YYYAAAAWWWNNNN...
"Hmmm, how long did I sleep? I guess I am already late for work, husband will definitely lash out at me for sure," Mother Julia muttered to herself as she woke up from her sleep. "Sigggghhh, what a mess of a day."
She looked beside her and saw Mother Veny sleeping peacefully, though her eyes were still puffed up from all the crying. The tears had soaked the pillow wet, leaving dark stains on the fabric.
Mother Julia sighed deeply and gently grabbed the vessel from Mother Veny's tight embrace, carefully placing it on the table so as not to wake her. Then she slowly covered her with a blanket, tucking it around her shoulders tenderly. She touched Mother Veny's cheeks softly, feeling the warmth of her skin, then leaned down and kissed her forehead before quietly leaving the room.
While walking outside, she checked her hand. The bite marks were completely gone now, the skin smooth and unblemished as if nothing had ever happened.
That Zack boy's power is truly something special!!!
Mother Julia smiled to herself and continued walking. As she stepped outside, she noticed the place was incredibly busy…. far more than usual as if Princess ceremony were happening today only. People were rushing around with purpose, talking excitedly in groups. She stopped someone passing by and asked what was happening.
The news she received left her both shocked and confused at the same time. Without wasting another moment, she swiftly made her way to the meeting courtyard.
What she saw took her breath away.
The huge courtyard was filled with people sitting everywhere. In the center, there was a circular stage where the Queen sat elegantly in the center of the stage commanding every attention towards her. She wore a beautiful, long, tight-fitting gown outfit which formed a bell bottom end at her feet, there was golden intricate details woven throughout the fabric. Her mature figure created perfect, eye-catching curves in the outfit, making many men glance at her figure secretly when they thought no one was looking.
But the Queen didn't seem to mind the attention at all…..in fact, she appeared to enjoy it. Her face glittered with energy and confidence which had been missing for God knows how many years, she glowed beautifully as if her younger self had returned, her eyes shined beautifully seeing a future that only she could see. She sat proudly, radiating power and grace in every inch of her body.
Beside her, the 4th Rock Leader sat in a straight, respectful posture. Next to him sat the 3rd Rock Leader, and behind him, his wife sat elegantly with perfect composure. At the corner of the stage sat the 5th Rock Leader, his forehead frowning hard with displeasure.
Tsk! What is she thinking? What is this grand setting for? he muttered angrily under his breath. Despite his anger, he also couldn't help but glance at the Queen, and for a moment, he found himself staring at her voluptuous mature body before catching himself and looking away.
Mother Julia then noticed a circular podium created beside the Queen's seat. A man stood there tall with a confident look, but was wearing simple clothes with a blanket rolled around his upper body in a casual style. Beside him stood two beautiful ladies, talking with him and discussing something in hushed tones.
Surrounding the circular platform were many circular tables placed strategically, with chairs arranged around them. In the middle of each table, one speaking tool was positioned. The entire area was filled with people, packed so tightly that there was barely any empty space.
But the most important thing Mother Julia noticed was that people were sitting randomly, without any regard for social class. A common worker man sat right beside a beautiful Crown district lady who was making disgusted faces while looking at him, but the worker didn't mind at all, he just looked forward enthusiastically to what was happening, completely ignoring her attitude.
There were some minor skirmishes and complaints here and there, but there were also many places where happy, excited conversations were going on between people who would normally never speak to each other.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! I SLEPT FOR JUST A FEW HOURS, AND THE WORLD SUDDENLY CHANGED! AM I DREAMING?"
TAAKK!!
"OWWW!!" Mother Julia suddenly felt sharp pain on her head. She spun around, rubbing the sore spot.
"It seems you are not dreaming," the 2nd Rock Leader said, appearing from behind her with an amused expression.
"Hey there, nice to meet you too," Mother Julia said sarcastically, smirking at her. Then she continued urgently, "Care to explain what the hell is happening here? And why did Zack suddenly become the representative for the Queen? AND WHY HASN'T ANYONE CHANGED HIS FREAKING OUTFIT?!!!!!!! He's the only one out of place on that stage, and he's the main character!!"
Mother Julia looked at him with deep concern, her eyes scanning the unusual scene again.
"Let it be. He was too lazy to change," Leader Mikaela replied with a wave of her hand. "And you should enjoy the show rather than hearing the explanation from me. Besides, tonight is going to be long, but I can't seem to work today, so for tonight, take my position."
Leader Mikaela spoke while giving a bright, radiant smile. Her eyes were shining with anticipation and barely contained excitement.
"Huh?! You're running away from work?! And what's with your weird smile? I have NEVER seen this big of a smile on your face!!!! TELL ME!!! Is the world going to end?! Is that why everything is so weird here?! Or did someone cast an infinite hallucination spell?!!! Are we GOING TO DIEE!!!!"
