"Ahm.... since we've decided to work together under Zack, why not listen to his thoughts?" Queen Mother spoke warmly as she settled into a coffee-colored chair. The others surrounding her on various chairs and sofas nodded in agreement, their attention shifting to Zack.
Zack sat comfortably, the blanket still draped around his body, his expression thoughtful. "Umm, first let's make sure our end goal is fixed," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room to meet each person's eyes. "We want the people of this city to live a better life, and we want this city as a whole to reach new heights, right?"
"Yes!" Everyone responded loudly, their voices echoing with conviction through the room.
Zack nodded, feeling the weight of their unified determination. "Then we want Queen Mother and Nat to be the future leaders of this city?" he asked again, his tone serious.
Everyone nodded heavily, some leaning forward in their seats with emphasis.
"Hmm, then let's list out our enemies one by one," Zack spoke, his eyes glaring at nothingness as tension crept into his shoulders. But he calmed down almost immediately as he felt Sasha's hand gently rest on his. She smiled looking at him, then patted his back comfortingly, her touch grounding him in the present moment.
Sasha gathered her courage, her voice steady despite the tremor of fear the memory brought. "The weird man who attacked us girls on the night of Nat Birthday."
Now Mother Ariana's jaw tightened, her eyes showing a storm of emotions…..rage, protectiveness, grief and a hope that things will change! "Grankell! That bastard who's playing with the lives of people and made two little kids suffer such pain!" Her hands clenched into fists on her lap.
Sio spoke next, her back slowly straightening with courage as the words left her mouth. "That man who tried to play with me and attacked our friends under that bitch Njala!" The anger in her voice was palpable, mixed with a fierce determination.
Oliver spoke calmly while sipping his tea, his composure a stark contrast to the heated emotions around him. "Those unidentified people who Alfie, little Princess, and I fought."
"And at last, the Empire of Echor representative and that Cok guy whose intentions are crystal clear!" Zack finished, his voice hardening at the mention of these final threats.
Chieftess Anihoa shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Geez… and here I was wondering why I couldn't get a wink of sleep in this city. Turns out everyone wants a piece of it."
"Haha, sorry about that!" Zack replied. "Even I haven't had a proper night's sleep in days." He nodded at her, a quiet sense of camaraderie settling in his chest. She returned the gesture; shared exhaustion clearly reflected in both their eyes.
"Hey, don't forget about me!" Gloomy cut in, looking between them. "You have no idea what my life's been like these past few days." His complaint was half-joking, but the genuine weariness in his voice was impossible to miss.
The three of them paused, feeling the weight of their shared struggles. A few tired laughs slipped out, eyes growing misty, not from sadness alone, but from the strange comfort of knowing they weren't carrying the burden alone.
"Ahm, you brats are cooked! Hohoho!" Grandmother laughed heartily before seriously asking. "Malina, do you know anything? Any news from outside?"
The Queen Mother let out a deep sigh, the weight of leadership evident in her posture. "Ah, well… I did hear about some disturbance in a far-off region, but I don't believe it could affect us here. Even the empire on the other side of this island seems quiet. I truly don't understand why they've set their sights on us."
She paused, then turned her gaze toward Kyra, who had joined them after leaving her son and Jorri in the care of others. Kyra now sat beside Miss Eva, listening intently.
"Do any of you know something I don't?" the Queen Mother asked
Both ladies looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them before they shook their heads. "There's no disturbance near us as far as I've heard," Kyra spoke diligently, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Hm, same here," Miss Eva said thoughtfully. "I have plenty of connections in Land of Dreath, and business there is running normally, well aside from a few minor disturbances of course….. But I don't believe this island is anywhere near the center of major trouble." Her careful tone reflected her business-minded perspective.
"Hm… don't let your guard down," Zack interjected, decisively bringing the discussion to a halt. "Whatever it is, it can't be good. We need to stay fully alert."
He continued, his voice steady. "First things first...we need a plan to reduce our dependence on Grankell and the other powerful figures in the city. Right now, our hands are tied because of those twisted people."
