After Queen Mother and Zack took a well-deserved break from recruiting experts and artists, they stood together on the elevated stage, overlooking the massive crowd that had gathered in front of them. The afternoon sun beat down on the assembly, and tension hung thick in the air like storm clouds ready to break.
"What is the meaning of this, Queen?!" one of the Crown district representatives shouted, his face red with indignation. "I got the news that my shops are getting raided by your people under Little Princess's command!"
"Yes! And we wanted to leave the island, but we were stopped by the guards!" another voice rang out from the crowd. "Why are you doing this to us?!"
"We just wanted to liquidate our profits! Why are we not allowed to do that?!" A merchant pushed forward, his expensive robes billowing as he gestured angrily.
"I have done nothing wrong! These are false accusations against me!" A common businessman spoke up defensively, his voice cracking with desperation. "I didn't blackmail them!"
"All we did was add some preservatives to the vegetables!" another vendor protested loudly. "Everyone does that! It's not harmful!!! it's the truth!"
"Queen, I am innocent! I didn't tell him to send me money….he did it all by himself!"
"Queen! Queen! Queen!"
Many complaints started cascading toward Queen Mother like an avalanche, voices overlapping and rising in volume. But the real force came when Grankell himself arrived with many top Crown House Masters flanking him like an army. They walked with coordinated menace and positioned themselves prominently on the platform, their presence commanding immediate attention.
The crowd fell into a hushed silence, recognizing the power dynamic shifting before their eyes.
"Hello, Queen," Grankell began with false politeness, his deep voice carrying across the assembly. "Quite an action-packed afternoon you have presented us with." He paused dramatically, letting his words sink in. "But sadly.... the majority of us don't support the new Effort System introduced by you and Master Zack."
He gestured broadly to the Crown House Masters behind him, all nodding in agreement like a choreographed performance.
"We kindly request that you scrap that idea and just stick to normal money," he continued, his tone growing sharper. "I think you don't realize the impact it could have on this city's economy." He began counting on his fingers for emphasis. "In just a few days, the whole city will shut down if our energy tools stop working, people will die of starvation if our supply of food gets cut off, if our supply of raw materials disappears then people depending on it will come to the streets, also there is our supply of clothing that can create a havoc, and....." he leaned forward menacingly " with it the anger of the people will come that will ruin your Palace..... you can't fathom what it will bring to this city MALINA!!!"
His voice rose to a thunderous crescendo. "YOU TRYING TO MAKE EVERYONE EQUAL WILL ULTIMATELY RUIN EVERYONE!! YOU ARE TRYING TO ABOLISH PROFIT AND THINK THE BREAD WILL ITSELF BAKE OUT OF MORAL SUPERIORITY!!!"
Grankell smirked smugly as he spoke loudly into the speaking tool, making every ear in the vicinity perk up. Murmurs of agreement rippled through certain sections of the crowd, those who profited from the old system.
Queen Mother smiled beautifully in response, her expression serene and unshaken by his threats. She moved forward with graceful confidence, her figure swaying elegantly as she walked. Each step was full of confidence making everyone stop their murmurs and just looked toward Queen who was radiating quiet a strong power. She got closer and closer until she stood directly in front of Grankell.
His huge, imposing body didn't scare her anymore….At least not right now….. She gently looked up at him, her height was so much smaller than his, yet somehow her presence felt larger. Queen gently raised her hands and slowly took the speaking tool from his hand; her fingers deliberately grazed his making sure it stays there for a moment longer until she could see his face change.
She spoke clearly into the device, her warm voice carrying conviction and confidence of a Queen.
"Dear Grankell, what you are saying is right." She acknowledged his concerns with diplomatic grace. "Yes, our city could come to a standstill. But I am asking for one month.....just one month is enough for me to show what our people are truly capable of."
She turned slightly to address the broader crowd, her voice strengthening with each word.
"Queen Palace Treasury has enough resources to handle the load for a month. I request that people not worry about basic needs during this transition." She gestured toward Zack and the assembled team. "As discussed here, our first priority is food expansion. As soon as our structure is decided, we will call for the farmers to participate. From tomorrow, anyone can come here and ask for details, ask about the working process, and see the results for themselves."
Her eyes swept across the crowd, making contact with as many people as possible.
"Princess will lead the charge from tomorrow, and I will always be working behind the scenes to support her." She placed her hand over her heart solemnly. "Nothing will happen to this city..... I PROMISE WITH MY LIFE ON THE LINE!!!!"
