!!! But maybe mother found a way to make it useable???" Little Princess defended herself quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she waved her hands dismissively.
Alfie just laughed at her flustered reaction, clearly enjoying watching her squirm.
Queen Mother continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Well, that guy had worked for another Empire on the other side of the Ocean for quite a while and he explained that those inventions were created specifically to tackle the monopoly of the Echor's Empire since most of the Energy tools are property of Empire of Echor…..And because of this and the Heart machine they are considered to be the strongest among all Empire..." She paused, letting the weight of that information settle. "But he also said it was far too costly to manufacture such things, and the materials required were incredibly scarce and difficult to obtain."
Her eyes lit up with renewed excitement as she went on. "But hearing all those beautiful designs and concepts made me realize something important... What if there is something else present in this world that can help us tackle our problem?? I mean if there is one way to tackle the basic Energy tools then there must be another way, right???... We can't depend on Zack for our whole life…. We have to find an alternative!!!!"
She looked at Zack again with hopeful anticipation gleaming in her eyes. Zack also nodded that it was worth it to find some another solution.
"Chieftess, you came from another Empire…. So is there something unique from those lands that could help us in any way??" Rugged woman asked while slowly gathering her courage to participate in the meeting.
"I…don't know of anything that could help in this… I am sure our Empire probably working on an alternative but we don't have any unique things that could replace Empire of Echor tools" Chieftess Anihoa got embarrassed realizing she don't have that much of knowledge regarding these things.
"Yes, she doesn't really know anything. She just loves to flaunt herself and enjoy the life given by her Big Handsome brother" Maid Nima seriously nodded not realizing the deadly attack coming for her."
"Well, nothing wrong in enjoying life! Right wifey!" One of husband smiled happily while looking toward Mother Isafold who just smiled sweetly while watching his hand that was full of little snacks"
"Right Right life is supposed to be LIVED!!!" Lewis also agreed while nodding seriously as his parents also nodded at him but the expression was slightly different.
"I guess so they are right… I haven't got a proper holiday in quite a while" One of Expert sister also nodded while closing her eyes as she got surrounded by her sisters.
Hmm…
GAAHH!!!
OOOWWWOWWWW OWWWW SAVEEE MEEEE!!!!! NOOO!!! OWWW OWWW!!!!
Subordinate Woman quickly scribbled another note in her ever-growing notebook, her pen moving rapidly across the page.
"So, you're actually planning to replace the daily usage tools that everyone relies on?" one of Mother Isafold's husbands spoke up, smirking with barely concealed amusement. "The Crowns are going to cry, you know. They'll throw a fit when their precious monopoly gets threatened."
"Hehehe, that's the goal, isn't it?" Queen Mother smirked back wickedly, her eyes glinting with mischievous delight.
Suddenly, the room filled with evil laughter from the adults, the sound echoing off the high ceilings and creating an almost theatrical atmosphere of conspiracy of doing something unspeakble.
"AGH! Adults are scary!" Lewis yelped dramatically, quickly hiding behind Little Princess and grabbing her arms like a frightened child seeking protection.
"PFFT!! Such a sacredly little animal, and yet you want to go outside the borders? You'll barely survive a day out there, buddy," Alfie said mockingly, patting Lewis's shoulder with exaggerated sympathy.
"TSK! Hey, Little Princess, ask your brother Zack to take me with him outside! Doesn't he go there frequently? I want to GO OOUTTSSIDEEE!!!! It's so boring staying inside all the time!" Lewis shook Little Princess hard by the shoulders, his enthusiastic desperate grip made Little princess feel some pain.
"FF...FIII...FINNEEE...STOO...STOPP SHAA...KKK...INNNG...MEEEE!!!" Little Princess roared in pure frustration, her voice coming out in broken syllables as her whole body shook from his vigorous shaking.
"YEAAHH!!!" Lewis celebrated his victory happily, throwing his arms around Alfie's shoulders in triumph.
"Sighhh... Why am I stuck between these two idiots?" Little Princess muttered to herself, thinking back to how she'd coincidentally met Lewis while heading to the 3rd Rock Underground District. He is in the same class as her and had always been like this…..energetic, clingy, always playing around and finding ways to stick close to her and Alfie….. He was the only one who'd managed to get close to Alfie, since Alfie usually maintained a careful distance from everyone else in their class. But Lewis had somehow broken through that barrier with his persistent friendliness, always pulling Alfie into his games and his stupid adventures.
