For the next two weeks, Persius worked closely with Diamond and Aiji to create his case to present to Parliament. Diamond kept all of his information in order and even found the Bear Ant that he had interviewed, Yalisei Morozov. It took quite a bit of convincing but after promising a large sum of money and improving the local food bank, he was happy to oblige. By the end of the two weeks Persius had finally gotten the hang of the delicate and backhanded way to talk to Parliament and the day finally arrived for him to take them on.
Persie, sitting in the library, going over everything one more time with Diamond, Ajii was busy at the moment but said he would like to hang out and hear everything the day after the Parliament meeting.
Persie: Alright. I think I'm ready, Diamond. Whew. It's been a long two weeks honestly. *lays back in the chair, putting his head back* But I feel very confident.
Diamond: I approve of your progress thus far. Aiji is also a fine teacher of public speaking for you. I shall prepare the carriage and gather your presentation materials. Am I to assume you will be seeing the Goddess to say your goodbyes?
Persie, a faint blush creeps, he honestly hasn't seen her in a really long time, just been in the library and mostly eating in here and then trying to say hi to Adrian and Ra when he can.
Persie gets up to go to the throne room: Yes Diamond, I will meet you outside.
He finds the Goddess reading some of her books, looking very attentive at the notes.
Persie: Hello Goddess, haven't seen you for some time.
Aiah: -she looks at him and her eyes visibly brighten and she smiles at him- Persius~...Hehe it's good to finally see you.
Persie feels that affection and smiles at her deeply, the smile reaching his eyes: Hehe i-it's good to see you too. *he comes up to the throne and stays at the foot of the stairs as usual* I am heading off to the Parliament meeting, wish me luck with them. Heh I'll need it..
Aiah: Here, I have a bargaining chip I've been saving for you. -she snaps her fingers and gold light swirls down to him and a glowing parchment appears in front of him bearing the seal of the Ivory Sanctuary- A blank decree. Don't let them know you have this until you have confirmed what you want. And when they agree to your terms, give it to Diamond. She will write it faster than they can take it and it will be law. It will hold them accountable.
Persie, has the parchment float down to his hand and the light from it, feels his hand and it disappears until he needs it. He watches all this magic happen and it fills him with so much confidence but also understanding of everything that he looks at Aiah and winks: I'll be back before you know it. *he clutches his fist and smiles* They won't know what hit them. *He looks so similar to the Persius she is going to be with that Aiah almost forgot for a second and started standing up. Persie looks at Aiah curiously and smiles again* Oh would you like to hug me for more luck?
Aiah: -she blinks a few times and comes back to her senses- Oh…yes of course. -she comes down the stairs and kneels down to him- Good luck dear.
Persie wraps his arms around her and then kisses her cheek softly, whispering: I'll see you soon. *leaves and heads out the door and gets in the carriage with Diamond, he has everything he needs including the game plan. Yalisei will also meet them there within an hour.
Persie feels some nerves but he doesn't feel too nervous just jitteriness: Breathe Persie *starts breathing and channeling his energy into more of a chill vibe* Mmmm there we go. Ready, Diamond?
Diamond: Yes. -she opens the door for him to let him out when they arrive at the Parliament building- Let us show them the growth of your intellect.
Persie, gets out and heads in the building with her, heading up to the receptionist: Hello checking in. Persius Selvaraj.
The receptionist from before looks up at him and smiles politely: Oh hello, welcome back. -she hands him his badge- There you go, oh and here are the minutes for your Jasmine golem.
Diamond: My name is Diamond. Please address me as such. My Sister is Jasmine, do remember this for the future.
Persie smiles at her: Yes this is Diamond. Sorry for any inconvenience. Have a nice day. Let's go Diamond. *They leave and enter Parliament and he sits in the front to the left. He has everything sorted out. He whispers to Diamond. Should I speak with the Prime Minister while everyone isn't here yet?
Diamond: -she nods- Remember, allow her to come to the conclusion she is being charitable by helping you.
Persie nods and gets up to approach the Prime Minister, bowing his head to show respect: Good morning Prime Minister, hope your day is going smoothly.
Seraphina: -she smiles politely at him- Good morning Persius, my day is going very well thank you. I hope yours is as well. You may take the same seat as before.
Persie: Thank you so much. I would like your time for a moment. If you may indulge me for a bit.
Seraphina: Oh? What do you need of me deary?
Persie: I would love it if you could let me have the floor for my first case today. It would mean so much and contribute so much to my growth as a diplomat-in-training.
