Lady of the Ravendale (Book 1, Ravendale series) ✔

Chapter 20

Instantly people started suggesting their ideas. One person suggests that we should kill off Terra bears since non-magical countries have survived without them. The other person disagrees with the killing of the bears, but this person doesn't have an argument why we shouldn't kill the Terra bears. Charlotte was silent. Probably she isn't interested in the topic or she just wants to observe.

It was chaos until the Queen told everyone to stop. Her firm voice made everyone go silent.

"All right, then we should vote. Please light the orb in green light if you think we should kill off the Terra bears, light the orb in red if you disagree with this idea, light the orb in blue if you think we should use an alternative method to deal with Terra bears."The Queen said.

In front of it was an orb that had three buttons in three different colors. I wanted to pick blue since I knew we could use an alternative method, but Charlotte stopped.

" Are you sure you want to choose the blue button? Because if you choose the blue button you must suggest how we should deal with it." Charlotte told me as she already chose the red option. I nodded since I didn't believe that everyone would stick with two options, so I chose the blue option.

I realized that I was indeed wrong. No one chose the blue button except for me and the number of red and green lights is even.

"Since the votes are even I would like to ask the blue voter to voice her suggestion," Queen asked. Everybody looked with doubt or they pitied me. Some people have thought that I was stupid to choose the blue option. I sighed but I stood up and walked to the pedestal.

Of course, I felt anxious talking in front of people. I didn't want to be seen as a joke so I gathered courage and started talking.

"There is an alternative way to deal with Terra bears because if we kill off Terra bears, we will have to spend millions to repair the forest. Instead of killing the bears, I suggest that we should hire tamers that will make sure that bears won't come to the village, but also lead the bears to the forest that needs reviving."

"Sure it will cost money to hire them, but we are still saving the money that we could have spent fixing the forest without Terra bear's help, but also we are creating new job opportunities for people. We could also offer the services of Terra bears to other magical countries like Faya. That way we don't have to worry about spending money hiring people to tame them." I finished my speech. I looked at everyone and I saw that people did listen attentively.

"I like your suggestion. I'm afraid I haven't seen you before. Can you introduce yourself ?" The Queen asked me.

" I'm Duchess Annabelle of Blue Topaz and Amethyst" I introduced myself. Since I've married my husband who is Dukes, I instantly became a Duchess and can use both surnames, since there is no one to take over the Blue Topaz household.

"Thank you Duchess Annabelle for your suggestion. You may go back to your seat." Queen Cordelia thanked me and I went back to my seat.

People started murmuring about my suggestion like they are considering my idea.

"You did pretty well," Charlotte told me.

"You think so?" I asked her because I doubt I could do well on the first try.

"Yes, if you can't tell, her majesty is struggling with the country's finances. She will definitely be interested in how she can spend less money to fix forest fires but also find a way to earn more money." Charlotte explained to me.

After hearing Charlotte's explanation I remembered the auction. Maybe that is why there was an auction, so she can probably pay off expenses or maybe even debt.

"Since Annabelle offered a suggestion, let's vote again. Choose green if you agree with Duchess Annabelle's idea, choose red if you disagree." Queen Cordellia asked all people in the court meeting to vote again.

Everyone started voting, I felt relieved when I saw most people chose green.

I'm glad I didn't end up being seen as a joke by everyone. It would be bad if I destroy my reputation before even starting building it. I need to have a steady reputation since it will help with my business.

It's concluded that my method will be used to deal with the Terra bears. After that, we discussed more other problems that are occurring in Ravendale. Charlotte suggested I shouldn't choose the blue option for now, so I can still be left with a good impression.

After the meeting ended, Charlotte and I went to our carriage, but before we went back to the carriage Charlotte said goodbye to Emilia. Then we went back to our carriage.

When we left the building there was a group of journalists waiting for us, so they could take an interview. We tried to avoid journalists, but I was stopped by the red-haired journalist.

"Hello, I'm from Raven time. Can you please answer how do you plan to deal with the Terra bears?" a red-haired journalist asked me.

"I'm sorry it's my first time at a court meeting. I don't think I'm suitable to be interviewed by you." I tried to avoid giving an interview, but I was still stopped by her. Then Charlotte told me that she will wait for me in the carriage.

"Duchess Annabelle, our magazine made for people who live in Etira. I think your interview is more suitable than interviewing other people," she explained. I looked at the red-haired journalist and for some, she looked familiar. Then I agreed to an interview.

I explained how we plan to deal with Terra bears without giving myself credit. Then she asked questions about other topics and I gave her short answers.

After that, I went back to the carriage. Charlotte teased and praised that I was a fast learner and probably will surpass her. But I denied that I could surpass her. She is considered one of the influential politicians in Ravendale and she is the head of the richest household, besides I'm not interested in becoming a politician.

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Hey I know that I didn't update for a long time, but my exam session was coming up and there was a lot of work to do before exams, but now I'm finished with the exams and can continue write this story.

So what do you think about the Queen?

Why Charlotte doesn't seem to like the Queen?

The next chapter I will post on Friday.