She watched them now, playing around and roughhousing like little kids, and felt a warm smile tug at her lips. "I'm actually grateful to him for that. He brought Alfie into our little school group... even if he can be kind of annoying sometimes."
Little Princess looked at both of them messing around and smiled sweetly. "Well, they're kind of cute in their own way, so I forgive them."
But then she looked around at everyone else in the room. They were all busy with one task or another…..planning, strategizing, taking notes, making decisions that would shape their entire city's future. And suddenly, that familiar emptiness crept back into her chest. What was she doing here? What was her purpose in all of this?
"Big Sister Nat, I hope you're doing fine," she thought sadly, her chest tightening. "Sorry for ditching you in the middle of your important day, but... I don't think I could follow the path you're on. Sighhh, what should I even do with myself?"
PAT! PAT!
"Huh?" Little Princess felt two hands land simultaneously on her left and right shoulders. She looked up to see both Alfie and Lewis smirking down at her with knowing expressions.
"Don't make such a sad face. You've been acting weird all day," Alfie spoke while grinning warmly, his eyes gentle despite his teasing tone. "Smile a little, Little Princess."
"Yeah, yeah, don't be such a bum! Is it that time of your month or what?" Lewis tried to motivate her too, though his approach was significantly less tactful.
Little Princess's eye twitched dangerously at Lewis's comment.
BOOM! BOOM!
"OWWW! WHYY MEEE!!" Both boys cried out simultaneously as she punched them square in their faces, sending them sprawling to the ground where they lay struggling in pain, clutching their bruised faces.
"Little Princess, come here," Leader Remek suddenly called out, his voice cutting through the chaos with commanding authority.
Little Princess stood up confusedly and walked over to stand in front of him, her posture uncertain. Alfie was already there behind her, standing properly at attention with full seriousness radiating from his rigid stance. Lewis also awkwardly shuffled over and stood beside Alfie, still rubbing his sore face.
"I'm going to give you my troops," Leader Remek announced, his decisive firm voice made her feel little nervous. "Along with Leader Mikaela's city guards and some of the Queen's personal guards. You'll take command of them and complete the assignments we've prepared for you."
Little Princess's eyes widened in shock.
"I want you to be swift and precise in your execution," he continued "Oliver will handle a specific specialized mission, but you'll have to cover a much larger operational area. So….. GET READY."
Alfie's eyes glowed with barely contained excitement, his fists clenching hard at his sides. Finally! he thought, watching as Little Princess's back shivered slightly with the weight of what she'd just been told.
"Huh? What? Uncle, why me?" Little Princess asked hesitantly, her voice smaller than usual. "You guys are perfectly capable of doing this yourselves. Why would you need me?"
"Hmm, why not you?" Leader Remek asked calmly, raising an eyebrow. "We're all busy here coordinating everything else. We'll explain everything and give you all the information you need, provide you with full support.... I can send some of my people…..But there's no one else who could command those troops like you can." He paused, studying her face. "Why... Do you think you're not capable?"
"SHE IS A NATURAL LEADER!!!!" Alfie spoke up loudly, his voice ringing with absolute conviction.
"Yeah, yeah! She's the best!" Lewis added enthusiastically, nodding his head vigorously. "Little Princess has always been the one to lead everyone in our grade....SHE'S THE BEST OF THE BEST! EVERYONE KNOWS THAT!"
Little Princess's face turned bright red hearing all this praise. She spun around to face them getting a little flustered. "What are you guys saying?! I only did that because no one else wanted to take charge! Stop saying all this....I can't lead actual troops! I haven't been trained like my sister has!"
Her voice carried a note of sadness, of genuine self-doubt that cut through the room.
"What are you talking about?" Alfie shot back immediately, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Big Sister Nat never trained in leading any kinds of troops... That's not her role or responsibility!!!! Sure, she can take control of them if absolutely necessary, but not like you do! It's completely different!"
