Bab 20: Chapter 20 – Hidden Intentions
A hierarchy is something very sensitive; superiors need to maintain control over those below, one way or another. If superiors don't have control over subordinates, the entire system is compromised and useless.
Insubordination is an extremely harmful and contagious virus in this system. If an infected individual is not separated from others and neutralized, the virus will spread to all other individuals equally.
If a ruler is not careful with insubordination, they are putting themselves in danger. Fortunately, in Mom's case, there are many sensitive nuances that prevent it from being classified immediately as insubordination.
"But in your case, Inessa, because of the circumstances, the Council was merciful, applying only the punishment I mentioned, if we can call it a punishment. But I have no doubt they can use the same pretext to later demand something from you... or from little Apollo."
My guess is that the Supreme Council of Bordium is the ultimate governing body that leads and organizes the entire society of this place. This place, which I still don't know the territorial classification well, should be called Bordium.
But this also makes me curious about what kind of society I am in. How are the rules and laws of this society defined? If there are so many different races, do only dragons represent the government? Are there enough dragons for this in this world?
What kinds of values and culture have developed in a world where dragons are rulers? How are the major cities in this place? What level of development have they achieved?
Anyway, as a superior body, the Council can issue decrees that must be obeyed by all layers below it without asking for permission or authorization from any other authority. At least I think that's how it works.
This time, the circumstances of the incident that occurred three years ago, and especially Lord Akachi's appeal, saved Mom from receiving severe punishment.
As it was a decision of the Supreme Council, Mom's superiors and even the other Dragon Ladies must conform to it. After all, amnesty has already been granted. However, this decision will not exactly end the hostilities between the parties.
If we follow the logic, this decision must have caused even more animosity due to the apparent impunity. This is very worrying.
But looking from another point of view, it becomes even clearer that the responsibilities that come with the territories are taken seriously. This is a great quality for a society; responsible rulers are essential for a just and egalitarian society.
On the other hand, Mom seems to have a lot of credit in her account; after all, she will apparently come out of this situation without suffering any kind of sanction or severe punishment.
Yes, having to be monitored every month for six years may seem quite inconvenient, but it doesn't seem like a major punishment. I understand this very well, and I hope that no unforeseen events happen before I can achieve some kind of independence.
But not everyone in the conversation seems to have accepted Nala's last sentence in a calm manner.
"What do you mean by that, Lady Nala? I believe Inessa will still suffer the possibility of losing her son for any mistake she makes. Six years... This is the time Inessa will have to be cautious about any action or decision she makes..."
Abigail is not happy with the lightness with which Nala treated Inessa's punishment. Yes, understandable, but I believe that spending time trying to confront the decision will only make things worse.
But I have the impression that Abigail just wants to try to defend her friend. Which I find admirable...
"Furthermore, Lady Nala, what prevents the Council from accepting another complaint and trying to impose another sentence on the matter? Or is the Council conveniently waiting for Apollo to reach the age of aura maturitatem?"
Abigail is starting to get a little more agitated. I don't know if she's saying something coherent or not, but Nala doesn't like hearing such complaints.
Nala continues to eat, but she doesn't have the same relaxed expression as before. I think if it continues like this, she might get angry.
"It is very convenient, Lady Nala, please open your eyes and see the Council's plan... Six years is the age when most other races reach the ideal age for aura training. Why didn't they extend the deadline to eight years, when children have already stabilized? It is as clear as day that..."
"Abigail, be careful with your next words..."
Ok... Abigail continued to pour out her conclusions and began to get a little more agitated, but she didn't go into a rage, at least not yet.
The problem is that Nala stopped eating and put down the utensils for the first time since it started. The expression she has on her face seems like someone challenging another person to a fight.
And it seems like Nala's expression has also frightened Abigail. It still took her a few seconds to think about what to say next, but she seems to want to defend her point of view to the last consequences and then said:
"Lady Nala... this is very strange... Lord Akachi showed interest in Apollo; the Triad wants Lord Akachi to take on a disciple; Inessa received amnesty and was only put under observation; this observation includes her and Apollo until the age of 6... Try to understand, Lady Nala, the Triad will not give up after 6 years of observation."
"SILENCE."
