Chapter 370 Tension in Vofors
Meanwhile, tension is equally rising in Vofors, the former capital of the republica.
Being only a stone's throw away from the border of Cerdeauxia, this place was one to react to the rising prices.
Angry speeches rang out across the city as various figures took to makeshift stages and platforms to address the masses.
Their voices were filled with frustration and anger, their words echoing the discontent of the people.
On a makeshift stage in the bustling city square, a passionate speaker, his face flushed with outrage, riled up the crowd.
His voice, tinged with anger, thundered through the square as he declared, "We cannot tolerate this any longer! Our families are suffering, and our livelihoods are under threat. We demand answers and solutions from those in power!"
A short distance away, near the city gates, another speaker stood atop a makeshift podium. His voice, no less fervent, resonated with the anger of the people.
"The kingdom's inability to take action is unacceptable! We must stand together and find a way to protect our interests!"
As the speeches continued, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged.
People from all walks of life gathered to listen to the impassioned speaker.
Their reactions varied, but a common thread of anger and frustration ran through the assembly.
Perhaps many assume these orators to be merely random, irate individuals. However, it's crucial to note that these individuals were not just any disgruntled citizens.
They were the former high-ranking officials in the now-defunct Vofors Republica.
Due to the war and the battles it faced, the conquests and reconquests that happened, together with the death of its first president, Metternich Henderson, had effectively led to the absorption of the nascent republic into the dominion of the Kingdom of Ryntum.
The formidable might of Ryntum's military prowess had acted as a deterrent, silencing these individuals from voicing out their dissatisfaction.
Nevertheless, they were not willing to forgo the addictive sweetness of power that had once rested in their hands.
Luck had, perhaps, favoured them when life under the Kingdom did not prove as idyllic as initially envisioned.
This twist of fate presented them with an extraordinary opportunity to take centre stage and, from their perspective, "reclaim" the authority they had once wielded.
Bolstered by the support of their neighbour, Cerdeauxia, the dormant spirit of revolution was reignited once again, with fervour and intensity.
"People of Vofors," The speaker began, "the problem we face is a grave one. Due to this, I have travelled to other provinces to investigate the commodities there. To my surprise, the surging prices we are experiencing are not uniform. After thorough investigation, I have discovered that the provinces and territories that once belonged to Barlia, Vofors, and Bagyarosia have seen a several-fold higher increase in prices compared to the rest."
The crowd listened intently, absorbing his words.
He continues when he believes his speech begins to gain momentum, "What does this signify? It means that this is not a natural occurrence. Prices have been manipulated to make the people in our region suffer more than others. Is this how the Kingdom treats its own people? Unequal and unjust! Believe me! I see no one else richer and more capable than the king. Is he attempting to exert pressure on us, his non-original citizens? Is the king afraid that we will rise against him, much like we did during the reign of King Niall? I see this as a clear oppression. If this is how we are to be treated, then let us break free!"
The speech reverberated and a hushed but charged atmosphere hung in the air.
Anger, frustration, and a sense of betrayal rippled through the crowd as they absorbed the shocking revelation.
Murmurs of agreement and disapproval rippled through the crowd, reflecting a mixture of emotions.
Some nodded vigorously in agreement with the speaker's impassioned words, while others exchanged concerned glances.
Sensing the need to rally those who remained hesitant, the speaker goes on with unwavering determination. "Not only that," he asserted, his voice carrying a tone of conviction that demanded attention, "but every event that led to the Republica's absorption by Ryntum reeks of suspicion."
He then went on to accuse Ryntum of taking advantage of the ongoing war to expand its kingdom, capitalizing on the chaos and turmoil for its own gain.
"Ryntum had the capacity to send help but chose not to. Instead, they allowed the Republica to fall into the hands of Barlia before swooping in to recapture the city. All the while portraying themselves as a hero."
The words hung heavily in the air, and a collective gasp of disbelief swept through the crowds.
"Imagine how many lives could have been saved if he had acted just one step earlier?" the speaker passionately continues. This time, he toned down his voice, trying to gain the emphatic of the crowds.
"Think about just how much difference our life would be. Some of you have lost everything and had to start over. Some of your friends died, slaughtered by the enemy. He is a selfish person! He never meant to sit on the throne. It rightfully belongs to his brother! That's why he was never seen wearing a crown! There's a guilt in his heart and he knows it! We shall not be subject to the rule of a crownless king! Glory to Republica!"
With his final, impassioned shouts, the atmosphere in the assembly erupted into a crescendo of cheers that reverberated like thunder.
The spirit of revolution had been fully awakened. Its fiery energy coursing through the crowds like a surging river.
lightsnοvεl.cοm At the same time, a small group of individuals observed the unfolding scene with a sense of satisfaction.
These onlookers, hidden in the shadows, were pleased by the rapid developments transpiring in the city.
As they quietly nodded their heads, one among them couldn't help but sneer, a look of disdain contorting his face. "Once a peasant, always a peasant," he muttered under his breath.
His voice dripped with condescension.
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