He stepped closer, making sure she was looking directly at him. "Do you think everyone in the barracks just casually likes coming to talk to you for no reason??? NO! THEY RESPECT YOU!!!!!.... They genuinely like you! That's why they seek you out!" His voice grew more passionate with every word. "You've been training with them since the very beginning. You might not realize it, but you've already commanded them successfully many times!!!! Even if you thought it was just for fun or practice, everyone else was taking it seriously!"
His eyes glowed even brighter, the shine from them almost blinding Little Princess with their fierce belief in her. "Everyone has been waiting for the day when you truly step forward and take charge for real!!"
Little Princess's mind raced backward through her memories. Every morning, she really did practice with the troops, drilling formations and running exercises. She'd played at commanding them, giving orders during training scenarios, thinking it was all just pretend. But had they actually been serious the whole time? Had she been blind to what was happening right in front of her?
She looked at Alfie, studying his earnest expression. "He would never lie to me," she realized. "Does that mean... I actually have something I'm good at? Something meaningful I can do? A way I can bring real change to this city and help our people?"
Suddenly, Little Princess's eyes filled with tears. Some drops fell down her cheeks before she could stop them.
"WHAT?! You made her cry, you bastard!!" Lewis immediately pulled out his handkerchief and gently dabbed at her tears with surprising tenderness.
"Little Princess, you've always been the star of our class," he said softly, his usual goofiness replaced with genuine sincerity. "We all looked up to you, admired you from afar. If anyone can command those troops properly, it's you and only you. I trust you completely! You can do this!" He flashed her his signature silly smile. "FIGHT ON!!"
Little Princess felt warmth spreading through her chest, melting away the cold emptiness that had been sitting there all day. Her mind grew clear, like clouds parting to reveal the sun. The confusion that had been plaguing her suddenly lifted.
"Thank you, Alfie," she said, her voice thick with emotion. She reached out and grabbed his hand firmly. "Thank you, Lewis!" She grabbed his hand too, holding both of them tightly as she turned back to face Leader Remek.
Still gripping their hands, she straightened her spine and raised her voice with newfound determination. "I WILL DO IT!" she declared, accepting the mission with every fiber of her being.
"GOOD!" Leader Remek nodded in clear appreciation, and the other adults around the room did the same, their faces showing approval for her decision.
"Sighhh... stupid girl. I guess you finally realized what you were meant to do," Queen Mother said softly, smiling warmly as she watched Little Princess transform before her eyes….. Little Princess looked very beautifully, her aura was full of life and it was bright, so full of purpose and fire.
"Well, well, everything seems settled then. I guess I'll take my leave from here since you're all getting busy," Lewis said casually, slowly releasing his hand from Little Princess's grip. He started to back away toward the exit.
SWISH! SWISH!
Little Princess's hand shot out lightning-fast and grabbed his hand back in an iron grip. Alfie simultaneously grabbed his other hand, trapping him completely.
Without even looking back at him, Little Princess called out loudly, "AUNTIE, CAN I??"
"YES, DEAR! FEEL FREE TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!" Miss Laoise responded cheerfully, giving Little Princess full permission and authority to do anything to her son.
"NOOOOOOO!! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?!" Lewis shouted desperately, struggling against their combined grip with all his might.
Despite his protests and frantic struggles, Lewis was successfully integrated into the mission, his fate sealed.
"Hanna, I'll meet you here in a few minutes. Until then, prepare the troops, one unit for me as well," Oliver spoke quietly, though his eyes were burning red with barely suppressed anger at something he was looking forward to.
"Yes, Big Brother Oliver. Come back soon," Hanna responded dutifully.
Oliver nodded sharply and ran outside with full of energy, heading somewhere with urgent determination written across his face.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
What's your guys take on today success age?? I mean it feels like after getting your university degree, if you don't get huge salary package then everyone gives you a side irritating glance...And of course by 30 you should have full house at some good place.... And if you are a Man than in today's world you should have a great body, should have a great rich hobby, knows how to cook/clean/fix things etc etc, should know how to handle a woman emotional roller coaster, should be up to date of everything happening in the world, be respectful to freaking everyone...And many other things...
I know I know things maybe not bad as I am writing but somewhat is true right?? It's not easy to be just yourself in this world..... So what are you doing to be a free person???
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