Seraphina: Your first case? You've never presented before? Baehalan didn't throw you into the fire hehe and let you try?
Persie: No honestly, but as Resosia is my home, I would love to try here.
Seraphina: Hmm…I see. Well I guess we could squeeze in a presentation today. A young diplomat like yourself should have the chance to learn. Go ahead and take your seat, I will set things up for you.
Persie: *smiles at her and bows* Thank you so much Prime Minister. *leaves to take his seat*
Diamond: -she whispers to him- You did well.
Persie, whispers back: Thanks. Not without your encouragement. *He looks around a bit, trying to look for names and yep, there are quite a few parliament members with the same last names as those families, at least 27 out of 50 which is insane…There are a lot of people with "those" names here. *he whispers again as he turns his gaze away from certain people, but he feels eyes on him*
Diamond: -she looks towards the front of the hall- Tread lightly today Persius. There is a new guest I have not prepared you for. Lord Metatron has decided to join today's proceedings.
Persie: Hmmm his name is familiar? Another mage or…?
Diamond: Celestial. He was the right hand and scribe of an old creator God that is no longer around. He is now the leader of his kind.
Persie: I see. Mmmm how much of a problem is he?
Diamond: Large. Do not engage with him. If he attempts to engage with you, quickly and safely excuse yourself. My combat capabilities cannot withstand a Celestial of such high station.
Persie: I see. Duly noted. *he notes down the name and some details but still keeps his mind as clear as possible* Okay. Let's just chill for now.
Diamond: He can be an asset if used correctly. His coffers alone outshine Opirea's. If even just he chooses to aid your cause, he can swing the votes and even donate more than enough funding.
Persie: That's good to know but if anything, not best to engage. It also may be a thing that he's aiding to fuel some other motive and I rather not think of that.
Diamond: -she nods- For now focus on your goal. The remaining members are arriving.
Persie looks as people file in, seeing who is who in more detail, but he is quiet for now until he's called upon.
Seraphina: -she stands and claps to silence the room as usual to signal the start of the meeting- Thank you everyone so much for coming today. I know the minutes have a lot on the agenda but there has been a slight change to the schedule. As you know we allow young minds to observe us so they may learn and help follow in our footsteps so they may take over to care for Resosia in the future. Today I would like to make time to give one of those young minds his first opportunity to test his skills and shine. Our newest student, Mr. Selvaraj, has requested that he be allowed to present his very first case. I would like to gift him the time to actually use the skills he has learned and put them to good use. Would you all agree? -she looks around and there's a round of murmurs and whispers but everyone eventually nods in agreement-
"Oh ho his first case? How fitting to have it here." "Have the other territories never given him a chance to learn? How disappointing of them." "We are the obvious choice to give him the proper education"
Seraphina smirks at the whispers all around her. She fixes her face back to the usual polite smile and looks up at Persie and waves him to come down.
Persie smiles and gets up: Show time. *he goes over to the podium* Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for your time as I know it is precious. Thank you Prime Minister for allowing my very first case to be presented here in Resosia. *clears his throat* So as we come together, we usually discuss quite important matters. Budgets, annual deficits, planning of big events that may intertwine on a national basis. Today I would like to bring up an intriguing matter that I happened upon as I've been back in Resosia. I have noticed the beautiful elegance of Opirea, the amazing beaches of Brevurant, the security of Grand Econ, the calmness of Oppehaven but I noticed a bit of unrest with Aralan and Sifinica. Two provinces that seem to also house quite a bit of immigrants. As a fellow Resosian, I believe that caring for all people will look good to you as parliament from the outside world. It will show them how we can care for all of us as a whole. *he pulls up slideshows of Opirea, and then switches to budgets* the budget for Opirea shows with its decadence as well as with Brevurant, Oppehaven, and Grand Econ being quite on equal footing but *he switches to Aralan's budget and also shows pictures of the uncouth sidewalks, the wrecked roads, the unstable shacks* I also see what goes on in Aralan and the budget to go along with it. The decrease in resources can be seen with how the people live. There aren't any real grocery stores, any boutiques, no museums, barely anything of economic standing to genuinely help. This is where you come in. Wouldn't it be wonderful to help this growing city become more stable, more sound? It paints you in a brilliant light if Aralan could gain your support through it all.
