Grizzled
#S2 Episode 17
“We the council members are not having time to deal with the political turmoil is not important,” said Luska before leaving with his calm step left the room.
My gaze fell to the floor for the sake of thinking about the winding of another matter. No matter how much I knew the story from the beginning, I basically remained inexperienced with politics. The two rival camps should stop bringing up their respective past mistakes. There is nothing I can blame because both of them used to be trying in the way each believed.
The road believed, hm? It seems to have been recorded in my head. Ah, if the situation is such a bad one, I want the two leaders of the faction to meet and appease their supporters. Can the problem be solved that easily? But I'm sure neither Ladra nor Aquila liked the chaos that broke out in society because of their old feud. Especially in the precarious situation ahead of the countdown to the collapse of cloud land in a matter of months.
“Already, do not think too much,” said Kak Garuda disperse my daydream.
“How unthinkable if such a troublesome situation still has to happen when the world is nearing doomsday?” timpal Eagle, understand very well my worries even though only some of the information he has heard.
“By the way, how difficult is it to bring together the two leaders of the faction and reconcile them, Brother?” ask those who understand better.
“Conclude yes?”
“Yes, because I think Aquila will also be difficult to negotiate given his attitude that really keeps a distance with the internal board of the castle, as well as the Head of the Board itself who has not liked Aquila,” I replied.
“It shouldn't be as complicated as we imagine. Both Ladra and Aquila have been miscalculated and their supporters are trying to find justification ...”
“By accusing the other party the most wrong? Ah, annoying! I'd better get some sleep!” said Eagle back to spread.
“Eh, i .. yes, you should rest first,” I replied.
“But so far you understand your position ‘kan, Ang?” ask Kak Garuda.
“Very understand! The point is that I'm being expected with Shira to fight against the Grey World that is the source of this country's problems, but I have absolutely no authority on the political fuck!” said the Eagle half-pale, “if you've started not to stand it, just say, Shir. At least I have the authority to get you out of here.”
After that I withdrew from the room, following up on whatever was already disturbing. The words of the Eagle had been my plan from the very beginning. Unfortunately for now, I've been unable to escape, and no longer plan for it.
***
Okay, this time I'm trying something difficult, bringing together two faction leaders to reunite everything that has been divided. Have I asked Luska if such a conference has ever been held before? It turned out to have been, but it only got more chaotic because there was no mediator between the two camps. That's why Luska agreed to hold a conference this afternoon, believing me to be an intermediary between the communication of the two higher-ups conveying their uncles.
I just wanted to make an invitation letter to Aquila, but it turns out .. I really am a clumsy queen. In Alba such things no longer use ink on paper. Electronic invitations have been commonly used in my world, but I still did not have time to think there because I have not seen electronic communication devices here at all. Haven't seen it yet because it's embedded in everyone's left arm and is always covered in their long-sleeved clothing.
Luska seemed to have explained about the device. Communication system that is integrated with the transportation system, always online as long as the user is still alive. The head of the Board will soon put it up for me, he said. It will be the coolest souvenirs after returning from Alba later –I will still go home, remember!– and make Yasinta envious.
“Aquila will definitely ignore text messages. He just believed if the one who spoke really sounds His Majesty,” said Luska preparing to record.
“Oh, kind of voice note yes?” my many. Luska nodded then I said, saying a few lines of no-nonsense sentences –I'm sure Aquila would prefer it so– asked her to come to the conference this afternoon. Before the message was released, I added the emphasis that I really needed his presence. I hope he really understands.
“Have been sent, Your Honor. Aquila has heard your footage and is responding,” Luska said less than a minute later.
“Wah? Did ya? How said?”
“He himself will meet His Majesty's invitation, without being represented.”
“Good!” happy answers. Next I just want to wonder about how the cool communication system works –I mean, how can there be an electronic device operating under the skin and muscle layer?– before finally another sound is heard.
“Jadi ... Today's conference agenda is only meeting the leaders of the two factions?” a voice came from the corridor behind us. Luska and I looked at each other at the same time.
“Elang? Oh, you left the bed? Ah, must be bored huh?” my many. His left arm was no longer bandaged, but his path still seemed to be slightly limping. He seemed to fit into a dress similar to Luska's, a semi-armor-style outfit that seemed designed to accentuate the dashing impression for the wearer.
