Never before had any ruler made such a public declaration under the gaze of the masses—at least not in the history of the Kingdom of Andia.
Outside the nobility, few in power ever invited commoners to witness such events. Usually, participation was reserved for the elite. Even ordinary words in such a setting carried immense weight, making this a unique proclamation of sovereignty.
When Xia announced the new rights for the City Makers, they erupted in disbelief and joy. "Is this real? We can really get this treatment? Double pay and shorter hours?"
"Don't celebrate too soon. It could be a noble's trick."
"What trick? We've already been exposed. If it were the old Duke Valos, we'd all be executed. I think Princess Xia is different," some began to waver.
"I, Alexia, solemnly swear that you shall enjoy all the rights of the Barrier people—land, cultivation, and fishing. As long as I live, these new laws will be fully enforced," Xia declared, raising her right hand with solemnity.
"Land, cultivation, and fishing rights—if guaranteed, I'll serve Princess Xia ."
"I'll serve too. I don't need rights. I just want doctors from the inner city to treat my son in the outer city. I'll help build the Barrier forever without regret."
"Count me in as well."
"What exactly are you planning?" Sparks still doubted. He glared at Rosen, who released him, sensing Sparks no longer resisted.
"Do you really know Princess Xia?" Rosen asked in return, ignoring Sparks' question.
"No," Sparks admitted, shaking his head.
"Then why assume she'll act like other nobles? Just because it's always been so doesn't mean change can't start now. If that's your mindset, your followers are doomed," Rosen sneered.
"Kill me if you want, enough talk," Sparks said, resigned. Whether truth or trickery, his death would scatter the City Makers, undoing years of hard-won unity. The nobles could enslave them again, and what could they do?
"I won't kill you. They need you—to maintain courage if our path ever falters. Don't disappoint me," Rosen said. Killing Sparks would be pointless; his influence among the City Makers was too significant. To overthrow a nation, mere force wasn't enough.
With so many City Makers and their instability, Rosen's new army was born. Once granted land and equal rights, the once-desperate people would fight to defend what they earned—if Xia's promises were realized.
"From today, the City Makers' rights are effective. Inner-city land may be limited, but outer forests and wastelands will be allocated. Medical resources are shared; any doctor refusing service may be reported to the Princess' Office.
If no funds are available for treatment, the Princess' Office will cover it. Ordinary residents must no longer discriminate against City Makers. From today, you are citizens.
Nobles lose privileges of killing and crime. Those guilty under the new law will be judged; those nobles who live righteously retain property and equal citizenship. No one may attack or harass former nobles," Xia detailed the new civic structure.
Shortly after, many notorious nobles were executed, reinforcing the law's credibility. Xia's actions were extreme, even self-harming, proving her sincerity.
"What does this mean?" Sparks asked, stunned as Rosen left him alive. Had he been wrong? No, only luck and his lack of understanding of Princess Xia had led to this fiasco.
The assembly dissolved after two hours. The inner and high city no longer hosted large troop deployments; defenses were concentrated at the outer walls.
City Makers gathered in the outer city. Though free to enter the inner city, they felt safer outside.
"Brother Sparks, the guard didn't harm you?" Many were surprised he survived.
Most, however, hung their heads in shame for not risking everything to the end.
"No, what's the situation?"
"Brother, sorry. Nobles have always treated us badly. I don't know if I was confused, but they've set up free medical stations in the outer city, treating everyone. My son's condition is stable now…"
"Same here. They delivered food to my family and established food distribution. I want to live," another said.
"No apologies needed. If life is improving, we needn't waste our lives. Maybe not all nobles are evil," Sparks said. Words can deceive, but actions reveal truth.
"Even the new laws differ greatly from the old tyranny of Andia. Princess Xia may be royal, but she's different. They've set up proper enforcement. I want to see if it's real or just a title," an elder said. Formerly a government official, he had fled and become a City Maker, meeting Sparks and sparking this upheaval.
"I guess I'll go back to work. It's all I know," Sparks said, smiling. Suddenly, everyone had a goal, and despair lifted.
Though defeated, Sparks felt fortunate—because everyone survived, and for the first time, could see a different tomorrow.
"Captain," Xia said, watching Rosen enjoy his meal. Her admiration was overwhelming, surpassing even when she became Barrier ruler.
"Alice, could you not take food off my plate?" Rosen frowned. Alice, unyielding, seemed cold but revealed a mischievous streak over time.
"I just brought so many soldiers to meet you, and you've never invited me to eat," she said.
"I'm the Regent."
"I've helped myself to the Queen's food before."
"Speak. What do you want?"
"Sleep."
"Fine."
Xia: ??? Wait, did I just miss something? We were talking about food, weren't we?
(End of Chapter)