The room erupts into whispers, murmurs, and comments about the information presented to them. Many in the room believe that Opirea needs to budget so those that live there can continue to thrive and won't lose their expected lifestyle. There is a small section of the room that is discussing the actual benefits of improving Sifinica and even Aralan and how the PR would look for doing so, maybe even getting more to immigrate to Resosia, even if it's just so they get more workers. Seraphina is quiet and looks Persie dead in his eyes the whole time, completely unmoving. And Metatron has also kept mysteriously quiet during the discussion period.
Persie clears his throat loud enough that it echoes: I ask because I am not the only one who notices. If I can please bring in my witness, Mr. Morozov, who has lived in Aralan for a very long time. He has seen first hand how things have gotten worse. Please allow me more time so he can state his own sightings as well.
Mr. Morozov comes in from one of the doors that leads to a back room and comes to stand beside Persius. There are a few scoffs, a couple of intrigued murmurs and some just staring, along with the Prime Minister whose eyes softly glowing like a growing flame now. Mr. Morozov stands tall and unyielding to the gazes before him.
Persius speaks to Mr. Morozov to answer some questions: Mr. Morozov, you've lived in Aralan for how long?
Yalisei: Almost decade now. Houses veren't always terrible but…things are much vorse now than before.
Persius: Can you explain how things have gotten worse?
Yalisei: Ha, how are they not vorse? The roads and streets don't get fixed, children and mother's trip and get hurt. The houses have not been fixed and now they are just walls with roofs. Dzular was harsh so this is nothing to me. But tiny ones? They cannot live like this. Children should not dig through trash to eat, trash that is only there because fancy council will not send cleaners.
Persius: Ah I see. Would you not agree? *he looks out to Parliament and the murmurs start up* Next question: what would you think if you received more help? More resources? More opportunities for growth?
Yalisei: I vould think I finally have better life than I did in Dzular and many others vould think so too.
Persie: A better life than in Dzular, you'd say? Well then. Thank you for your statements. I no longer have any more questions. *he goes back to addressing Parliament* Well…this concludes my presentation, what say you on my proposal? Looking over the budgets again for Sifinica and Aralan and making better adjustments to increase better living conditions and overall life in Aralan so it can be "better than Dzular." *he steps back from the podium and has a soft but firm look*
Metatron: -he stands up and claps firmly and slowly- Well done, well done. What an intelligent young man…and beautiful. I quite like his proposal, after all, aren't we supposed to walk the path of kindness and charity?
Seraphina: I agree that it was a lovely try at your first proposal but we must still go over all the evidence submitted. Charity is good, Lord Metatron, but the funds must come from som-
Metatron: Whatever needed, I would be happy to donate. To help our lovely province no price would be too high for me. -he looks her in the eye and grins- The Nimbus Vales would even be so bold as to take over the initiative for you if you don't have the manpower, Prime Minister Seraphina.
Seraphina: It is Prime Minister Vesta, Lord Metatron.
Metatron: Your first name sounds like Seraphim, much more appropriate to address you as.
Persie watches as they go back and forth but also clears his throat: I do not wish to make anything arduous in nature. I only wish to show evidence of others needing help that have been overlooked by Parliament. *turns to Metatron and bows* Your donations would be most generous I'm sure for Aralan and Sifinica. I have all the details as well as budgets for what is truly needed for both provinces.
Metatron: -he sends over a small feather winged sprite- I will happily take those, young man. I will send any and all funds needed. The Prime Minister will simply need to schedule the work and grant all construction permits.
Seraphina: -her smile is no longer polite but tight, and almost forced- I see…Well then shall we take a vote then? The motion must have a majority rule. The motion at hand is to approve the Nimbus Vales to handle the financial responsibility while we take on the physical and logistical responsibility for improving Sifinica and Aralan. All in favor? -as Metatron raises his hand in favor, any one who was hesitant before, follows his opinion. In the end at least two thirds of the room vote in favor- Well..There you have it. We shall move forward with making improvements to the two Provinces.
Persius takes this blank page out and it comes out, unfolds on its own and Diamond is by his side in an instant, writing faster than anyone can comprehend so no one can try to alter the agreement. When she finishes the last sentence it shines with Aiah's voice ringing through so everyone in Parliament could hear from the decree. A golden radiance shines through and pulsates as she speaks.
Aiah: Hear me well, as written the Parliament of Resosia shall now start immediate efforts of restoration to Sifinica and Aralan for clean, safe, and sustainable living areas. The Nimbus Vales, and their leader Lord Metatron, shall provide any and all funds when asked in regards to the restoration efforts until such time that the project has been completed to Persius Selvaraj's standards. With all parties in witness, this is now a binding decree from the Ruling Goddess and the Ivory Sanctuary. Any deviation or refusal of this decree will be taken as treason against the Ivory Sanctuary and will be handled as such.
Persie's eyes glow a little and he has to calm his aura from radiating through the room's essence along with Aiah's. Once she stops talking, his eyes stop glowing and he feels the decree suck back into him, like it was a part of his soul as well.
Seraphina: -she blinks several times, trying to quickly process what just happened…she's been outsmarted- You…had a royal decree with you? How..interesting. I suppose we'll have to disband this meeting for now so we may begin…our new responsibilities. -she looked back out over the Parliament room, everyone had similar looks of surprise and angry confusion as her- We will reconvene in two weeks to start this new project…This will conclude today's meeting.. -she claps to end the meeting. She gives Persie a long look then leaves quickly and quietly-
Persie turns to Diamond and has a smile in his eyes but keeps a neutral response: Let us take our leave, Diamond, we have news for The Goddess and it must be received post haste heh. *takes Diamond's arm and leaves out before getting stopped by none other than…Metatron*
Metatron: -he pats his shoulder and grips it firmly as he grins down at him- Well played young man. Very well played. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future. Perhaps some time we could even..have tea and discuss where you learned such marvelous methods.
Persie meets his eyes for a second but the smile isn't there, it's like a very hot and very bright place that feels uncomfortable, he hesitates and then smiles and nods: Of course sir, I will have to look at my schedule some time but I shall be taking my leave. See you at the next meeting. *He leaves as quickly as he can without alerting anyone and as he enters the carriage, he can see several parliament members looking in his direction but another thing he feels at the very tips of his shield are the ones he can't see. He knows there are several sets of eyes as he leaves the parking lot and that's what bothers him the most.*
Diamond: You did very well. The Goddess will be pleased.
Persie: Thank you…That was exhilarating but also a bit tiring too. So much aura in a room. But also…Metatron is scary…like too scary. I did not like that energy at all…*he looks out as he gets closer and closer to the Ivory Sanctuary*
Diamond: That is a common opinion of him outside of Celestial communities. Thankfully he would never cross the Goddess and those she cares for, it would end catastrophically for him.
Persie: No, that makes a lot of sense. I just hope I never have to talk to him again or if I do, it's only on good terms. *As they approach the Ivory Sanctuary, Persie smiles and thinks of Aiah* Will I get another hug again? Hehe *They get there and he hops out fast, running as the door barely gets open and runs to the throne room, but still yells back: Sorry!! *keeps going and slides into the door of the throne room and pops in* Um h-hello goddess! I'm back. I…I told you it wouldn't take long. *he is trying to catch his breath the whole time, out running his pace* We…phew…we did it yayyy! *two thumbs up*
Aiah: -she stares at him for a moment and then his words sink in and a genuine and bright loving smile comes across her face- I knew you would not disappoint. -in a quick flash of light she's in front of him…and they're the same size, looking eye to eye, all of her hair flowing around them and she gives him a warm tight hug- Well done Persius. Thank you.
Persius is shocked as the hair cascades around them, shielding them from eyes, if any, but there are none right now, just the two of them, it feels like minutes but it's been seconds and he puts his arms around her, embracing her, holding her close and he turns to face her. They are but millimeters apart, feeling both of their breaths on each other and the heat feels to have grown around him as she feels a slight boost of power.
Persie whispers in such a timid yet wanting tone: Aiah…my goddess…
Aiah: -she gasps quietly and a rare red blush spreads across her cheeks- Persius..I… -she gently caresses his cheek and in another flash of light she's back on her throne at her normal towering height- You've done a wonderful job dear..
Persie, has his arms out like he's still holding her but she's back on her throne and he looks sad but he calms himself and stills his face: Thank you my goddess! It was a rather intriguing meeting but I am super glad it got done. Phew!!!! It was tiring. So so much energy in that room but now they have to do it.
Aiah: You were quite bright to add the immediate part of the decree. Now they can't drag their feet.
Persie, looks a bit confused: Oh no Diamond wrote that and I will go thank her after I'm done here. But yes now they have to do work and it be right now. I know they are all pissed but you forced this beautiful goddess' hand and you shall do the work for it. *winks at her and turns* I wanna go find the kids and tell them the news or at least that Aralan and Sifinica will be getting more support hehe. *Waves to her as he leaves*
Aiah: -she giggles quietly and looks after where he was softly- I cannot wait to see how much more ripe you will become dearest…