Queen Mother spoke clearly, her voice resonating in the hearts of many. Hope flickered in eyes that had been filled with doubt moments before.
She turned off the speaking tool and let Zack deal with the other concerns being raised. She gently gave the tool back to Grankell, opening his large fist to place it in his palm, another deliberately intimate gesture.
"Grankell, what is this?" she asked sweetly, tilting her head with innocent curiosity. "You are not happy that your city is going to prosper? Why are you making such a scary face." She smiled brightly and positioned herself beside him, her radiant figure creating quite a contrast to his dark, brooding aura. "Let's stand together and listen to Zack. He is such a good child."
Queen Mother stood beside him happily.
"What are you planning, Malina?!" Grankell glared down at her, his jaw clenched with suspicion and barely controlled anger.
"Ara, what can I plan?" She laughed lightly, her voice dripping with false innocence. "I am not doing anything except making sure Mr. Grankell is freed from his burdens." She sighed dramatically, her chest rising and falling. "Sighhh.... you have loved me for so long but were always so busy with your work. I was quite sad that you didn't come for me sooner."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle, then continued with a shift in tone that made several people nearby turn their heads.
"But now, Grankell, it seems I can't wait anymore!"
Queen Mother looked at him with unmistakably lustful eyes, her lips parting slowly. Her tongue seductively licked her lips in a way that made his eyes widen slightly. She brought her hand up to touch her own chest, her fingers grazing the edge of her deep cleavage, tracing the curves of her breast.
"Grankell, this body is screaming to be touched by you," she purred, her voice dropping to a husky whisper that somehow still carried to those nearby. "Can you see how beautiful I look? I dressed for you only."
She leaned closer, her breath warm against him.
"Grab me, Grankell. Grab my breasts. Touch me, Grankell...FUCK ME GRANKELL!!! AAHH... AAHH... AAHH! MY PUSSY NEED YOUR DICK!!! AAHHH HHAAA AAAHHH!!!!! AAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Queen Mother moaned loudly, her body shivering dramatically as if she truly climaxed right there on the platform. Her performance was so convincing that several people gasped, unsure whether to look away or keep watching this scandalous display.
Grankell's eyes were full of shock, unable to believe what was happening in front of him. His brain seemed to short-circuit, caught between arousal, confusion, and rage.
"Oy, you!" Grankell started to speak, his voice strangled.
"SHUUSSS!" Queen Mother pressed a finger to her lips and winked at him playfully. "Calm down, Grankell. Your people will listen."
She moved even closer, invading his personal space completely, her voice returning to that sultry purr.
"Actually, Jorri is in bed recovering, and I am all alone. I want a man to support me, and you are the only one who can do that!" She traced a finger along his arm. "You know me, right? I am quite lustful toward men. You remember that one time when you tried to get me, but I chose several other men in front of you?"
Her eyes grew distant, as if lost in memory.
"In those nights whenever I was sleeping with them, I was thinking about you. I wanted to come to you, but my father didn't allow it." She made her voice break slightly, as if overcome with emotion. "Sighhh, I cried that day for you....a lot."
She snapped back to the present, her eyes boring into his.
"But here you are! No one is here to stop us now. I will wait for you in my chambers. Will you come, Grankell?"
Queen Mother got even closer to him as she lifted her dress slightly at the chest area, giving him a deeper look at her breasts. The fabric pulled tight, revealing more of her curves. Her breathing was deliberately hard and labored, her hips squirming slightly as if unable to control her desire.
Grankell, despite knowing full well that she is just playing around, he couldn't help but felt arousal surge through him. Sweat began forming on his brow as his body responded involuntarily to her seduction.
Queen Mother continued in a low voice that only he could hear now, her lips nearly touching his ear.
"But you know, I think you are still not free because you have many women in your life....." She pulled back slightly, her expression shifting to something more playful. "So.... I, as a queen, used my powers to free them!"
"TEEHEE!"
Queen Mother put a cute expression on her face, mimicking a young girl's innocence, a jarring contrast to her previous sultry performance.
At the same time, Zack gestured somewhere. Many women suddenly came in the meeting courtyard, everyone's eyes immediately glued themselves to these figures.
The women wore clean clothes provided by the palace and masks to protect their identities. Some were visibly pregnant, their bellies swollen with life. Others looked very weak and malnourished, barely able to walk steadily. But despite the masks, Grankell knew exactly who they were. Recognition hit him like a physical blow.
