New Eden: Live to Play, Play to Live

'So many people at the same time. I hope it doesn't get too rowdy. I know how Astaroth reacts when confronted…'

She awaited the signal from the guards at the doors, who were tasked with notifying her when the last ones were in. When the last person, Commander Alena, walked in, the guards closed the doors before giving a nod to the queen.

Phoenix took a moment to focus on her presentation before rising from her throne. She used a minor trick she had picked up from Leon in the last few days, and propped up her voice with mana, so she didn't need to shout.

"Greetings, everyone. Your attention, please. I would like to thank all of you for assembling on such short notice.

"I know many of you are busy, and it must have been troublesome to find time to attend. I apologize on behalf of the king for his lack of forewarning."

She paused, letting all the people present digest the apology. Murmurs spread across the small crowd, as many of them seemed slightly discontent with being pulled from their duties at such notice.

But many nods of approval for her apology also came her way, which prompted her to note the more polite ones.

It was good to know who was more likely to work with her than against her in the coming times.

Declan, from the side, was also taking screenshots of the unhappy representatives, making sure to compile all the dissidents. He took his job very seriously, and Phoenix was grateful for it.

"Now, for the reason you were all summoned here on such notice. The King has finally come back from his business across the lands, and he wanted to make sure everyone learned of him at the same time. He does not like dilly-dallying, and meeting all of you at once was the best for him."

Another wave of unhappy murmur spread about, quickly quelled by the guards at the sides, when they slammed the butt of their spears on the ground, commanding silence.

Phoenix grinned. She glanced over at Declan, who winked his gassy eye at her through the slits in his helmet.

She nodded, almost unperceivable, thanking his preparation. The man had drilled all the newly appointed royal guards a few hours in advance, making sure they knew how to react to any situation that might happen during the meeting.

Silencing the discontent was part of those drills.

As the room became quiet once again, Phoenix resumed her speech.

"I know many of you are unhappy about the way things are and do not know how to feel about the king, as he takes back his rightful position. But, know this; King Astaroth is the true ruler of this nation, and you all owe him the respect that comes with bearing that title.

"We can address any discontent in private, with the king or myself. But we will meet any talks of dissidence outside those meetings with the appropriate measures."

The threat loomed over everyone, reminding them who the rulers were, and how they ought to act around the royalty of this kingdom. No whispers came this time.

Nodding her head in approval, Phoenix kept talking.

"Now that this is out of the way, I would like to reassure all of you that King Astaroth is no tyrant. He will gladly address any worries or issues you might have with himself, promptly. If he is not available, I will also speak on his behalf, to ensure everyone in the kingdom is heard and satisfied."

Nods of approval suffused in the crowd, which was a good sign. This meant more work for her and Astaroth, but at least, it offered them the chance to make everyone happy.

She could already tell that most of these disgruntled people were only angered at being under the management of Abnormals, strangers from another world. Even if they had most likely known it was a possibility, ten years under Leon had most likely made them forget it could happen at any moment.

She knew her work to make everyone acknowledge them wasn't an easy one, and would take a lot of time. But she was prepared for it.

She also assumed that whatever means Astaroth had thought of to introduce himself might nudge them in the right direction already. She only wondered what he had in mind.

Phoenix had asked him in a private message earlier that day, between two meetings, but he had kept mum. She silently hoped he wasn't going to do anything stupid or reckless that might ruin her one week of effort to gain favour amongst the many councilmen and top representatives.

Over the course of the week, she had to reassure many of the kingdom's echelons that the kingdom wouldn't suddenly turn into a warring faction, since that was the primary fear. She also had to tell so many people that Astaroth might not be there often, but he would still always keep the good of the kingdom as the priority.

The many Abnormals causing chaos around the world in a single week, as well as before they disappeared for a decade, had given them quite the reputation as troublemakers. Of course, this was only a minority of them, but it was already enough.

She only hoped that their work here would reflect well across the world of New Eden, and help mend a bit of the poor reputation. Crossing her hands before herself, Phoenix continued talking.

She was waiting for Astaroth to message her that he was ready.

"As for the future of the kingdom, King Astaroth and I fully intend to keep it growing and gain many allies along the way. Our goal isn't to make ourselves recluse or sheltered. We want this kingdom to be a large part of the world, in the future, and pray that everyone can work towards that goal with us."

As she finished saying that, a message notification popped in the corner of her eye.

She smiled when she saw it and unclasped her hands, opening her arms wide.

"Now, without further ado, I would like you to welcome our king back to his rightful place. A warm welcome to King Astaroth!"

As she said that, heavy pressure descended upon the entire crowd. It was like someone had dropped a building on everyone's shoulders, and many people had already started sweating.

'Seriously? What an idiot. A show of power right off the bat isn't going to make a good impression!'