Zack then turned to Sio, offering her a warm, thankful smile. She returned it with one of her own, a quiet understanding passing between them.
"And how do we do that?" Miss Phoebe asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.
"I do have some ideas which I have been thinking about for a long time, but before that, I think it's time for Queen Mother to bring out what she's worked on for so many years," Zack said with a knowing smile while looking at Queen Mother. Then he grabbed Sasha's arm and raised it up triumphantly.
"Oh, is it time?! YEAH!! Finally, I can flaunt a little bit!" Sasha happily stood up and gave a cute spin, while grabbing Zack's hand tip which he used to lift her hand, she bent down slightly in a playful couple's dance spin. She smiled brilliantly, her excitement radiating through the room.
"I guess so. Let's call them and see if there are any good results," Queen Mother nodded with approval.
Before anyone could ask what, they meant, Oliver spoke up to clarify. "For those who don't know…..Sasha, along with many other students, used to work in a research group supported by the Queen Mother. She was part of the group from an early age during her school years, and after graduating a few years ago, she officially joined the research team alongside several senior colleagues."
"Wow, are you smart, Sasha?" Chieftess spoke while grinning mischievously. "I thought you were an unemployed woman loitering around here and there!"
"What?! Nooo!!! I'm just taking a break! And yes, I am very smart! Zack, tell them!!" Sasha pouted angrily, her cheeks puffing out adorably.
Zack felt a little pain from his raised hand as he laughed embarrassedly, but he spoke with complete sincerity. "Yes, my big sister is smart, beautiful, and the most talented woman in the whole world."
"Hehehe," Sasha smiled and sat down, poking her tongue out cutely to tell him she was sorry for making him strain himself, she slowly lowered his hand and made his blanket proper, then her expression shifted to curiosity. "I wonder if my senior talked with Nat? Does she know about our work?" she asked while looking at Queen Mother.
Queen Mother's expression fell slightly. "I heard she's not going to the underground area. Sighhh, my daughter..."
"Nat is doing just fine," Zack said calmly. "We should take advantage of the situation she's subconsciously created for us." His mind was already moving several steps ahead as he spoke. "A lot of people are probably feeling dejected right now. This is a critical moment, we need as much support as we can get."
He continued, outlining his plan. "First, send messengers to inform those who left after Nat's meeting to gather once again in front of the Queen's palace." As he spoke, the Queen Mother signalled her people to begin spreading the word.
"Since it'll take some time to gather everyone from the Two Rocks," Zack added, "I'll treat those who are suffering from those strange energies in the meantime." He then turned to Sasha, noticing the worry etched on her face, and offered a reassuring smile. "And don't worry, Big Sister, I'll be fine. I've already treated Miss Phoebe and Grandmother. The amounts in them were negligible, so I am sure others would be same."
His steady confidence seemed to settle the room.
"Fine!" Sasha humphed, pouting angrily with her arms crossed.
Chieftess spoke up, her tone respectful. "I did hear you have some interesting power, and don't worry, we'll never speak of it outside. You guys are our friends, so I want to maintain that." She bowed slightly as Maid Nima, sitting beside her, nodded while bringing her fist up in solidarity.
"Thank you," Sasha bowed back, smiling warmly at their understanding.
"Now let's plan for afterwards when Sasha returns with her fellow researchers," Zack said, then his expression grew concerned. "And I know it's hard to ask, but can one of you go with her?" He directed his question to the four Miss Expert sisters standing behind Queen Mother.
"I will go!" one of them spoke up immediately, the one who'd gotten slapped by Nat earlier. "Master Zack, it's our duty to protect her. We're sorry for leaving our post. I'll go with Miss Sasha." The Expert sister stepped forward while bowing respectfully to Queen Mother.
"It's okay, go. Don't worry about anything," Queen Mother spoke sweetly, her trust in them evident.