"YOOUUUUU BIIITCCCHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!"
"KKKKYYAAAAAA!!!"
Grankell lunged forward, his massive hands reaching for Queen Mother's throat with murderous intent. His face twisted with rage, all pretense of civility evaporating in an instant.
WHOOSH
WHOOSH
WHOOSSHH
SWWWWIIINNNNGGGGG!
Three expert Queen's guards materialized in front of her with impossible speed, their movements synchronized perfectly. Sharp blades appeared between Grankell and Queen Mother, the sharp tip end of the weapon gleaming wickedly in the sunlight. The points were positioned at his throat, stopping him mid-lunge.
"Grankell, don't move! You are arrested for destroying countless women's lives, having unethical business activities, and attempting to kill the Queen!" Leader Remek's voice rang out with authority.
Leader Mikalela appeared from the other side, and together they surrounded Grankell in the middle, cutting off any escape route.
"Grankell, why are you trying to attack me, you bastard?????!" Queen Mother dramatically clutched her chest, her eyes wide with feigned shock.
"Yeah! Yeah! Queen, he is a monster! Stay away from him!" Laoise rushed forward and supported her with equally terrible acting, her performance so over-the-top that it was almost comical.
Leader Vali buried his face in his palms, unable to watch their theatrical display. Even he had limits for second-hand embarrassment.
No one in the crowd really cared about their dramatic acting, though. Everyone's attention was locked on Zack, who stepped forward to speak. His young face was set with grim determination as he raised the speaking tool.
"I think everyone knows how the ex-leader of the 5th Rock District has used his power to exploit countless women over the years," Zack's voice carried across the silent crowd, each word landing with weight. "His grip on business was unbreakable, his influence absolute."
He paused, letting the reality sink in.
"SO TODAY, I, ZACK CARNEY, REPRESENTATIVE OF QUEEN MALINA, SENTENCE HIS SONS AND HIM TO JAIL! After checking every one of his crimes and providing compensation to everyone he's harmed, he will be SENTENCED TO DEATH!"
Zack's voice shook the crowd to its core. The declaration hung in the air like thunder on a rainy night.
The monster…. The hegemony.... The man who couldn't be touched..... He was just sentenced to death so casually by such a young man!
No one complained. Not even those who had supported Grankell out of fear. Not those who had profited from his protection. And especially Not the women standing there in masks. All they had in their eyes was fury, a burning fury of revenge, a desperate need to see him burn for what he'd done.
"Malina, you will regret your decision soon enough!" Ex-leader Grankell finally spoke, his voice was calmer now as he glared at the Queen. He didn't struggle against the guards restraining him and just accepted his fate.
He gave one last meaningful look to Underground Leader Sveindis Randverse in the crowd. Then he looked at his so-called wives standing in front of the stage with contempt in his eyes, as if they were property that had betrayed him.
Finally, he simply turned away, allowing himself to be taken by the other Leaders without further protest. His silence was somehow more menacing than any threat he could have made.
.
Oliver and Gracie came up onto the stage together, their arrival bringing a lighter energy to the tense atmosphere.
Zack smiled broadly at Oliver and raised his hand up.
Oliver mirrored the gesture and smiled back.
CLAAPP!!
Their hands clapped together.
"Did you have fun?" Zack asked with a knowing smirk.
"Of course! What do you think? This handsome man can do anything without breaking a sweat!" Oliver flicked his hair back dramatically, showing off his good looks with exaggerated confidence.
Some women in the crowd gazed intensely at him, their eyes following his movements with clear appreciation.
Zack smiled seeing Oliver like this and glanced over at Gracie, who was already mingling enthusiastically with Subordinate Woman and Rugged Woman, her energy infectious as always.
"Buddy, it looks like we're in the same boat," Oliver said conspiratorially, while draping his hand over Zack's shoulders and winking at him. "What do you think? Should we get together late at night with a sip of alcohol and discuss our lives? You know, guy talk?"
"I think you were better before. Now you've returned to your annoying self," Zack said, but he laughed hard.
Meanwhile, Gracie had cornered the two women with her usual enthusiasm.
"Hey, hey, hey! I heard about you two! Wow, I didn't expect Master Zack to have two beautiful ladies in his life!" Gracie's eyes sparkled with lot of excitement. "Young Master told me about you, how you defeated Princess and grabbed the man of your dreams! I am really impressed! People always love underdog stories, right?"