God... I know I've asked for this before, but please don't let anything violent happen today. I can't run, let alone survive any kind of blow stronger than a kick.
Before Abigail could continue, Nala decided to end it here and silenced her immediately with a strong and authoritative tone of voice.
That coldness I stopped feeling since Mom collapsed on the ground returned. But this time it seemed much more like a residual cold emanating from the person next to Mom, namely, Abigail.
Probably, Nala applied a strong aura pressure on Abigail, strong enough to completely paralyze the dragon who is now motionless in her position. She's angry, I'm sure of that, but I hope nothing violent happens...
"I will explain it again, Inessa, the Council's decision was an act of mercy because of Inessa's circumstances and Lord Akachi's appeal. It will be executed as decided, no matter who it hurts... There are no plausible and sufficient reasons for this decision to be questioned...
While she spoke, Nala was still applying the aura pressure, which didn't weaken at any moment.
"I have no idea where you intend to go with your reasoning, girl, but nothing good will come from challenging or questioning the decisions of superiors. After the 6 years of observation are completed, Inessa and Abigail will be totally exempt from any penalty. They will be free..."
The aura pressure started to increase considerably as Nala spoke. Abigail's expression also began to pale, showing obvious signs that she is suffering.
"Until then, it remains for you to be content and be careful with the actions you will take during this time. The Council may have been benevolent with the punishment, but they have an interest in the boy and will take him from Inessa at the first mistake she makes... Understand?"
As soon as Nala finished speaking, the aura pressure began to decrease gradually until it ended. When it ended, Abigail fainted and fell to the ground... The barrier she had set up, which had been standing until now, also collapsed when she fainted.
Nala didn't bother to check Abigail's condition; Mom was a little worried about Abigail, but Nala hasn't said everything she wanted to say yet, and this time she started speaking directly to Mom:
"It was a great disappointment, Inessa, a great pity for everything that happened... You had so much potential, so much brilliance that overshadowed everyone else. But look at you now, Inessa, a rag, a shell of the dragon you once were."
For the first time since she arrived, Nala began to speak with a disappointed and sad tone of voice, as if she were seeing great regret taking shape, and this form is Mom.
"Gao huo, Lady Alexandra, Lord Akachi, Lord Akarios, Lady Dorothea, I; we all had expectations, hopes, desires for you... But what you did, Inessa... You threw away everything we had for you when you decided to ignore all our attempts to help. You didn't even think about how we were feeling."
Look at that look, how nostalgic, it's been a while since I've seen that look. As if filled with regret, disappointment, guilt, and resentment, all these emotions mixed and causing a violent and intense sensation.
"You both disappointed us a lot... But Abigail accepted our help and managed to rise again, unlike you."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I hope you can help me correct any spelling errors in the chapters.
Embark on This Epic Journey! Support us on Patreon!
Dear readers and adventurers of the imagination,
We're thrilled to invite you to become our patrons on Patreon and be part of the epic journey we're crafting. This is more than just a story; it's a saga filled with magic, mysteries, and captivating characters that we can't wait to share with you. By becoming a patron, you not only sustain this unique narrative but also gain access to exclusive benefits and special content.
Why Support?
Exclusive Content: As a patron, you'll get early access to unreleased chapters, bonus material, and behind-the-scenes details not shared anywhere else.
Interaction with Creators: Join live Q&A sessions where you can interact directly with the story's creators, ask questions about the plot, and contribute to its development.
Behind-the-Scenes and Updates: Stay in the loop of the creative process! We'll share regular updates, exclusive insights, and even early drafts, letting you see how the story comes to life.
Exclusive Community Group: Join an exclusive community of patrons where you can discuss the plot, share theories, and connect with other enthusiasts of this unique story.
How to Become a Patron:
Visit our Patreon: [P... .com/UndeadNazar]
Choose a Support Level: Opt for the level that best fits your desire to contribute and receive exclusive benefits.
Enjoy the Rewards: Once you become a patron, you'll have instant access to exclusive benefits and become an integral part of this incredible journey.
We appreciate in advance your consideration to support our creation. With your contribution, we'll not only continue telling this story but also expand it to reach new horizons of creativity. Join us and be part of this extraordinary tale!
With gratitude,
Undead Nazar, your Lazy Writer
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone