Chapter 20: 17. Acceptance or a plot?

In the night, the city of Aquanus bustled with anticipation and uncertainty. The decision of the city council regarding the small, high human tribe had everyone on edge. Though many had found refuge in Aquanus after their kingdom fell, resentment towards the high human race still simmered among the people. Many were former slaves and had suffered discrimination at the hands of their oppressors. But others argued that the high humans had provided safety to the city for years and deserved fair treatment in order to continue protecting the citizens. The division of opinions and agendas was evident not only among the citizens, but also within the city council and even among the different races within the city.

 

Ivan, the representative of the high human tribe, sat in the grand council chambers. The room was adorned with sculptures and writings, showcasing the diversity of the races in the city. He sat elegantly at his seat, among the many other representatives gathered around the large round table. Each race was represented by a different individual, some with larger bodies, and others small as a ball. All eyes were on Ivan, the tension in the room palpable as the representatives glared at him with suspicion and mistrust. Ivan could feel their gaze piercing through him, but he refused to let his composure falter. He knew that the fate of his entire tribe rested on this meeting. Three of the representatives exchanged pointed glances, signaling the start of the meeting. Ivan steeled himself as the official council meeting began, ready to fight for the rights of his people.

 

The council meeting began with a tall figure, representative of the draconite race living in the city. He was half dragon and half human in anatomy, his majestic figure was covered in a mixture of white and red scales, elegantly arranged with no hair and two tails. His back side of his head was like one big tentacle that had a figure of a ponytail. His facial and bone structure was sharp, with a pointed jawline, and inverted blue sapphire eyes. He had digitigrade legs like a vertebrates, but his figure was still beautiful, adorned by a silver toga reminiscent of the Romans. His voice was croaky but not too overbearing, with a pleasant hum.

 

"Since Ivan Tepish Dracule has joined the meeting, I think it's time we begin the discussion of the current and future affairs concerning this city. Let's begin with the policing authority, The Champions Order," the Draconite representative said, his voice commanding attention.

 

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Ivan, the representative of the high human tribe, who sat at the center of the table. He knew that the fate of his entire tribe rested on the outcome of this meeting, and the pressure was palpable.

 

Ivan and the rest of the council members listened keenly as the topic of discussion shifted to the recent incident at the sky festival. The high number of casualties had raised concerns, and doubt had risen as the Knight Order had been shown to be weak by a high human who had single-handedly defeated a swarm of skyfish monsters. The incident also had links to Ivan and his affairs with the Dark Rift Walkers.

A representative of the War Bull race chimed in the conversation. He was an imposing figure, with an extremely muscular physique and a height of 10 feet, standing the tallest among the representatives. He had scars on his left side of his face and one ear missing. He had small ears resembling of goats, four arms and a face similar to humans but with a big nose and two horns on his head. His attire was made of the stuff he hunted like beast fur, bones etc. A necklace made of the tooth of his preys. He wore a waistcoat that exposed his middle chest area with massive scars but covered it finely. He had some fine fur that covered his skin. He had four weapons strapped to his back. His aura and voice had a tremble and girth to it. A heavy voice that could intimidate anyone.

 

"What are you implying, Arozan?" Rannuk, the War Bull representative, said with a heavy pause on words to intimidate everyone.

 

With not a hint of worry, the Draconite representative replied, "It's very clear what I said. Rannuk. It's not been the first time. Although the Knight Order has done its job but at the expense of casualties. What do you think, Ivan?"

 

Ivan was now at the forefront of the situation. He had to confront the council members with his points. He was one of the leaders representing the high humans, a subspecies of humans with abnormal characteristics. They had super strong builds rivaling the strongest species and very big heights with an average of 7 feet. Their anatomy was also different with having one more heart, bigger lungs, and better senses. Only in magical affinity they lacked.

 

 "With all due respect, The Champion Knight Order seems to be lacking in assessing the situation. The threat was clearly underestimated this time. One of my subordinates and my son just happened to be in town for some supplies. They got careless and had to be rescued. One of my men happened to save them along with citizens. I think we should be acknowledged for safeguarding the peace of this city as we have done so since we found refuge in this city. Don't you think?" Ivan said, his tone measured but firm.

 

His words were like a spark to a powder keg, Rannuk, the War Bull representative, was infuriated to the point where he thought to attack. This was an obvious declaration of hostility. The Knight Order had a majority of War Bulls and many other species. Rannuk stood up from his large seat in anger as he shouted what he had on his mind. His aura was so overbearing that the table started cracking.

 

"You dare mock the Knight Order? You REIJUS!" Rannuk's voice boomed through the chamber, his fury palpable as he glared at Ivan. His eyes seemed to blaze with anger and his muscles tensed, ready to charge at Ivan.

 

The other representatives watched, unsure of how the situation would unfold. Ivan met Rannuk's gaze head on, his own anger rising to match the War Bull's. He knew that this confrontation would decide the fate of his tribe, and he was ready to fight for their rights.

 

Ivan stood firm without even blinking staring in his eyes. REijus was a slang for slavers. A serious accusation that could get someone killed in the past.

"You deny the claim you buffoon? If one of our own people did not kill those sky fish there would have been far more casualties than you can count. Your entire city is glorified to be a safe haven in the unix Kingdom because of our peoples sacrifices in protecting the city.

