Chapter 24 : A Decision

Chapter 24: A Decision

Xie Lianhua was the only daughter of the Lianhua family. Her parents weren't native to Aurelius, having originated from a small island called the Frostweave Alliance. It was a land of perpetual winter, governed by the principles of Environmental Democracy with transparent policymaking at its core. Many historians had speculated about the Ancient Migaya race still residing there, and in 7050 L.C., the Global Survey Operation initiated by UG confirmed that the Migaya's predecessors indeed inhabited the island.

The harsh Comere Ocean had kept Frostweave isolated from the rest of Freya despite being part of the mainland. Its discovery was credited to a sea merchant named Nibad, who stumbled upon it while navigating the Almaz-Nova sea route. Following its discovery, many Frostweave natives migrated to the Freya mainland seeking better opportunities.

Xie's parents had moved to Aurelius before her birth. As merchants, they had built considerable wealth, making their family one of the most affluent in Prismara city. Xie had wanted for nothing throughout her childhood.

In her well-decorated room, expensive Polish furniture stood arranged according to a designer's vision. A classical painting adorned the beautifully painted wall while Madam Brunette Marayoor's melodies played softly as Xie held her morning teacup.

She let out a long sigh.

"No matter what I try, my mind always drifts toward your words. Honestly, at this point, I'm not sure I'll be able to break up with you."

But I must, otherwise...

A curtain of sadness masked her ethereal beauty.

"I wonder if you would fall for some other girl after I break up with you."

The thought alone brought an ache to her heart.

I cannot imagine it, let alone see it happen.

"Why am I so cursed..."

Another long sigh escaped her lips.

Suddenly, her body shivered as cold swept across her skin. She felt an unseen presence staring at her from some dark corner. When she felt a touch on her shoulders, she reflexively stood up, pushing her chair away. The teacup crashed to the floor.

Water surrounded her protectively as her light blue eyes deepened. She chanted in her mother tongue, Magian:

"ilah¯-maa'i, zi-hem¯ tei waris-yan." (Goddess of Water, protect your inheritor)

Turning toward the dark corner, her face contorted with rage as she spoke:

"zi-jur′ tei zi-lams mei bila-izn." (How dare you touch me without my permission)

A faint whisper carried the smile of some unknown entity that appeared and vanished before Xie's eyes. She pulled her elbows together, crossing her arms as if to shield herself from the vile air.

"I hate my life..." she crumbled to her knees.

In Prismara city, the capital of the Prime state, The Techno Society base of operations was bustling with more people than usual.

"Mr. Lionheart, you're finally here. How is your son?" A man with a thick mustache greeted Henry Lionheart.

"Nice to see you after a month, Mr. Stark. My son? Well, you know he's not the brightest, but he recently found a girlfriend. She's a good match for him."

"Is that so? Ah, to be young again!" Stark laughed heartily.

"What are you saying? We're still in our prime," Lionheart replied.

Stark moved closer to Lionheart and lowered his voice: "I heard the president has invited some special guests this time."

"Is that so...?" Lionheart's eyes widened with suspicion as he fell into deep thought.

The Republic of Aurelius stood as one of the dominant nations in the Freya Continent, wielding not only one of the most powerful armies but also considerable influence over other nations. As a key member of the United Government, it held significant power in the current epoch. Aurelius followed Technocratic democracy, selecting experts from various fields as its governing body while choosing its president from a general public affairs council, whose members were elected by majority vote. Voting was mandatory for all citizens above 22 years of age.

The government, named Techno Society after numerous iterations, prioritized public transparency and governing efficiency. However, it had faced several rebellions due to rising prostitution, unemployment, and criminal activities across various states. Gang violence had become commonplace even in the capital city of Prismara.

As selected members from the general public affairs council and Techno Society took their seats, a man in his thirties appeared before the crowd.

"Good afternoon, my fellow companions," he greeted from the center of the discussion hall.

Oscar Asher, president of the Techno Society and former leader of the general public affairs council, was a prodigy. He held the record as the youngest graduate from National Intellex University. The former president had invited him to join the Techno Society after graduation, citing his contributions to chemistry and physics, but Oscar had chosen the public affairs council instead. Later, he assumed the role of Techno Society president. By rule, Techno Society members couldn't become president, as this position was reserved for public affairs council members. However, Techno Society members voted on presidential selection and held significant sway over national decisions.

"As you know, our Techno Society's primary goal is to advance our nation's development. Over the past few weeks, I've been in discussions with UG regarding a particular matter." Oscar unfolded a map of Aurelius before the assembly.

"UG has collectively agreed to invest in an expedition to this area," Oscar indicated a region north of the Prime state in Prismara.

"Mr. President, this is too dangerous," a blonde woman interjected. "We have other pressing national issues to address before undertaking any expedition. Even our strongest team cannot guarantee success in the Gahara forest."

"I understand your concern, Miss Rose. However, this expedition could prove invaluable. If successful, we'll acquire a material that will not only boost our international trade but revolutionize multiple industries. UG has pledged unlimited funding for this special material. We could resolve our unemployment issues and more. But most importantly—" he turned to address the wider audience, "we seek development from our very core. As experts in your respective fields, surely you understand my sentiment."

The hall erupted into various discussions, voices filling every corner.

"But Mr. President," Henry Lionheart voiced his doubts, "we don't even know what material we might find in Gahara forest, let alone its potential applications."

"Indeed, some of you may question this decision, but the nation of Intellex has achieved a breakthrough in elemental studies. They've discovered S(c-3)-16 which till now could be found in various things but we were never able to retrieve it due to it being in a special crystallized state, which will open numerous business opportunities," Oscar replied.

The room grew louder as unease spread among the Techno Society members.

"Mr. President, what is S(c-3)-16? Can you guarantee its value?" a man in a top hat inquired.

"Thank you for asking, Mr. Ohm." Oscar's expression turned serious as he drew a firearm.

"This demonstrates one of this element's many miracles."

Bang.

Oscar fired without hesitation, leaving every Techno Society member stunned.

How is this possible? No delay?

"Did you see, my fellow companions? This simple firearm, previously mere speculation, now stands as reality before us. This element can enhance bullet combustion speed and efficiency—and that's just one application. Now, is my proposal worthy of your consideration?" Oscar asked the crowd.

Miss Rose stood. "Fascinating, Mr. President. This truly revolutionizes not only chemistry but weaponry. With this, we take another step toward our nation's greater development."

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A standing ovation rang through the grandeur hall.

"We must assemble an expedition team soon. Mr. Lionheart, may I entrust you with this case?" Oscar asked.

"It would be my honor, Mr. President."

This momentous decision would trigger far-reaching consequences in the future.

Morning at the Valor Residence, everyone was busy at their own work except a certain someone.

"Conrad!" a girl's voice accompanied persistent knocking. "Why are you still sleeping? Get up, or you'll miss breakfast!"

Clara paused, hearing only her brother's sleeping sounds, which further frustrated her desire to share breakfast with him.

Leona, passing through the hallway, noticed Clara still knocking. She looked at her younger sister.

"Clara, why are you still waiting for Conrad? I thought you hated him."

"Huh?" Clara looked at Leona, puzzled. "Conrad is my elder brother, why would I hate him?"

Leona remained silent as she walked past her sister.

"Be careful. People don't change easily. The sooner you learn that, the better," Leona offered these final words before entering her room.

Clara was about to respond when the door opened, revealing a half-asleep Conrad.

"Mmm... I'm still sleepy, Claraaa—" Conrad dozed off while standing.

"Conrad, wake up! Freshen yourself. Let's eat, I'm waiting," Clara tried to rouse her brother.

Anira stayed with me all night. I couldn't get any sleep, Conrad lamented internally blaming his stubborn partner.

"Hey!" Clara jolted him awake. "Why do you keep spacing out while walking?"

Conrad yawned as Clara attempted to pull him along, though her strength proved insufficient against his Essentia Body.

I possess immense physical power. While I might not feel it before Anira, the difference is stark with others. It always confuses me.

Fifteen minutes later, Clara and Conrad reached the kitchen, where a dining table awaited. Clara sat beside her brother as Conrad helped himself to bread and butter. Leona joined shortly after, taking her usual seat opposite Conrad, though she cast Clara a quick glance—this being the first time Clara sat across from her. Isolde, as head of the household, occupied the center seat.

"Conrad, you're free today, right? Can you drop me at the church school?" Clara asked.

"Yes, I'm still suspended. I'll take you today."

"Leona is getting promoted soon," Isolde announced, interrupting Conrad and Clara's conversation.

Leona, typically reserved, made her preferences clear through action rather than words. She harbored disdain for her brother and men in general, having faced considerable prejudice in her career with the National Civil Guard.

Silence fell after Isolde's announcement. Leona continued sipping her tea. Though Clara adored both her older sisters and felt particularly close to Leona, she understood Leona's aversion to frivolity. Despite being the second-youngest sibling, Leona carried herself with a maturity that made her seem the eldest.

Conrad had changed significantly of late. Though inhabiting Conrad's body, Dev’s mind carried wisdom beyond even Isolde's years. To him, Leona remained a child.

"Congratulations, Leona. We should celebrate this success," Conrad smiled.

"No need for unnecessary expenses," Leona replied flatly.

Clara watched her brother nervously. She knew how much her elder sister didn't care for Conrad but in her mind Conrad had changed and she wished her sister to also recognise that.

"Celebrating my young sister's success could never be unnecessary to me," Conrad met Leona's gaze directly.

Leona returned his look with emotionless eyes. This marked their first direct intentional eye contact; previously, she'd regarded her brother as unworthy of attention. But something in his eyes now suggested a different person entirely.

"Ahem!" Isolde cleared her throat, cutting through the tension in the air "I believe we can spare some money this month. We should invite others to celebrate. Since father's passing, we've rarely held any celebrations in this house."

"Then it's settled. Let's organize a small party with close friends," Conrad agreed.

"Saint Holy Day falls this Friday. Most people will have the day off—perfect for a party," Clara suggested excitedly.

"Please, Leona..." Clara pleaded with her eyes.

"Fine..." Leona took another sip of tea.