“I've improved a lot, Shir,” replied the Eagle.
“Most likely this meeting is not as pleasant-talking as you think,” replied Luska.
“Please speak well, Luska,” scold one other person again, “however he is our great guest, the descendant of the Silver Knight who has been with His Majesty defeating the Grey World.”
“I already know, Head of Board, “ replied Luska, “that's why I have to endure embarrassment in the meeting later. Oh, no, all of us who would be embarrassed because someone we consider just a fairy tale figure turned out to be standing in front of my own eyes.”
“It turns out you still do not understand the purpose of Your Majesty holding this conference, Luska,” Ladra replied, “ah, well, actually this is a problem between supporters, yes ‘kan? Those at the bottom still can't keep quiet about the old feud when me and Aquila have accepted each other's destiny, just keep fighting over it, but that's okay, okay, everything will be clear at the discussion table later.”
Luska dodged the gaze of the Head of the Council then stepped away, leaving the three of us.
“Happy to see you have vastly improved, Knights ...”
“Call the Eagle only, I'm not so crazy respect,” replied the Eagle who somehow sounded a bit telling for me.
“But in reality your honor is indeed worthy of having you called so, Knight ...”
“I told you, Eagle only! Forced once, anyway!” the Eagle said it would not be denied. He doesn't understand the people in Alba are so obsessed with anyone they trust saving their future.
“Alright, without prejudice to my respect, Eagle ... Well, it feels strange not to call someone with the proper title,” Ladra said chuckling softly.
“I often hear the Head of the Board not call Luska with his full title, but it seems that it doesn't matter?” my dispute. Ladra only cleared his throat slowly, neither denying nor explaining.
“Um, if you don't mind, you can attend the conference as well,” Ladra said to Eagle, “You definitely need to know the development of the problem. In addition, with your presence in our midst, will show the openness of the castle regarding the descendants of the Silver Knights.”
“But if you still want to rest, it's okay, kok!” sanku.
“I've had enough rest, Shir. Thank you, I will attend,” replied the Eagle.
“One honor for us! Two of Alba's heroes will appear at the conference later. The public must love it,” Ladra replied. Because it turns out the conference will start in half an hour, we will soon iron it out. However, up to five minutes before it started, Aquila had yet to arrive.
***
My position is at the very end of this long table, not on the right or left side. The eagle was also present as he had agreed, positioned on the left side of the table opposite Luska. This room contained only the members of the council and invited guests of the opposition, not more than twenty people, but I'm sure the whole Alba was watching. In each upper corner of the room, the micro-camera from Balai Warta legally covered this event .. and it raised my consciousness to be completely speechless.
Well, actually I don't intend to talk much. Let those two people say something more.
“So, actually what is still a problem in our society? Policy differences between each faction? Let's discuss it here,”.
“It shouldn't be a problem anymore, Your Honor. Because it was my faction that won the hearts of the people and got me appointed as the Head of the Council, no matter how different, it was my faction's policy that still had to be implemented,” Ladra said.
“Unfortunately, the way you won the hearts of the people a few years ago is to corner me for Garuda's failure. You laughed at something we believed in, the descendant of the Silver Knight, which we can now all see in this room,” Aquila replied.
“But in fact it was a very clever mistake, Miss Aquila. Speaking of cornering, you also did the same when many of the troops did not return from the battlefield. You think it's my fault too? They are determined to drive out our terrible invaders, the Grey World, but you are seizing the sympathy of the people by promising a better life, getting away from the surface, ” Ladra said.
“The reality is we have now indeed stepped away from the surface, perhaps you forgot,” replied Aquila, “thank you for that my idea.”
“Thank you, Miss Aquila, or, hey! Thank you, Your Majesty, for the life above here took place thanks to the moon crystal left behind after Your Majesty defeated the Grey World,” Ladra said. Ah, I thought it would be this bad. I can't keep letting the atmosphere feel like this.
“Well, is that the only problem? Because this is my idea, your idea, or who is the most cornered? Then what road do you want this commotion to subside?” my question, “I'm sure you don't like to see our society split up out there.”
“Honestly, I myself have wanted nothing since the presence of His Majesty. The feud has gone stale because our goal of finding the rightful heir has been achieved. We will return the steering wheel to His Majesty completely,” Ladra replied.
“So? Then ... Aquila?”
“I have not followed such a cool pretender as the Head of the Board, but something that the opposition faction believes has also come into its own without the need for us to win the competition. The presence of the descendants of the Silver Knights includes our true victory,” Aquila replied.
“OK, it sounds like you no longer care about that competition. Good, anything else to say?” I'm just a little relieved. Luska's showing up, permission to say something.
“This is not just a matter between leaders. It is we supporters who are always victims of various policies, from any faction. Not to mention our pride that has supported each of the half-dead role models, then now the two are so sweet in front of His Majesty saying no matter the feud. Whatdoes thatmean? They want to say all this mess is because of us, the supporters who make a lot of noise? For whom?” luska.
“Yes pardon ..!” the Eagle's response was half-mocking.
“That's a message from No Name coming through my communication device,” replied Luska replying to the Eagle's gaze.
“How expensive are those people's self-esteem?!”
“Lang, sorry ...”
“Sorry, Shir, this must indeed be delivered as rough as possible because people out there do not like softness,” replied the Eagle, “pride themselves are obviously not as expensive as the civilization of this country, this country, not too valuable when it should be prioritized over the continuation of the history of Alba.”
I know the Eagle has a debating talent that I've also seen during presentations in front of the class, but I don't know where he learned that so well.
“If you think you are the victim, think again! We are the victims who were really harmed, me and Shira .. oh, I mean .. Me and Your Majesty,” said the Eagle continued to speak, Oh, I mean, “ was very much a loss because we had to be picked up all the way, leaving our home world and all the affairs there. For what? To save Alba and his people who attach importance to their own ego? Bodo very, Shir! We can also focus on our lives. We can get out of here anytime!”
The entire room was shocked by the words Eagle. The head of the Council, Luska, even Aquila who rarely showed expression, everyone. Everything seems to be slapped against that possibility ... and I hope the people out there who are still insulating themselves as supporters of this faction and that faction are also slapped by the consciousness of coming together in the midst of disaster, not of creating a new disaster.
***
The words of the Eagle at the conference sounded like an ultimatum, but the effect was truly incredible. An hour after the conference ended, the lanterns, or what looked like thousands of fireflies, slipped off the Alba land, slowly flying in the dark night sky, against the backdrop of soft moonlight. Hey, what's going on?
“The peace instrument, Your Majesty,” answered a voice from behind as if understanding the question in my head. The man's straight mane was equally fluttering like mine as the wind on the castle's airy roof rippled through us.
“The words of the residents, it's a peace lantern,” explained Luska once again, “they finally realized that the related that the Great Knight of the Eagle had delivered was true ... and His Majesty's hope that there will be no more gaps of selfishness between them seems to be starting to materialize. Our society has expressed a determination to truly unite after the two faction leaders also made peace.”
“That sounds fun!” my answer.
“Ya .. somehow related, the residents took off thousands of these lanterns to signify their earnestness in supporting His Majesty with the Great Knights, so that you do not need to think about escaping from here ..”
I chuckled softly for the sake of hearing Luska's explanation, “So, this show is just an inducement so that me and the Eagle don't run away huh? But if they finally make peace, it's okay, anyway!”
“Your Highness .. if there is anything else we can do so that His Majesty and the Great Knight have no thought at all of escaping from here, then we will,” said Luska looked at me earnestly, “we are not coaxing His Majesty like coaxing a baby with candy, the problem is we really depend on His Majesty!”
“Wah? Your habit is to be too hopeful, then disappointed and blame each other when your hopes run aground,” I replied.
“I'm serious, Your Majesty! Please, don't leave Alba! I personally strongly stress that Your Majesty does not run away from responsibility!”
“I once said that I didn't plan on it anymore ‘kan?”
“I really don't want His Majesty like the previous legitimate heir who ran away from responsibility. I don't want His Majesty to end up like me ..”
Luska's words suddenly sounded like a puzzling paradox. It took me a few seconds to understand. My heart was getting full of noticing something.
“You mean ... you mean, the previous heir who committed suicide ... is you, Luska?” I want to confirm that conclusion. Luska who had been out since when had already erased the distance between us whispered lowly.
“Yes, Your Honor. I am that coward!”
I did not dare to look at her figure for now, only closing my eyes when I wanted to keep asking.
“Then what are you now?”
.Seriate.