Leader Mikaela rose to her feet with confident purpose. "Zack, you can't possibly treat all of them yourself," she said firmly. "I'll go check whether the affected individuals have any criminal records, if they do then I will deal with them!"
Then she turned toward Mother Silja and Gloomy, an unmistakably wicked smile spreading across her face. "And I'll be borrowing our dear friend Silja for a while," she added with a mischievous chuckle. "Kekeke… now I see why Gloomy turned out the way he did...his mother is exactly the same! Come on, friend!"
Mikaela's laughter echoed ominously as both mother and son visibly shivered. Gloomy looked at his mother with pity and panic, clutching her hand tightly. "Mother… best of luck!" he blurted out.
The next second, he sprang to his feet and bolted away, darting straight toward Sasha. "I….I'll go with Big Sister Sasha!" he shouted as he fled, leaving his mother behind to face Mikaela's gleeful grin.
"GAH!!" Mother Silja cried out, desperately turning to Mother Ariana for help. But Ariana only laughed, completely ignoring Silja's tearful, pleading eyes.
"Um… is anyone here good with documents and paperwork?" Zack asked, glancing around at the other sisters. "Could you please go with the Leader and assist her?"
One of them stepped forward and nodded without a word. Soon, the three of them left together, a laughing woman, a crying woman, and a silent woman…..forming a strangely comical sight as they disappeared down the hall.
Zack let out a tired smile and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "My mind's a mess right now. I don't think I can keep track of everything that's happening....I'm really not as good at this as Nat." He sighed deeply. "I'll go find Miss Subordinate to help me. She's sharp and good with this kind of thing, I know she'll handle it easily."
His shoulders slumped slightly. "I don't want to talk so much… I'm exhausted. And honestly, I'm worried about her after what Nat said. She's a bit emotionally unstable right now."
Chieftess Anihoa's expression turned serious, concern evident in her voice. "I don't think you should go," she said carefully. "Doing so will only anger Nat further. You'd be giving Miss Subordinate another reason to hold on to you. If you keep your distance long enough, they may eventually let you go. If you can't accept them, then don't stir their emotions, it won't be good for you or for them."
Zack's expression softened with sadness, but his resolve didn't waver. "I understand that," he replied quietly. "But I can't just leave her like this. She helped us a lot and risked her life for us, and even without knowing anything about me or our world. After all this the least I can do is return that kindness."
He took a steady breath and continued, his voice firm. "I want to treat her properly, with respect, and make sure she's okay. That's what a good person should do... I won't back away just because there might be consequences. If things go wrong, I'll take full responsibility for my actions!! And if Nat didn't agree with me... I'll accept whatever decision she makes."
He looked up, sincerity clear in his eyes. "For now, don't worry. I'm not crossing any lines by indulging in my lust. I believe Nat will trust me."
"Sighhh, you're way too nice."
"He's stupid."
"Stupid."
"Stupid!"
"GRRR! Don't call my brother STUPID! You all are stupid!!" Sasha roared back at everyone who was pulling Zack's leg, her protective instincts flaring.
"Zack, don't worry," the Queen Mother said gently. "Go and bring her if you need her help. We all owe both of them." Her voice softened with sincerity. "They are good children, and loving someone is not a crime."
She paused, her words carrying quiet weight. "I will say this to everyone...if you love someone, then say it to them. And more importantly, show that love through your actions. Whether the other person accepts it, ignores it, or turns away… it doesn't matter. What matters is that you chose to love, and you expressed it in your own way."
Her gaze sharpened slightly as she turned to her attendants. With a calm gesture, she instructed them to retrieve Miss Subordinate's address from Leader Mikaela's people.
Then she looked at Sasha, her tone firm despite its kindness. "And Sasha, don't tell Nat what's happening here. I want her to realize for herself what she's missing. I've already informed the guards watching over her, so keep this to yourself."
Sasha nodded quietly, accepting the order without question.
"Sigh… just don't push yourself too hard," Sasha said softly as she stood up, carefully adjusting his blanket one last time. "I'll be passing through the Third Rock. Do you want me to say anything to Nat?"
Zack shook his head, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and quiet trust. "If she ask anything just tell her the truth. I'll trust her to choose whatever path she wants." He paused, then added gently, "I'll wait for her. And… don't be harsh with her."
Sasha smiled faintly and patted his head with sisterly affection before nodding. Gloomy quickly grabbed her hand and followed along, and one of the Miss Expert sisters joined them as they headed out together.
"GAH! Mother!!!!! he's trying to run away from the work we still have!" Sio complained, pointing accusingly at the laughing Gloomy, who was teasing her while glancing back over his shoulder.
Mother Ariana chuckled and caught Sio's hand before she could chase after him. "Leave him be. We really did tire him out. Let him get some fresh air."
Still sulking, Sio shot Gloomy a glare and teased him back from where she stood, clearly annoyed that he'd escaped.
"And where's the little Princess?" Zack asked, looking around in confusion. "I was hoping for her help too. I heard she didn't go with Nat?"
"Ah!" Oliver exclaimed suddenly. "I forgot!!! she must be at the Third Rock! I'll go tell Sasha to bring her along." With that, he jumped to his feet and hurried after them.
"My daughters are both acting strange today… sigh," the Queen Mother muttered, sounding weary.
"Enough with the sighing, Malina!" Grandmother snapped loudly. "Your sighs are making my old bones ache! Do you want a beating from an old woman at this age or what?!"
"ACK! Hahahah! no, Grandmother! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" the Queen Mother laughed, smiling sweetly in an attempt to placate her.
Zack stepped forward and pulled both animals into a warm embrace, kissing their foreheads affectionately. "You two stay here and help out," he said gently. "And thank you for taking care of our family."
"TTYRRR! LURRRR!!" Both animals responded happily, snuggling closer as Zack's warmth seemed to radiate through them.
Smiles spread all around at the tender scene. As everyone returned to their tasks, Zack departed with one of the Miss Expert sisters, while the last remained behind with the Queen Mother.
"GAH! Why are you also here?! I don't want you in my eyesight! GRR!!" Sio glared up at the smiling Miss Phoebe, her head hurting from having to look way up at the tall woman's height.
"Oh dear, this little young lady sure does love Big Guy," Miss Phoebe said, looking down and patting Sio's head affectionately.
"TAK!" Sio hit her hand away and glared at her again, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.
"Sorry, my daughter is on edge a lot lately," Mother Ariana spoke while bowing apologetically.
"No, no… I'm sorry," Miss Phoebe said softly. "It's fair if she hates me. I was a mess back then, and Big Guy helped me realize just how lost I was. Because of him, I now have a sweet, caring husband, Hehe." She chuckled lightly.
Then she lowered herself to her knees and gently took Sio's hand, looking up at the young girl with sincere remorse in her eyes. "Dear, I've made many mistakes in my life. Your mother has too. So has everyone else. If someone is truly sincere in their apology, you should learn how to forgive." She bowed her head slightly. "I'm sorry for what I did. You don't have to forgive me, and you can hate me if you want…..but please don't hate Big Guy, all right?"
Her gaze was warm and earnest, free of pretense.
"Agh! Humph!" Sio huffed. "I'll never hate Big Guy!!! only you! Humph!" She puffed out her cheeks, though the sharp edge of her anger had already softened.
"Hehe, that's good enough for me," Miss Phoebe said cheerfully. "Now that we're friends, why don't we work together? Maybe I'll even tell you some… interesting steamy stories." She laughed and gently tugged Sio along.
"I don't want to hear anything!! And we're not friennnndsss!!!!" Sio protested loudly, but her small body was helplessly dragged along by the giant woman.
.
Zack reached the front door and found Oliver standing there, staring ahead in a daze. At the sound of Zack's voice, Oliver jolted and quickly smiled.
"Why don't you go with her and visit Big Sister Emmy?" Zack asked.
"Why would I do that now?" Oliver replied, shaking his head with a handsome grin. "I just spent some beautiful, romantic time with her. I should give her a break from my gorgeous face." His eyes reddened slightly despite his confidence.
"Well, suit yourself," Zack said with a smirk as he placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Just remember, she can be difficult at times. Don't get discouraged. Fight on!"
Oliver's eye twitched as he glanced at the Miss Expert standing nearby, who returned only a brief, nonchalant look. "She told you everything, didn't she?" he accused playfully. "You crafty woman!"
"Hmph!" She ignored him completely and turned away, which only made Oliver fume more in quiet frustration.
Zack laughed as he headed off, waving over his shoulder. "I didn't need her to tell me that something clearly happened to you. Take care. Oh, and what about the little ones?"
"They're at my house," Oliver called after him. "My people are looking after them."
Their voices faded as Zack moved ahead.
Oliver waved back with a soft smile, then lifted his gaze to the sky.
Phew… is it already over before it even truly began between us, Miss Emmy?
He sighed quietly. I just want to see her smile one more time…
What should I do? She seems to have already made up her mind...no chances, no room for me. Should I give up?
…No. I don't want to!!!
But I can't keep pestering her either. She already hates my personality.
Do I really have to change myself to fit her standards?
What would you do, Father… Mother?
Is my love nothing more than a fleeting thought?
His chest tightened. It's my fault too. I couldn't even realize that the seed of love was planted way back than my realization on Nat birthday.
Sigghhhh...
I… I don't know what to do anymore.
Oliver shook his head slowly, watching the clouds drift across the bright sky.
Then another thought surfaced.
"And Gracie… what am I supposed to do about you?" he muttered.
His thoughts broke apart as images of her pain surfaced again…..her tears, her heartbreak, the wounds on her body. His jaw clenched hard thinking all this!
You knew this might happen… and you still went along with my idea.
Why do you love me so much???
Oliver recalled his talk with Gracie back then when he told her about what he was planning to do.
.
.
So young master, are you telling me that most of the girls are busy so Miss Sio will go alone there and you decided to ask our help? Gracie asked seeing Oliver cradling the little child in his arms
Yes, I am sorry I didn't consulted you guys before, sighhh….. Now that I think about it, this is a bad idea , I shouldn't let you guys face such dangers, I will go back and tell them, Oliver felt very guilty even bringing this topic to her, he just made the decision in haste wanting to help Sio but he messed up again!!
I can't let them go there!! Oliver muttered under his breath, going away from her
STOP STOP!!! YOUNG MASTER!! GEZZ!! Gracie pulled back him holding his arms gently making sure the baby sleep is not disturbed.
Huh? what?
Young master calm down, first let me ask them about this first, Gracie smiled and patted his arms then went away to the room where those guys was still present cleaning the traces of their embarrassing moment.
....
After some time, Gracie came with others
Young master!! The mother maid glared at him angrily "I told you we want to help you in any way possible!! And we all know how much rotten that house people are! Even many of my acquittance suffered in their hands! We can't give up such opportunity to make their house pay!! We will help you young master! The Mother maid took her baby back and bowed apologizing for her raised voice.
YES YES! YOUNG MASTER LET US HELP!! Other women maids also chimed in
But there is a high chance that they …
It's our girl problem to decide whether we want to go through that or not so Young master please leave!! An old maid pushed away Oliver and the girl's maid gathered back in resting room.
.
Pheeewwww Young master can be tricky to deal with sometimes Thank you Gracie for letting us know!
Yes, thank you! finally we got a chance to kick that Grankell bastard ass!
No need to thank me, I am just doing my duty.
Hehehhe fine fine DDOOINNGG YOOURRR DUUTTYYY!
MMOOOOO
HEHEH
Focus ladies! The main question is who will go!! We all know what may happen in there
GULP GULP
…..
I will go!!!! Just say I lost rock – paper – scissor to you girls
YOU GRACIE???!! NO NO NO!!! You can't go!!! Definitely not!!!
Yes Gracie you can't go! You will be future Madame of this house!! You can't go!
What future Madame don't spout nonsense, Young master don't see me that way!
BLINK BLINK BLINK
Still you can't go!
YES YES!
Sigghhhh…. Ladies you don't get it do you? ….. THIS IS A IMPORTANT MISSION!!! AND ONLY THIS BEAUTIFUL SEXY LADY CAN PULL IT OFF!!!
BLINK BLINK BLINK
Ahmmmm… well what I am trying to say is that most of you are in relationship and in remaining people I am the most experience..... so it makes sense that I go and do the job!!
But….
No but but!! I am going that's final! Don't make me angry! Young master is waiting for me, I will go and that's final!!!!
CREAAK THUUPP!
HHYYAAA!! Young master you scared me! What are you standing here in daze for?
Gracie after coming out saw Oliver standing in corner
Did you hear everything? Gracie hesitantly asked
Oliver after thinking shook his head
Pheeewwwww
Ahmmm.. Young master its looks like I am going there!! Hehehe you can rest assured this cute maid girl will be flawless inside! Gracie happily skipped close to him , beaming with joy
Oliver looked at her face for quite a while and spoke "Are you sure?"
Heheh of course!! Now tell me all the details!! Gracie grabbed his hand and went away talking non stop with Oliver
.
.
"AGH…" Oliver groaned, rubbing his temple as a headache set in.
Gracie… I'm really sorry you had to go through that.
I swear I'll make them pay for what they did to you.
His fist, clenched tightly, anger burning beneath the surface.
And I hope you're not blaming yourself now for what we did, he thought bitterly, letting out a hollow chuckle.
His emotions twisted painfully as he thought of her again.
If Miss Emmy ever finds out what happened between us… that'll be the end of any chance I have with her.
…Sigh.
Gracie, I promise myself that I'll give you a clear answer…..I've been running away from your feelings for all these years. I was afraid you'd leave me someday and I didn't want to lose my childhood friend.... But now?....I don't think I can run anymore, you probably anxious right now.... but don't worry about anything!!! I am not mad so take a good rest, Oliver closed his eyes and prayed for a while then took a deep breath
PHHEWWWW!
At that moment, he noticed Zack walking away in the distance. Suddenly, Oliver laughed under his breath.
"It's look like We're in the same boat, brother," he muttered.
Oliver grinned broadly and waved just as Zack glanced back, his eye twitching at the sight of Oliver's mischievous smile.
I wonder what that bastard's cursing me for, Zack thought, smiling anyway as he waved back.
Both men exchanged strange smiles, quietly cursing each other under their breaths, as life within the Queen's palace slowly picked up again, voices rising, footsteps echoing, the world moving on despite the weight on their hearts.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
Hello, hello, hellooo. I hope everyone reading my story is still alive and well. Our journey is going smoothly… for now, at least, until this author maybe suddenly decides to march straight toward Mount Everest!!! ( Yes I am still deciding whether I want to go or not )
Oh, you think I am joking? Ho ho ho. Let me confess something. I have never climbed a mountain in my life. Naturally, that means I should aim for the highest one. Perfect logic. Absolutely no danger involved. Probably.....
Ah yes, so I looked a bit deeper into Mount Everest… and now I am slightly more confident about my brilliant life decisions.
Apparently, the mountain is still growing every year, as if it was not tall enough already. Some climbers also report feeling a mysterious "third presence" beside them at high altitudes. Very comforting. Truly very comforting.
There are also… bodies that remain on the mountain, preserved by the cold, sometimes even used as markers. Yes. Markers. I am definitely sleeping peacefully tonight.
And of course, we have the classic Yeti rumors wandering around the Himalayas. Because clearly, extreme cold, low oxygen, and deadly heights were not enough.
So yes, this author will still aim for the top.
If I do not return… just assume I made a new friend on the way up.
Byeesssss! Be healthy and keep smiling and let me decide for few more months or years whether I want to climb it or not!
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