Mother Julia looked around frantically for any signs of danger or magic, her hand instinctively clutching hard, her thighs muscles strengthening making her look dashing in her shorts with normally tucked in shirt with a cap that made her sharp gaze look dangerous yet beautiful.
"Don't be so dramatic, Julia," one of Mother Isafold's husbands said, coming up beside them with a knowing grin. "Just agree to her request. You'll know soon enough why she's so happy and eager to not work tonight."
The husband smirked mysteriously, clearly in on whatever secret was making everyone act so strange.
"GAAHH!! SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ONNNNN!!!" Mother Julia roared in frustration, her voice spreading far away across the courtyard.
.
.
"Boss, first you have to speak about this," Subordinate Woman explained carefully, pointing at the notes in her hand. "Then followed by this, then that thing. And I heard the news….everything went well on his side, so we have to look out for them when those ladies come. And then this…"
She continued listing things while Zack nodded again and again, absorbing all the information.
WHOOOSHHH! RUFFLLEEE!
A strong gust of wind suddenly swept across the platform, making Subordinate Woman's long thick hair whip wildly and hit Rugged Woman directly in the face.
"OYE! Your hair has a mind of its own! Control it!" Rugged Woman grunted, spitting out strands of hair as she tried to get free from the forest of flowing locks.
"Sorry!" Subordinate Woman said embarrassedly, quickly trying to fix her unruly hair with her hands.
Zack, seeing her struggle, reached out and touched her hair gently, helping it stays perfectly still with his hands. His fingers ran through the soft strands, smoothing them down.
"You can tie it back, you know, if it's troubling you," Zack said, though his voice barely had any conviction. His hand was already deep inside her hair, playing with the silky texture almost unconsciously.
Subordinate Woman smiled warmly and shook her head. "It's okay, Boss. I'm fine."
"No, you're not. You'll get tired if you keep fixing it constantly," a soft voice suddenly came from the side.
"BIG SISTER!" Subordinate Woman exclaimed happily, turning around to see her older sister coming up the stage. Her white-silver hair was in stark contrast with Subordinate Woman's orangish-reddish hair, but somehow the colors seemed to complement each other beautifully.
Big Sister approached and bowed deeply toward Zack with perfect respect. He nodded back in acknowledgment.
"Where are Father and Stepmother?" Subordinate Woman asked, looking around the crowded courtyard.
She spotted a happy couple sitting close together like young newlyweds, waving at her enthusiastically. She waved back with a bright smile.
Big Sister's eye twitched in annoyance. "I barely made them come out of their room," she said with a heavy sigh. "Just don't come home for a few days, otherwise your worldview will get shattered."
She shook her head in exasperation as everyone around them chuckled knowingly.
Big Sister opened a decorative box in front of Subordinate Woman and spoke gently. "Here, wear this in your hair. This was supposed to be your birthday present quite a while back, but somehow, I couldn't give it to you. Now I think it's the perfect time."
"These ribbons match your hair color so they'll blend in well, and they have energy power woven inside them. They'll make your hair heavy, but don't worry….. you won't feel a thing. They'll just help your hair stay together in this wind."
"This is for me?" Subordinate Woman's eyes immediately became teary, deeply touched by receiving a gift from her sister. "Thank you so much, Big Sister!"
She smiled happily as she carefully picked up the beautiful strands of ribbon
CLANG!
A soft melodious sound hit Subordinate woman ears as she saw very small globes of glittering ornament attached to ribbons end, she gently tapped it playing with it happily, admiring their color and texture.
As she was thinking about how to tie her hair properly, Zack suddenly took the ribbons from her hand. With swift movements, he created beautiful braids woven throughout her thick, wavy hair. He kept the braids loose enough to blend naturally but tight enough to hold the ribbon in place securely, he only used few strands of hair so it created a beautiful pattern of loose thick strands of hair with some braids in between.
Before, her hair had been like beautiful wild grass flowing freely. Now there were delicate flowers woven throughout, notching up her beauty tenfold.
Both Rugged Woman and Big Sister stood shocked, watching Zack work with such casual skill and such amazing speed.
"Here, done!" Zack said simply, stepping back to admire his handiwork.
Subordinate Woman couldn't see it properly herself, but seeing the awed reactions of the others made her feel incredibly happy. "Thank you, Boss! Heheheheh!"
She smiled radiantly and twirled around, trying to catch a glimpse of her newly styled hair. As she spun gracefully, her long skirt dress lifted slightly, revealing her smooth milky white feet ankles. Her bouncing hair was very beautiful, combine with her carefree smile made many men and women watching feel their hearts skip a beat.
Zack let her enjoy the moment for a few seconds, but afterward, seeing the hungry gazes of other people fixed on her, his eye twitched in irritation. He reached out and grabbed her waist firmly, pulling her back toward him possessively without his awareness of what kind of message it gave to people around.
"Now, now, calm down. We have work to do," Zack spoke while patting her waist gently and keeping his hand there.
Subordinate Woman felt shy from the sudden pull. Her cheeks flushed pink as she nodded embarrassedly, her heart racing from being so close to him.
Big Sister felt genuinely happy seeing her younger sister like this….. smiling, blushing, being cared for. She turned to leave, but heard Zack's voice call out behind her.
"Big Sister, I heard you have quite a special skill, so I'll be needing your help soon enough. Make sure you're ready."
Zack smirked knowingly, and Subordinate Woman also gave a mischievous smile.
"Huh? What skill?" Big Sister asked, fully confused on what skill she may possessed to help them.
But Zack didn't say anything more. Big Sister walked away, still puzzled, heading back toward her family.
.
.
Rugged Woman, seeing so many gazes focused on them from every direction, felt increasingly uncomfortable. As everyone's eyes continued to stare at the three of them on the platform, she couldn't take it anymore.
She moved closer, hiding behind Zack's broad frame. "Boss, can I go back?" she asked softly, her voice small filled with nervousness.
"Huh? Why?" both Zack and Subordinate Woman asked at the same time, turning to look at her with concern.
"I don't like standing here in the middle of so many gazes. It's making me uncomfortable," Rugged Woman explained, looking around nervously. Behind, to the sides, in front…..all eyes were on them, watching them, judging them with their stares.
"Hmmm, is that the only reason?" Zack asked perceptively. "Rather than uncomfortable, you're acting like a scared little animal. Tell me, what's really going on in that brain of yours? Are some existential questions popping up again?"
He patted her head gently, trying to comfort her with his touch. Subordinate Woman also came over and hugged Rugged Woman's arm tightly, not letting her escape.
AGH! I… I…
"Tell us. We're together, right? Don't hide things from me and Boss," Subordinate Woman urged softly, squeezing her arm reassuringly.
Sighhh...
Rugged Woman nodded reluctantly and finally spoke. "Boss, there are many people present here, and I'm sure someone would have recognized me. If they speak up about my past, then it will harm your reputation. I don't want to see that happen."
She lowered her head in shame, unable to meet his eyes.
Subordinate Woman, hearing this, suddenly remembered her own Big Sister's ex-husband. She also started shivering, looking around the crowd with new fear.
"Boss, what if Big Sister's ex-husband says something bad about me? It's false, and you know it, but it will still harm you. Boss, I also think we should..."
TAAK! TAAAK!
"OW! OW!!" both women cried out as Zack suddenly hit both of their heads with some force, not enough to truly hurt but enough to snap them out of their spiral.
"Stop speaking nonsense!" Zack said seriously, his firm voice giving them no chance to speak anymore. "Do you want to accept other people's opinions over mine?"
"No, Boss! We didn't mean it that way!" both ladies spoke quickly to clarify, their eyes wide trying to shout that from them his opinion are at the top most of their priority.
"I understand what you're trying to do," Zack said, his voice softening slightly. "But if you're worried about me, then stay with me. Are you planning to let me stand here all alone? I would be worried if you girls just ran around here and there."
He turned to Subordinate Woman. "This one can easily get into trouble without thinking." Then he turned to Rugged Woman. "And you're crazy enough to blast anyone away with your explosive moods."
He cupped Subordinate Woman's cheeks with his left palm, his thumb stroking her skin gently. His voice became tender.
"I need you here with me."
Then he cupped Rugged Woman's cheeks with his right palm, giving her the same gentle attention.
"And I also need you here, close to me."
"Boss!" Both girls' eyes became teary with emotion. They grabbed his hands tightly, pressing them against their faces, letting his fingers touch the entire side of their cheeks. They leaned into his touch, soaking in his warmth and his sign of showing the acceptance of whatever may come.
Then suddenly, Rugged Woman smirked mischievously through her tears. "Boss, does that mean you accept our love?"
GAH! Zack's face turned bright red, and so did Subordinate Woman's.
"AHM! Stupid girls, I'm just worried about you! Caring is not equal to love, understand?!" Zack protested, pulling his hands back quickly and looking up at the sky to calm his racing feelings.
"Hehe, fine, fine, as you say so," Rugged Woman teased, winking at Subordinate Woman, who just smiled shyly in response. "But I heard that phrase in a different way."
Rugged Woman continued more seriously, "Okay, Boss, I'll stay. If you don't mind the bad things people might say, then I'm fine with it. Anyway, this weak woman can't protect you, so you need me."
She teased Subordinate Woman with the last comment.
GAH! "I'm doing more things for Boss than you! Don't judge your strength against my work! HUMPH!" Subordinate Woman protested, poking her tongue out playfully.
Zack shook his head at their antics, smiling in his predicament between two beautiful ladies, he ignored their bantering and finalized his preparation for the speech.
.
.
After some time, a speaking tool was brought forward and given to Zack. He gripped it tightly, feeling the weight of what was about to happen. He breathed in deeply, then out slowly, centering himself.
Then he spoke clearly into the tool, his voice carrying across the entire courtyard.
"Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Zack Carney, otherwise known by many of you as Master Zack. I will be representing the Queen in this meeting."
"Before starting the meeting, there are several things I'd like to make clear."
"First: This meeting was pre-planned from before. Princess Natalia was deeply involved in this preparation. Her meetings throughout the districts were her way of getting a feel for this city and its people, to see how you would react to several suggestions we had in mind. I hope you don't doubt her capabilities because of our unconventional way of doing things."
"Despite having very little support, she did an excellent job, and I'm sure you all realized that. We also know Princess Natalia suggestion wasn't enough to many people given the current situation of this city. Don't worry about that since she was told to not speak much, that's why we called you here for this meeting, and why we did all these roundabout things. You'll understand the reason soon enough."
"Second: Each table has only one speaking tool. If you decide to speak random, disrespectful things, then you will not be allowed to speak for some time. One person has been appointed at each table to oversee this."
"Third: Many of you will be curious about me and have probably heard various things. Personally, I don't care whatever you say about me. I am not from the Crown district…..I'm just a common man given a chance to speak here."
His voice hardened, becoming sharp as steel.
"But if you speak or do something harmful to my friends or family, I will not spare you. Especially these two ladies beside me...if you hear any rumor or any so-called truth, know that I already know everything about them. I don't want judgmental eyes on them or others."
"And if you do cast those judgmental eyes, don't forget: even though I am a common man, I AM STILL THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE QUEEN!"
Zack's words made several people shudder...some in awe, some in fear, and some in excitement at his boldness.
"Boss!" Both girls couldn't believe what they'd just heard. They held each other's hands tightly and smiled happily through fresh tears. Zack nodded at them, silently telling them not to worry anymore.
.
Tsk! This bastard is making me so annoyed!
Leader Grankell looked out at the crowd, his eyes searching until they found Underground Leader Sveindis Randverse sitting among the common people. Meeting his eyes, she simply shook her head in defeat, signalling that she couldn't do anything to stop what was coming.
.
"Now then, let's start the meeting," Zack announced, his voice confident clear voice spread across the courtyard making every ear perk up in curiosity.
He paused for dramatic effect, letting the silence build. Then he spoke the words that would change everything.
"First thing first: I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM EVERYONE THAT FROM TODAY AT MIDNIGHT, THE MONEY SYSTEM ON THIS ISLAND IS ABOLISHED!!!!!!...… not entirely for the time being…. but will be tested on some parts around the city. And the Real money, it will only be applicable for import and export purposes with the mainland and there will be mixed system for some specific industry"
WHOOOOOOOOSSSHHHH…
CHIRP CHIRP…
LLURRRRR… TTYRRRR…
Complete silence fell over the courtyard. Only the sound of wind could be heard, along with some birds occasionally flying overhead. Lurvi and Tyra floated above, happily celebrating something, but below on the ground, everyone's faces were frozen in shock.
No one blinked. No one moved. No one breathed.
Zack also quieted down and stood silently, letting the weight of his words sink in. He knew they needed time to process what they'd just heard.
But the Queen Mother's eyes were shining brilliantly. Her smile was radiant, full of pride and joy. She stood up gracefully and began moving toward Zack.
Her thick, mature figure wrapped in the red attire immediately drew everyone's attention. As she walked, her thick thighs moved with natural grace, the fabric clinging to their shape beautifully. Her large hips stretched the cloth to its limits with each step. Her substantial breast cleavage was so captivating that even the afternoon sun seemed to shy away, hiding behind the clouds.
Her dress clung close to the ground, trailing elegantly behind her. She walked with perfect poise and confidence.
Zack respectfully handed the speaking tool to her. The two girls quickly moved to fix the dress that trailed behind the Queen, arranging it properly.
The Queen sweetly patted both girls' heads in thanks, then took the speaking tool. Her voice rang out clear and authoritative across the silent courtyard.
"It's true. From today at midnight, in theory….. money system will no longer be in effect on this island. Only transactions happening with the mainland will be conducted using money."
The silence continued. The reality of what they'd just heard was slowly beginning to sink in, and the crowd's collective shock was about to break into chaos.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
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