She bounced on her toes slightly.
"I think I'm also an underdog, but wellllll.... I don't consider that Emmy girl to be a high-level opponent or anything. But whatever!" She waved her hand dismissively. "It looks like we're in the same boat! Let's be friends and have lots of fun from now on!"
Gracie enthusiastically shook both ladies' hands with vigor, pumping their arms up and down repeatedly.
"Umm, Gracie, stop shaking us," Subordinate Woman said weakly, feeling her energy getting drained more and more the longer she stayed in Gracie's enthusiastic presence. "But yes, let's be friends!"
Rugged Woman suddenly looked at Subordinate Woman then to Gracie and thought of Princess, mentally noting how lucky Princess was to have such a calm personality compared to this ball of energy, "Boss I hope you don't love any woman like her!" Rugged woman prayed in her heart.
"BIG SISTERRRR GRACCIEEEE! YOUU CAMEEEE!!"
Suddenly, Sio appeared out of nowhere and threw herself at Gracie, wrapping her arms around her in a tackle-hug.
"KYAA! Miss Sio! I am glad you're okay!" Gracie hugged her back just as tightly, spinning slightly from the momentum. "I missed you! I was worried about you!"
"Sorry, Big Sister Gracie, I couldn't come there to beat those bastards," Sio said with regret, her face scrunching up with multiple emotions. "Big Brother Oliver told me not to come. He said he alone would be enough! I protested, but he didn't budge!" She grabbed Gracie's hands pleadingly. "You have to stand by me, Big Sister! He's bullying MMEEEEEE!!"
Sio spoke with rapid-fire emotion, her face not tiring from the constant stream of words.
"WHAT?! He stopped you?! How dare he!" Gracie's expression shifted to righteous indignation. She grabbed Sio's hand and then reached for the other two women. "Come with me Miss Sio! You two also come! Let's show him who's the boss! YEAAHHH!!"
Gracie grabbed both Subordinate Woman and Rugged Woman, pulling them along with Sio at the front. Their combined attack surprised Oliver, but with just one gentle touch to Gracie's shoulder and a whispered word in her ear, she was completely defeated, her anger melting into blushing embarrassment.
Sio was left all alone to face Oliver's teasing since the two ladies had wisely fled the battle, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.
.
"Let's go, everyone," Queen Mother called out after finishing her talk with the guards. She walked toward the women standing patiently down below the stage, her expression shifting from playful to deeply serious.
Everyone quieted down as they followed Queen Mother's lead, and the people gathered at from created a path for her to pass through.
After standing directly in front of the masked women—the survivors of Grankell's cruelty—Queen Mother did something unexpected.
She bowed deeply to the women, not saying anything at first. Her silence spoke louder than words ever could. This was her sincere apology, for not acting sooner, for letting them suffer for so long under her watch, for failing them as their Queen.
Zack and the others also bowed deeply, their heads lowered in respect and regret. All the guards and high officials present followed suit, creating a wave of bowing figures that spread across the courtyard.
Feeling the sincerity radiating from the gesture, even all the people present in the courtyard began to bow to those women. Some did it willingly, moved by the moment. Others bowed under the pressure of those around them, unable to stand apart from the collective acknowledgment.
The ladies standing there were stunned for a moment. Then their eyes grew teary behind their masks, emotion overwhelming them as they realized what this meant.....public acknowledgment of their suffering, public recognition of the wrongs done to them, public promise of justice.
At the front, the pregnant woman stood silently for a long moment, taking in the sight of an entire assembly bowing to her and her fellow survivors. Then she bowed back in slow motion, her pregnant belly making the movement careful.
She spoke just one word, but it carried the weight of everything they'd endured and everything they'd been given today.
"THANK YOU!"
Her voice cracked with emotion, tears streaming down her face behind the mask.
The other women echoed her sentiment, their voices joining together in a chorus of gratitude that was also a kind of release...…a letting go of pain, a beginning of healing.
The crowd remained bowed for several more seconds, holding the position in honor of these women who had survived hell and lived to see justice delivered.
When they finally rose, the atmosphere had shifted. Something fundamental had changed in the city of Eirs that afternoon. A tyrant had fallen. Victims had been acknowledged. A new system was being born.
And for the first time in years, hope felt like more than just a dangerous dream.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
I cut my hair and I am looking more dashing than ever...just some abs can come then everything will be good... not much 8 is enough....
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