MTLNOVEL Chapter 35: Chapter 35 Fitran Memories (6)
The great hall of Gaia had never been as crowded as it was that morning. The walls, once silent to the cries of the people, were now filled with whispers of fear, while the air felt tense, as if the entire space was holding its breath in anticipation of a defining moment. In the midst of this tension, Iris, the Queen of Gaia, stood on the stage, calling for an open session—not to plan for war, but to advocate for change.
In her graceful hands, she held a thick stack of manuscripts: the New Legal Regulations, meticulously crafted by Fitran. This document articulated the principles of deliberation that resonated in every corner of the hall, emphasizing the importance of the people's voice, the need for a balanced distribution of power that had long been skewed, and the abolition of the execution caste that oppressed the lower classes. Each page seemed to come alive, radiating a burning hope for a better future.
Behind her stood Fitran, a figure of determination. Beneath his calm demeanor lay a fiery spirit, ready to face whatever might come. Though unarmed, his gaze was sharp as a sword, seemingly capable of piercing through the fog of injustice enveloping the hall, inspiring courage in the hearts of the listeners witnessing this historical moment.
At the front, the nobles whispered in various tones, creating a symphony of diverse emotions. Some scoffed, displaying skepticism and hatred clearly etched on their faces, while others appeared cautious and anxious, as if waiting for the Queen's reaction. "Our Queen is possessed by rebels," said one noble from the ranks, his voice trembling with doubt, allowing uncertainty to creep among them like thick fog. "This is a coup disguised as love," another chimed in, his tone laden with skepticism and distortion, as if each word were a direct assault on the heart of their hopes.
Amid the uncertainty, Iris stood tall, radiating an aura of courage that seemed to build a protective wall around her. Her majestic voice rang out like thunder, "From this day forward, Gaia will no longer consider poverty a sin," she proclaimed, her voice echoing through the usually silent walls, awakening dormant hope in the hearts of those listening, igniting a newfound spirit in the souls of the doubters.
Several council members stood, their faces flushed, indicating a surge of anger and discontent. "Your Highness," cried Marquis Erval in a challenging tone, his voice like a thunderclap, as he sought to assert his esteemed position, "you cannot overturn a millennia-old order just because of one night spent with that monster!"
There is a self-awareness that every individual must confront. "This is akin to facing King Gamma, Chaos," he continued, his voice quivering with a defiant tone that revealed deep dissatisfaction. "Look at the cursed birth of that illegitimate child, Cleo, which stands as a disgrace to the Gaia nation. We, the nobles, have struggled for millennia, as if chained, to preserve the honor of this name from an unforgivable stain."
"And you are that stain," he said with an emphasis that made each word feel like sharp arrows piercing the heart of pride. Each letter seemed as heavy as stone, suffocating the already heated atmosphere. The dim light in the room illuminated the contrast between them, creating dramatic silhouettes that reflected the tension enveloping the two souls, as if the night sky bore witness to this conflict.
Fitran stepped forward with remarkable courage, standing tall beside Iris, ready to defend his friend's honor. However, Iris quickly raised her hand, signaling him not to intervene in this escalating situation, indicating that this was a battle she had to face alone.
"I did indeed share a bed with him," Iris replied, her voice strong like a hammer shaping iron, expressing a helplessness stifled by fear. "But what I brought to my bed was honesty, not a sword. Not politics."
"I have made mistakes in the past, which is why I feel unworthy to speak with you all," Iris said, her voice trembling like a fraying string, yet remaining firm. With a piercing gaze full of meaning, she continued, "In the past, I often behaved indifferently, prioritizing myself over others' interests. But now, I stand before you as someone who wishes to be a true leader, someone who listens and understands." She took a deep breath, adding, "I want to hear everything from you." Although her voice seemed soft, it resonated throughout the vast hall like a bell calling for change, reflecting new hope among those present.
The two sides stood in opposition: one represented the strong and established tradition, while the other reflected a bold and fresh hope for change, ready to shake the existing order.
A moment of silence enveloped the vast hall, creating an atmosphere of intense tension, as if the breath of the entire room had paused, waiting for what would happen next.
Then Iris cast her gaze across the room, her sharp and courageous eyes sweeping over every figure present, as if penetrating the depths of their hearts. With a voice trembling with emotion, she asked, "Who here has ever ventured into the lower district, witnessing children scraping the ground for a crumb of bread?" Her voice resonated heavily, disturbing the buried emotions and demanding attention. She continued, "Who realizes how much blood of the people has been shed, merely because they forgot to bow before the nobles?"
