The Flahm were traditionally assigned as aides to members of Natra’s royal family, and their leader served by the king’s side. As Levan’s successor, Ninym should’ve been informed of new gatherings immediately.
“Did you hear anything about this, Nanaki?” she asked.
“Does it matter?”
Right on cue. Despite his duties as aide to the crown princess, Nanaki had zero interest in the Flahm’s dealings.
“You’ve been quite busy these days, Lady Ninym, so Master Levan has handled certain matters.”
That makes sense, Ninym thought.
While in the Empire, Ninym had received word of suspicious activity among Natra’s Flahm. She had intended to discuss the situation with Levan, but there hadn’t been an opportunity even upon her return. After all, Ninym struggled just to catch up on all the missed work. She’d managed to meet with Levan once for a brief moment, but he simply said, “Please leave this to me.” Ninym had complied since she already had enough on her plate, plus Levan was the Flahm’s leader. However…
I haven’t received any reports, so the participants are probably still deliberating.
…this suspicious Flahm activity was, in all likelihood, an independence movement. Ninym had sensed the rising momentum earlier and opposed it from the outset. Levan shared Ninym’s opinion, so she’d left the situation to him. Had it been too much to handle? Ninym was still on the clock, but she thought it would be wise to make a quick appearance and confirm the situation firsthand.
“Understood. Let’s go.” Ninym turned to Nanaki. “I won’t be long. Please guard Their Highnesses and tell Prince Wein where I’ve gone.”
“Got it.”
Ninym was still concerned about Wein and Falanya’s conversation, but the Flahm couldn’t be ignored. She reluctantly headed to the assembly.
Every muscle tensed nervously as an icy chill washed over Falanya. She was only talking to her brother, yet her heart hammered like an alarm. She struggled to breathe and fought the urge to rush out the door.
However, that wasn’t an option. No one else was in the room, and she wouldn’t allow herself to leave.
Resolve, she thought. That’s the only reason you’re here right now.
“Natra’s future, huh?” From his chair, Wein mulled over Falanya’s answer. “An interesting topic, although a bit vague.”
Perhaps, but this was only the beginning. She’d get into the finer details soon enough.
“Wein, Natra has flourished since you became regent.”
The annexation of Marden. Reconciliation with the West. An improved relationship with the Empire. Thanks to Wein’s acumen, Natra enjoyed many blessings. It was the undeniable truth.
“Our lands, people, and industries have flourished… The citizens respect you for such benevolence and feel a sense of pride. Of course, I am no different.”
“Aww, you’re making me blush,” Wein replied with a smile. “That respect is proof my civic abilities have been well received. I’m over the moon.”
“However,” Falanya cut in. “There is something else I came to understand while acting as your substitute. It’s true you’ve brought great riches to this nation, but many struggle to keep up the pace.”
Natra was developing at a remarkable rate, and countless citizens relished the windfall. However, some had been left behind amid the radical changes.
“Yes, I’m aware of that,” Wein replied, unfazed by Falanya’s veiled criticism. “Still, it can’t be helped. I can’t make every last citizen happy.”
“There’s a significant distinction between can’t and won’t,” Falanya asserted. “The public regards you as a generous ruler, but once you see the whole picture, it’s obvious the laws, tax system, customs, and industries you’ve established promote competition and survival of the fittest.”
That was no coincidence. Wein had instituted those aspects deliberately. The chill Falanya felt upon that realization still echoed in her heart.
“I love this country and wish nothing more than for everyone to live peaceful, happy lives.”
Which was why Falanya had to ask her beloved brother the following question.
“Wein, what do you think of Natra and its people?”
As soon as Ninym entered the meeting chamber, she was struck by the room’s jumbled, bizarre atmosphere.
This is…
About twenty people sat in the room. They were usually locked in a heated debate by now, yet no one said a word. Nevertheless, the intense atmosphere persisted.
What could be the cause? As Ninym asked herself this and walked farther into the room, all eyes suddenly fell on her.
“Oh, it’s Lady Ninym.”
“Now we can finally get somewhere.”
“Right this way, Lady Ninym.”
Everyone spoke with only the deepest awe and reverence. As the group’s future leader and the crown prince’s trusted confidant, Ninym was an elite figure among Natra’s Flahm. The attendees’ reaction wasn’t particularly odd, yet Ninym experienced a powerful aversion.
She would learn why soon enough.
“Ninym!” Levan, the group’s current head, raced over to her. Concern swam in his eyes. “Why have you come…?!” He spoke so no one else could hear, but his voice held unmistakable tension.
“I’m as clueless as you are. I was told about today’s meeting and brought here.”
It was the only answer Ninym could provide. Levan’s expression suggested he’d hoped to keep her far from this. If so, did that mean the Flahm who’d found her had acted against him?
“…I suppose there’s nothing for it now. Stay on guard.” Levan’s agitation was palpable.
Ninym took her seat, and Levan sat next to her and addressed the room.
“Well, let us begin our usual meeting. Today’s topic of discussion is—”
As the group looked to Levan, a voice cut him off.
“Master Levan! What more is there to talk about?!” a young Flahm man demanded.
Others were quick to offer their agreement.
“He’s right! We’ve already discussed everything under the sun!”
“If we miss this opportunity, there won’t be another!”
“Now is the time to fight for our independence!”
Ah, Ninym thought. It was just as she’d expected.
The Flahm’s greatest ambition, to create the utopia of their dreams, was the height of idiocy.
“Such goals are unrealistic,” Ninym stated sharply.
The Flahm had suffered enough trying to establish and maintain their current status in Natra. Why couldn’t this pack of hotheads understand they’d be throwing that away?
No, that’s not our main concern. First, Master Levan and I must crush their foolish enthusiasm once and for all.
The Flahm’s current leader and his successor could quell the majority if they directly opposed the idea. Both had carefully encouraged peace in the past, but it was time for more drastic measures. Ninym had nonetheless underestimated them, and such action was long overdue.
“Lady Ninym, you mustn’t think that way,” one attendee objected. “After all, you are the heart of our fight for independence.”
Ninym frowned at this odd comment. She sensed the belief extended to something beyond her role as the future leader of Natra’s Flahm. Which could only mean…
!
A shudder raced down her spine. Ninym shot Levan an incredulous look, and he nodded bitterly.
“Yes, the Founder,” another replied. “As a direct descendant of our great Founder, Lady Ninym is the icon of our independence.”