 

What have you done aside from making my people life harsher? Imposing rules based on past events that don't have anything to do with the present? You are afraid of our small numbers growing? Because of our strength?" Ivan retorted, his voice filled with anger and determination.

 

"I HAVE LISTENED FAR TOO MUCH OF THIS BITCH. HAVE YOU FORGOTEN WHAT YOU MONSTERS HAVE DONE? YOU PREACH EQUALITY OF ALL FUUCKING THINGS?" Rannuk bellowed, the mere mention of equality resurfacing some terrible memories for him. The War Bull pulled his massive axes from his sheath, ready to attack Ivan.

 

 

But before he could make a move, a sudden burst of mana erupted from four representatives. This eruption caused the entire building to shake a little. The current head of the magic arts and the great library Ginstrine Amalfoy, who was a human said in a clear voice of authority.

 

"That is enough!" Ginstrine's voice boomed through the chamber, her mana causing the room to shake even more. "This council is to discuss matters of peace and cooperation, not to resort to violence. Rannuk, put your weapon away, and Ivan, refrain from making any more inflammatory statements. We will not tolerate any further disruptions."

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Rannuk glared at Ginstrine and the other representatives with malice, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity before he reluctantly sheathed his weapons and sat back on his seat, still simmering with anger. Although he was mad, he knew the risks of acting on his impulses all too well. The council chamber was thick with tension, and the air felt heavy with the weight of unspoken secrets and hidden agendas.

 

The human representative, a mysterious figure representing the humans living within the city of Aquanus, interjected within the conversation. Her voice was calm and measured, but there was a hint of something deeper, a hint of a hidden purpose.

 

"I think we should consider giving it a vote for granting the high humans the fair treatment they deserve. We have been observing them for years, and there is no doubt that they have served this city well. I believe they deserve mutual rights. For the betterment of our city and kingdom, it's time to accept the past and leave the resentment behind. We all have our own history," she said with a hint of bitterness, her eyes scanning the council members with a shrewd gaze.

 

It was undeniable, every council member race had a dark history after the dark era, and the shadows of the past hung heavy in the air. Nobody was clean, and the council members sat in silence, each lost in their own

 

"I concur, my dear colleagues. Time has a way of mending even the most broken of hearts. I daresay, it is high time we extend a hand of acceptance to our high human brethren," he said in a formal and eloquent manner, reminiscent of the Victorian era.

 

The representative of the Grocks, a race of goblins that stood to defend the human's point, seconded the motion. He had a similar height and physique to that of a human. He was impeccably dressed in a classical white waistcoat, black tailcoat and trousers that fit him perfectly. He had sharp k9 teeth that poked out of his mouth, but they seemed elegant. He had the presence of a gentleman, wearing a hat and Monocle.

 

The council members looked at each other, some still hesitant, others nodding in agreement. It was clear that this was a difficult decision, but one that needed to be made for the betterment of the city and its people. The council voted and the high humans were granted the rights and fair treatment they deserved.

 

The Draconite representative stood up with an air of authority, his majestic half-dragon form towering over the council members. He looked around the room, his eyes scanning each face in turn as he spoke.

"Let's put it to a vote then. Please raise hands for those in favor of high humans please raise your hands."

 

All the council members, after giving it a thought, raised their hands accordingly. It was a vote of tie. 3 for the high humans favor and 3 against it. "Oh dear. It seems it's a tie. I will now make my judgment," The Draconite said as he raised his arms to give his answer.

 

Ivan was watching this unfold with a sense of both intrigue and unease. It was honestly too good to be true. It felt like something was off, as if hidden forces were at play behind the scenes. Still, this was a chance to capitalize. Even if there were some ill intentions, he couldn't yield a chance like this.

 

The Draconite representative thought for a moment, his eyes closed as if he were considering something deeply. When he opened them, his gaze was sharp and focused. "I have decided that the high humans will be granted the rights and fair treatment they deserve. We must move forward and leave the past behind," he said firmly, his words ringing with a sense of finality.

 

The council members looked at each other, a sense of relief and apprehension mixing in their expressions. Ivan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that this was just the beginning, and there would be more challenges ahead. But for now, he was determined to make the most of this opportunity and ensure that his tribe was treated with the respect

 

The votes were clear now. The representative of the war bull Rannuk was furious with the result. To him, this felt like inviting enemies into their homes. Arozan said with a loud voice,

 

"So we now have a definitive answer. From today onwards all restrictions have been revoked. Trading, land buying, labor, business, etc. we will work out the details. Now let's discuss the seasons and some problems like infrastructure and economy."

 

The talk continued and finally, after 4 hours, the meeting was adjourned. The council meeting lasted for 2 days, this was the first day Ivan attended. Walking out, a cheer erupted as a group of people congratulated Ivan for his success. It was a happy moment. He mounted his majestic deer, but he had many thoughts.

 

[What nefarious scheme did they hatch? For what purpose is this decision made? this was far too convincing. What happened beyond the city?]

 

Ivan couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss, and he knew he needed to keep a close eye on the council and its members. He knew that this was just the beginning, and there was still much work to be done to ensure that the high humans were truly accepted and treated fairly in the city. But for now, he would enjoy this moment of victory and plan for the challenges ahead.