With unwavering confidence, she held the legal document high, as if bearing the weight of history wrapped in ancient paper, challenging all present with her determined gaze. "This is our form of forgiveness,
this is our form of responsibility," she exclaimed passionately, her fiery voice flowing through the tense air, heightening the intensity in the room, making every soul inside it vibrate.
However, the old power will not yield so easily; shadows of selfishness began to appear on the faces of the nobles, creating ripples of growing discontent among them. Some started to devise motions of rebellion, engaging in strategic planning to reinforce their grip on power. Meanwhile, the military stood silently, waiting cautiously for the winds to shift, observing the escalating struggle between hope and fear before them.
Outside, amidst the bustling crowd, the people began to gather with enthusiasm. The fire of hope burned brightly within them, fueled by the joyful news that their Queen had finally sided with them.
"I want to make Fitran the Royal Guard, and if you acknowledge him, he will one day become the King of Gaia," Iris stated firmly, her eyes sparkling with hope like stars in the dark night. A previous debate faded away, replaced by a silence enveloping the room, signifying the importance of this decision. The phrase was not just a declaration, but also a heartfelt signal from Iris—that she saw Fitran not only as the protector of the kingdom but also as a potential life partner, a figure she hoped to navigate the future with.
Iris smiled faintly, her eyes glancing at Fitran with hopeful anticipation, as if inviting his spirit to rise. Meanwhile, Fitran appeared restless, his face reflecting confusion and uncertainty, as though he were searching for the right words to express his feelings, his thoughts wandering between duty and love.
The nobles had yet to fully accept the situation; some seemed angry, their faces creased and eyes ablaze with fury, like lightning threatening in a gray sky. In contrast, the elders of Gaia, with their wise and experienced faces, understood the reality at hand. Though it was with a heavy heart, they chose to accept the circumstances, feeling the weight of the decision they had to face amidst the approaching waves of change.
New Legal Decree of Gaia
Entitled: Codex Vox Lux (The Voice of Light Igniting from Darkness)
Article 1: Equal Standing in Law
"No blood is worth more than another."
All citizens of Gaia—from nobility to miners—are entitled to equal legal treatment.
Titles and status do not grant any privileges in court.
Any form of discrimination in legal proceedings is a high-level crime.
Article 2: Voting Decision System
"Truth is not born from a single mouth, but from the echo of many voices."
All major charges (Category A–C) will be decided by a people's council consisting of 13 randomly selected members from the community.
The voting is open and broadcast to the public.
A judge's ruling (Schiedsrichter) is only valid if it is supported by a majority vote and has been verified by an independent investigator (Staatsanwältin).
Article 3: Protection of the Accused
"Fair law shall not consume a person before they speak."
The accused shall not be subjected to torture before or during the trial.
The right to speak, defend oneself, and be accompanied by legal counsel is mandatory and cannot be revoked.
The use of wild creatures such as Smilodon in the execution process is only permissible after passing three stages of evidence verification and if there are no alternative means to impose the sentence.
Article 4: Prohibition of Norm Manipulation
"Norms without oversight are tyranny cloaked in tradition."
Gaia cultural norms may be considered legally only if they do not contradict individual basic rights.
Referees who disregard evidence for the sake of norms will be dismissed and prosecuted.
Article 5: Revision and Oversight
"Even the stone of law must be able to crack with time."
Every four months, the Codex Vox Lux must be reviewed by an evaluation board consisting of:
3 ordinary citizens
2 legal scholars
2 parliamentary representatives
If any article is found to endanger justice, it may be revised through a 2/3 vote of parliament.
Article 6: Limitations on Noble Power
"If the sword of the nobility points toward the people, then the law must wield the light."
Nobles involved in manipulating the law, bribery, or acts of violence against the people shall be subject to special charges and cannot use their titles as a shield.
No immunity from the law based on caste shall exist any longer.
Article 7: Blood Records
"History must be written by those who bleed, not by those who consume blood."
Every legal process, including indictments, voting, and evidence, must be recorded in the Blood Book, a manuscript of truth that cannot be manipulated.
This book is protected by the Monumentists—neutral history keepers bound by an anti-political oath.
Article 8: Guardians of Light
"If the law fails, let the living reminder take action."
A special unit called Lux Aegis has been formed—a small force that only acts in cases of legal violations by those in power.
Fitran was initially appointed as the First Commander, but later declined. He was then replaced by Marquez as interim leader until the next session.