Chapter 49 ~ The Meeting of the Ravis Nobles
"The King and Queen, rulers of the Eastern Territory, are about to enter the hall!" The booming announcement echoed as the large doors swung open. Belinda tightened her grip on Luca's arm, feeling a mix of nervousness and uncertainty.
Everyone in the room, the entire Ravis people present, bowed in respect to Luca and Belinda.
Sensing Belinda's nervousness, Luca gently held her hand to reassure her.
They proceeded to sit on the royal thrones, side by side.
"Raise your heads," commanded Luca, prompting everyone to lift their heads and look up.
Belinda felt the tension in the air, yet Luca's gentle touch offered her a sense of calm. She took in the grandeur of the room, decorated with golden weavings and sparkling gems, reflecting the splendor of their kingdom. Soft murmurs filled the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and reverence.
"Thank you for your warm welcome," Luca continued, his voice calm yet firm. "Today, we are gathered not only to celebrate our marriage but also to work towards a brighter future for all the issues plaguing the Northern Territory."
"First, I would like to introduce my queen, Belinda Miller. Starting today, following Ravis customs, the queen will always be present at internal meetings." Luca’s announcement was direct.
"But, Lord Luca, the queen isn't even a Ravis. How could she understand such crucial internal matters?" asked Gerald, a powerful and wealthy Ravis noble from the North.
"Are you questioning my decision, Gerald?" Luca replied firmly.
Gerald paused, taken aback by Luca's authoritative response. Around him, the atmosphere grew tense as all eyes turned to him, awaiting his reaction. Unlike Gerald's skeptical gaze, several others began showing support for Luca and Belinda.
"I didn't mean to doubt your decision, Lord Luca," Gerald replied cautiously. "But we all know that understanding our traditions and Northern issues requires experience that can't be gained quickly."
Luca remained resolute, undeterred by the challenge. "Belinda may not be from the Ravis people, but she is intelligent and has a sincere heart to care for our people. Her knowledge of matters beyond our borders can bring valuable new perspectives," Luca stated assertively.
Belinda could feel the sharp gazes of the attendees, but she tried her best to remain composed beside Luca. "I am committed to listening and learning from all of you. Together, we can address the problems and create synergy between all the peoples in this territory," Belinda said with a steady voice.
Gerald studied Belinda for a moment. In fact, everyone in the room observed her, attempting to understand her intentions. He sensed something different about the woman by the king's side, but his doubts lingered.
"I hope you can prove that your presence will bring good for all people and not just serve the interests of a select few," Gerald said, his tone softening.
"Rest assured, sir. I have no intention of doing anything related to humanity. And besides, Lord Luca's presence alone would be enough to stop me. So, do you doubt Lord Luca's power here?" Belinda's response left them all silent, including Gerald.
"I am willing to listen to suggestions and feedback from everyone, including you, Gerald. Let’s discuss the issues together and find solutions as one," Belinda added, encouragingly.
The room began to feel warmer as some attendees nodded in agreement. Perhaps, just perhaps, Belinda could bring the change they hoped for.
Belinda looked at Lucia with pride. She knew he was not just a good leader but someone who sincerely wanted to foster harmony among his people.
With a few words, Luca could ease the Ravis’ doubts about him. Perhaps that was the charm of a true leader. As he spoke with kindness, Belinda felt her own confidence start to replace her earlier nervousness. She held Luca's hand tighter, determined to face the challenges ahead together.
Amid the hospitality and glittering lights, Belinda knew they would face many changes. But with each other’s support, they were ready to embrace their new roles as the king and queen of the Eastern Territory.
"Finally," Belinda sighed, feeling relieved after the tense meeting.
"Are you okay?" Luca asked, crossing his arms over his chest. They were now in Luca's study.
"Oh, that was intense! They almost didn’t accept me as their queen," Belinda admitted.
"They will accept you, Bell. Like it or not, you are the queen here," Luca replied.
Belinda smiled, nodding in agreement.
"Yes, you're right. But that felt like trying to win over a strict mother-in-law," she chuckled.
"What’s a mother-in-law?" Luca asked, curious about the human term.
"A mother-in-law is the mother of your partner. That's what we call her," Belinda explained.
"Why strict? Are they usually unkind?" Luca asked.
Belinda sat back in her chair, and Lucia followed suit.
"Hmm... not all of them are mean; some are nice, and some are harsh. Just like in Ravis and human societies. Some are good, and some are not," Belinda clarified.
"Oh, I see."
"You understand quickly!" Belinda chuckled. "Oh, and by the way, everyone is complaining about the drought and lack of water."
"Yes, that’s our current issue. The supplies we’ve stored are dwindling. Wells are drying up, rivers, and lakes too. Here, unlike on Earth, lakes, rivers, and wells are created by us, and all the flowing water comes from one place—the Mermaids' Tears Lake," Luca explained.
"Mermaids' Tears Lake?" Belinda asked.
"Yes, it's located in the Zepon Territory, and the water there is blessed by the Bloodmoon Goddess," Luca explained earnestly.
"We are all highly dependent on that lake, and without water, everything would suffer. Crops will die, animals will start to starve, and we all risk facing a greater crisis."
Belinda furrowed her brow, contemplating Luca's words. "Is there any way to get more water? Could I use my powers? Or maybe find another water source?"
Luca shook his head. "The Bloodmoon Goddess is highly revered, and only she can summon the rains. I’m not sure if you could do it yet. Do you feel anything like the flow of shinsu in your body?" Luca asked.
"How would I feel it?" Belinda asked in return.
"The flow of shinsu always brings warmth to the body. It’s similar to the blood circulating within us," Luca explained, and Belinda looked at her hands.
"I’m not sure if I can feel shinsu," Belinda murmured, exhaling. "I still don’t know enough about this power."
"Perhaps we’ll discover the answer if we return to the Crystal Ice Castle," Luca suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea." They exchanged a look.
***
"However, I remember my father once saying that the Bloodmoon Goddess warned us. She only shows mercy at certain times, and this is not one of them. We have no choice but to wait." Luca explained. "I don't know if his words are connected to your emerging powers or not."
Belinda felt uneasy. "But we can't just sit and wait. We must try to find a solution. If there's anything we can do to bring out the water, we have to try. I have to find a way to awaken the Bloodmoon Goddess's power to bring magic rain and end this drought." Belinda appeared determined.
Luca looked at her for a while.
"Bell, why do you want to do something for us?" Luca asked.
Belinda furrowed her brow. "What kind of question is that? Obviously, I want to do it because only I can. It feels like my responsibility," Belinda answered.
"Do you know, Bell, that the Ravis have already prepared a plan? When the lake of the mermaids' tears runs dry, you will go to Earth and claim it by annihilating the remaining humans there."
Thump!
Belinda was stunned by Lucia's words.
"You want to help our people, but we want to destroy yours," Luca said.
Belinda lowered her head, absorbing Luca’s words. Her heart wavered between guilt and a desire to act for the greater good.
"I didn’t know all of this," she whispered. "I just wanted to help. Isn’t there another way to save everyone?"
Luca continued, "We’re all caught in a larger game. This isn’t just about humans or the Ravis. If the lake dries up, our forests will die, other creatures will perish, and it will affect us all, Bell."
Belinda's hands began to tremble. "But… I can't let my people suffer. Is there any other choice?"
"If you force the Bloodmoon Goddess's power to awaken, it may come with a cost to you. Such power always has a price," Luca warned.
Belinda bit her lip, struggling with the dilemma between loyalty to her people and her compassion for others. "But if I don’t try, we’ll lose everything. I can't give up that easily."
A glimpse of hope sparkled in Belinda’s eyes. Perhaps there was a chance for peace amidst the chaos. However, the ticking time bomb of the "Ravis plan" was ready to explode. Without immediate action, the consequences could change everything, and humans might truly be wiped out.
Here’s the translation with appropriate grammar adjustments:
\---
"Can you help me? Please prevent the Ravis creatures from coming to Earth. In the meantime, I will try to awaken my powers to fill the lake with the mermaid’s tears," she said, steeling her heart.
With a trembling voice, Belinda continued, "I know this is not an easy task, but we have no other choice. If we don’t stop the Ravis from coming to Earth, everything we love will be destroyed without a trace."
“Luca, we made an agreement before we got married. So, can you uphold that agreement?” Belinda asked, looking at Luca, hopefully.
“I still remember and will honor our agreement. I’ll send forces around Earth to make sure no Ravis can approach it. Meanwhile, I’ll help you awaken the power of the Bloodmoon goddess,” Luca replied, bringing a smile to Belinda’s face.
“Thank you, Luca. This already helps a lot,” Belinda said gratefully.
"That was our agreement. You’re trying to save my people, so I will do the same for yours," Luca assured her.
Belinda felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing Luca’s words.
They both felt the weight of responsibility on their shoulders but also a glimmer of hope. This mission took them on an unexpected journey. If they wanted to save their nations and avoid destruction, they would have to unite, explore all possible solutions, and, most importantly, find a way to face the looming threat.