Finding Contentus

Chapter 118: Truth

The meeting was held in a two-story, burgundy-coloured bar. Lovouta was on the second floor, singing and racking up thunderous applause from those who attended.

She received the loud whistles from the men and shared envious but impressed winks with the women before settling down after establishing a warm atmosphere.

She didn't keep any of the money for herself. She asked bag collectors to distribute her earnings to the children in the streets who watched her from the outside, clapping. The single sight of them smiling at her made Lovouta feel like the richest woman alive.

A fair amount of Mettronians decided to pitch in, along with some Zatalians who were interested in what Rani Lovouta had to say. She saw them scribbling on their notepads like reporters.

Lovouta sat on the top of the wooden railings, welcoming and thanking those that decided to hear her speak. The Mettronians, the Ghypptys and Oshinians, looked so hopeful, desperate even.

They were frustrated by the results of the latest voting results. Lovouta felt the same, more so because she and her brother were to blame, indirectly, to an extent, but what else could they do?

"We're still in tough times that make us tougher," she said. Her voice was like a pleasant massage to the listeners. "I know it may be hard to believe, but trust my word. Chieftainess Babaki is on our side. If it wasn't for her, Aya and I would have been dead. We can't put the blame on her. She's like a bone pulled out of its socket at having to balance our interests with the interests of her people."

"Balance? Imbalance you mean. I don't mean to offend, Rani Lovouta." One man said. Others nodded.

"No offense taken," she nodded at him. How can I word this differently? "Balance as in the boxes that Zatalians have over us compared the boxes we need to get to their level. Equity. A kind of equality that tries to compensate for their advantages compared to our disadvantages."

She stabbed her finger. "The point is that she won't be able to do much if we continue with the low level riots that will eventually become high level, demanding affirmative action. We can't afford a civil war when there's so many wars going on around Constantia already."

She lowered her finger. "Especially back home."

Those that gathered muttered to one another. It sounded so strange, calling Mettro home. Many refugees had been living in Zatalia for decades, more even, with family lines stretching for a long period of time.

"Lonan," Lovouta singled out the escapee guard from Mettro, the man that Morena Neosa spared. She asked him to repeat his message.

He did. Lonan addressed the Ghypptys specifically. Change was brewing at a rapid rate ever since Neosa became allied to Malikoh Ramoth and Mambo Musa.

Neosa. Lovouta touched her chest for a moment. Just hearing about The One Neo, from a primary source made Lovouta feel inspired. The shocking revelation came when Lonan had received word about the East from relatives he had left behind.

Prime Pharaoh Ramela and Phoenix Princess Ramiya — had abolished slavery from their end, all thanks to Oba Genesia, their Great General.

The people cheered, praising the children of Chief Renero and Chieftess Bantii.

Genesia! Lovouta's heart rate spiked as she gripped the wooden railing possessively. The twin cousins of Mpho were doing something that had never been done in her and Ayata's homeland.

We have to match them on our side too. It made Lovouta feel excited, thirsty even.

"The One Neo saved me when she had every reason to kill me for my crimes. Crimes I cannot make up for," Lonan said, bowing his head.