Chapter 374 Unstoppable Secession
The spark ignited by that impassioned speech in Vofors had become an unstoppable blaze, spreading like wildfire throughout the eastern territories of the kingdom.
What had started as a simple address to the current crisis had become a clarion call for secession, resonating deeply with the hearts of those who had felt oppressed.
The flood of grains into the market could no longer quell their anger.
In Dalfos, the message took root with incredible speed. People from all walks of life, from labourers to intellectuals, began to organize and mobilize.
They were done with the economic hardships and the feeling of being neglected by the kingdom.
The hunger for justice and autonomy was visible with a naked eyes.
Marches and demonstrations became a common sight in the streets of Vofors and Dalfos.
These gatherings were marked by an overwhelming sense of unity, as men, women, and even children raised their voices together.
Banners and placards with slogans like 'Return of the Republic' and 'East Stands Strong Together' fluttered in the wind, symbols of their newfound determination.
More and more former leaders of Republica emerged from their hiding and joined the movements, rallying their communities behind the cause.
The spirit of revolution had rekindled, drawing its energy from the historical struggles of the past.
Stories of the republic's first president, Metternich Henderson, and the ideals upon which it was founded were shared passionately.
The memory of their own hard-fought independence, now seemingly lost, drove them to reclaim their sovereignty.
In the cities and towns across the eastern territories, the clamour for change was deafening. It echoed through the markets, the factories, the schools, and even the homes of ordinary citizens.
It became a force too powerful to be ignored.
And yet, noaction was taken by the government.
This lack of immediate action perplexed the masses, who expected a swift and forceful crackdown on the protests.
The kingdom had well-established army bases in close proximity to the affected regions.
Logically, any monarch concerned about maintaining control and stability would have immediately dispatched troops to quell the uprisings.
Yet, the government's side appeared to be strangely passive.
Thus, the absence of immediate repression only seemed to embolden the secessionist movement further. They interpreted the government's reluctance to intervene as a sign of vulnerability and indecision.
What the public did not know, however, was that instead of deploying the military, the government had chosen a more discreet approach.
They had dispatched a network of agents to infiltrate the regions and observe the situation closely.
These agents were tasked with gathering intelligence, monitoring key figures within the secessionist movement, and reporting back to the central authority.
Sitting at the corner table of the cafe, Agent Wheatman watches the ongoing march through the large windows.
He sipped his coffee, the bitterness a stark contrast to the atmosphere outside.
"These people have so much free time. Don't they have jobs to go to?" he mused, a note of jealousy creeping into his tone.
Wheatman had been buried under a mountain of reports and tasks ever since the protests began. The idea of a leisurely day off seemed like a distant dream.
Agent Nerdwolf, seated across from Wheatman, glanced at the passing crowd. "They probably took a day off to join in," he replied. "I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to quit their job entirely for these stupid marches. But who knows? There might be a few who've taken that drastic step."
Ever since the protests had erupted, the city seemed to be barely functioning as usual.
Commerce was disrupted, transportation routes were blocked, and the daily routines of the city's residents were thrown into chaos.
The absence of any warnings or threats from the governor's office had only exacerbated the situation, emboldening the protesters to push forward with their demands.
Crash—
The loud crash reverberated through the street, an abrupt disturbance in the midst of the already tense atmosphere. Heads turned in the direction of the noise, and a ripple of unease spread through the crowd.
Wheatman and Nerdwolf exchanged glances as they both realized what had just occurred.
It seemed that the secessionist movement had not only disrupted the city's daily life but also led to an increase in crime rates.
Overly excited or agitated individuals, perhaps caught up in the fervour of the protests, had resorted to acts of vandalism and lawlessness.
In front of them, a storefront bore the brunt of this frustration. Its windows were shattered, glass shards strewn across the pavement. Angry graffiti covered its walls, and the store's merchandise lay scattered and damaged on the ground.
It was a disheartening sight to see.
Wheatman and Nerdwolf knew that this was just one of many incidents that had been reported in recent days. Petty thefts, property damage, and even minor altercations had become disturbingly common.
Wheatman couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration and disappointment as he surveyed the scene of the vandalized storefront. "Why would the king allow these people to run a rampage like this?" he questioned aloud.
To him, it seemed like the most basic duty of a ruler was to ensure order and safety for their citizens.
Nerdwolf pondered Wheatman's question for a moment before offering his own perspective. "Perhaps, the king is deliberately allowing this unrest to escalate."
He leaned closer, I've heard whispers among our network that all agents are being put on high alert. There's something in the works, something that we're not aware of. It's possible that the king is trying to draw out the leader of this secessionist movement."
Wheatman raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Nerdwolf's words. "You think they're planning something big?" he asked, curiosity outweighing his earlier frustration.
Nerdwolf nodded. "It's a possibility," he replied. "We'll have to stay vigilant and be prepared for any developments."
"If so... that's good then! I hope they didn't take too much time to take action or else, this succession movement will be unstoppable." said Wheatman.
He then sighed as his gaze fixed on the ongoing chaos in the streets. "The last thing we need is a full-blown civil war."
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