System Change

Chapter 384: Mandatory Gathering

Derek followed along toward the backthe announcements were for Edward and Osian to make, and he didnt want to be anywhere near the front. Dianakeeping to her currently helpful rolechose to lead the part back out of the palace. Everyone agreed that as the leader of the highest noble house there, she would be the perfect person to introduce them all to the rest of the nobles of Astrusat least, the ones who chose to show up.

Tevara had also readily agreed to her role as an adviser, and was walking with Edwin, Edgar, and a few others directly behind Edward and Osian. Her brother had also agreed to the advisers position, but he was still having trouble controlling all his emotions, so it was decided that it would be best if he stayed toward the back and only watched and listened.

Finally, Diana took a step out of the palace entrance with everyone else right behind her. When Edward, Osian, Tevara, and a few others were outside, on the top stair, Derek was still standing next to the entrance. That was fine by himhe had a good enough view to see everything, and he wouldnt have to worry about hearing anyone because he knew they were going to be speaking very loudly. Plus, with his stats, hed have to actively not listen to be able to avoid hearing anything over a whisper

The view they ended up having was insane. The entire back half of the courtyard was completely packed full with people standing shoulder to shoulder. Derek looked at the way they were dressed and came to the conclusion that those in the back were very well off commonersmost likely merchants and well-paid adventurers. The rest of the courtyard was occupied by what appeared to be the nobles.

The nobles were too good to stand shoulder to shoulder like the commoners, so, while still closer to one another than they seemed to enjoy, they kept as much distance between each other as they could. Derek wasnt familiar with any noble houses from Astrus, so he leaned in to hear what the others were saying.

This is surprising, Diana whispered over her shoulder to Osian and Edward.

What is? Edward asked.

I see a higher up representative from almost every noble family in the kingdom. I have to admit, I did not expect that.

Is that right?

Yes, Diana answered sternly, then nodded almost imperceptibly toward a certain man in a black robe with runes etched on it standing toward the front of the gathering. House Ileal didnt run. Or at least Cassandras brother came to the gathering. He could be stalling so the rest of his family can run, but I dont think Simeon Ileal is that selfless.

So, the queens family is taking a big gamble by being here. Thats respectable, at least, Osian said. Also, did you see the relief on his face when he saw Tevara standing beside us? His shoulders are relaxed, and hes finally remembered to breathe.

Are there any families missing out there? Edward asked. If each only sent one or two people, then it looks like you have a lot of noble families here in Astrus.

And that was true. Even with them only taking the front half of the courtyard, Derek counted upwards of fifty different groups of representatives from noble families. Some were alone, and a few groups had three people in them.

From my knowledge, Im counting three, Diana answered. One family I expected not to come, but the other two they should be here. They are very minor noble families with no reason to run.

To show that were not singling Astrus out, these same changes are planned to occur in both Cydaria and Indria as well, Edward said to the crowd. New leadership and new rules and laws will be a change, but they are all needed for the overall wellbeing and health of our nations. The majority of the nobility were quiet at this, but many commoners seemed happy about the upcoming change. It looked like they werent all too happy about how everything was with the old leadership. A lot of that may have been because of the warwars tend to make most of the population very uneasy.

Now, for our first announcement, Edward continued. As I said before, the nobility will be the ones affected the most by the changes. We will be conducting private investigations into each and every noble family in the kingdom. These investigations will determine the future of the noble housesand again, to show we arent singling anybody out, and that everyone will get a fair investigationwe will be beginning with houses Reeves, Rivia, and Barro.

The leadership of these three houses has already been very helpful to us as we prepare to move forward, but, as I said, no house will be above these investigations. Edward then looked over at Diana. Diana, he said, and she nodded.

As many of you know, I am Diana Reeves, of House Reeves. As the matriarch of the noble house, I have agreed to these investigations and will accept any outcome or punishments that may come from them. I, for one, am in wholehearted agreement that we must clean up the kingdom so that we all may thrive together. After that, the older woman took a step back for the others to speak.

Finn stepped forward and gave a near identical speech as Diana. Finally, Garrett came forward, and, though very nervous and uncertain, he gave his blessing as well. It seemed that the man had already accepted that some parts of House Rivia would be in trouble.

Edward moved to speak again, this time, he spoke directly down to the nobles up close. I thank all of you for coming today, and hope we can all work well together in the future. His eyes then fell on the patriarch of House Ileal. Mr. Ileal, he said, getting the mans full attention. You have my condolences for your sister. It is a shame that things played out as they did. However, I must thank and applaud you for attending this announcement. It was the correct decision.

The middle-aged mans hands tightened into a ball and he squeezed, but he held himself back from speaking or making any kind of scene. Edward wasnt gloating, he was being sincere in his words, and it could be felt.

Everyone else who lost loved ones, today or any time during this ill-timed war Edward continued. You have my condolences as well. Again, this entire war and situation was a shame.

After that, Edward went on to announce multiple changes that would be happening throughout all three kingdoms. Some nobles grew angry, and some became happynone stepped forward to speak up against anything that was said. Finally, once everything was said and done, Edward made one last announcement.

To celebrate the coming together of our three wonderful kingdoms, Edward started. We will soon hold a marriage ceremony right here in Astrus. The marriage will be between two individuals that have been chosen to supersede the former royal family and carry Astrus into a new, better future. The ceremony will be here, in the capital, in the palace courtyard. It will be a day of celebrations and history.

It will be a kingdom-wide event, and all cities will be part of the celebrations. More details of what to expect will be provided soon. From there, Edward actually lightly bowed to the people before continuing. Again, I thank all of you for coming, and I look forward to helping lead our combined kingdoms into a great future of cooperation and alliance. Everyone may leave, but I would appreciate it if those representatives of the noble houses would stay. Thank you!

The commoners in the crowd cheered heavily, but Derek believed it was most likely due to the announcement of a kingdom-wide celebration. Celebrations, as such, usually came with many free things and fun things to do. The leadership of the kingdom, after all, was way above the vast majoritys pay-grade.

As the people cleared out of the courtyard and surrounding areas, all the nobles there chose to stay as Edward requested. The speeches and announcements had gone much smoother than they thought they would, as not a single noble challenged anythingwhether that was because they were too scared to or not, Derek didnt know.

Finally, Edward and Osianwith Tevara trailing themmoved down to the courtyard. What happened next would be up to those two. But there was one thing left on Dereks mind. I wonder where the treasury is.