Lebion, Kaide Tower.
The newly renovated hall was a sight to behold. The floor was a clean bluish-gray, reminiscent of a bird's winter feathers, with a faint hint of light blue mixed into the gray. Paired with the white velvet surroundings, it created a soft and comfortable atmosphere.
Above, a hexagonal glass dome allowed a view of the pale blue sky outside.
Today, the hall was filled with people. Though the spaciousness of the hall made the crowd seem sparse, there were likely around five to six hundred people present.
As her gaze swept over the attendees, the girl silently estimated the numbers. Originally, she was supposed to leave with her companions today, but she couldn't refuse the invitations from both factions and ended up sitting here.
Indeed, her seat was at the very center of the conference hall, at the focal point of a massive fan-shaped arrangement. To her left and right were secondary seats, each occupied by four high-ranking executives from the respective groups.
"Although we have reconciled and received your instructions, because we have been acting as intermediaries, there has been some lingering doubt and unease. That's why we sincerely hoped you could attend this meeting."
After the two sides reconciled, upon learning of Hestia Thilan's identity and witnessing the grand spectacle of that night, they decided to follow this new-era Color-Grade Songstress and become her followers.
While this decision might seem surprising at first glance, upon closer consideration, it was entirely understandable. They had reached a dead end, and the collapse of their long-held ideals had dealt them a heavy blow. They could no longer see a clear path forward and were lost in confusion. The appearance of this new-era Songstress was like a lighthouse piercing through the fog.
Given the circumstances, what was there to hesitate about? Whether out of loyalty to their former ideals or for their own survival, following this Songstress, who was destined to wield great influence in the Federation, was the best choice they could make.
The high-ranking members from both sides quickly reached a consensus. However, to keep the girl's identity confidential, they struggled with how to explain this to the middle and lower-ranking members. They couldn't very well say that their leaders had become mindless fans of a beautiful and powerful girl.
"So, you need me to demonstrate my abilities as a Songstress, but only to the level of a Starlight Songstress, right?"
The girl pondered and then agreed to their request.
"That's correct, Your Highness. Just a slight display of your charm will help everyone understand our decision," Brod had replied at the time.
And so, today's meeting came to be.
In truth, Thilan wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't the type to be eloquent or skilled at inspiring others. Fortunately, today she only needed to demonstrate her abilities and offer a few words of encouragement.
As the hall gradually filled, the meeting began. The host started by explaining the current situation in Lebion, reviewing its history, and looking toward the future. Then, they discussed the plans and arrangements for the days ahead.
"We will gradually migrate and move out of the abandoned Northern 2nd District, relocating to a new city. Although it is still under construction, this is precisely where we are needed. We will become part of that place, co-creators rather than mere outsiders, beggars, or the abandoned."
"This decision requires great courage, as we must give up everything we have in Lebion. But if we don't let go of the past, we cannot move forward. It's time to make up our minds."
The audience listened quietly to the host's speech. Most of the content had been shared with them beforehand, but many were still puzzled. Why had the higher-ups suddenly changed their stance? Why was the girl from that night's sky now sitting on the conference podium? And why was she not just a supporting figure but the absolute center of attention?
At some point, the microphone in front of the girl was turned on, and the hall fell silent. Countless eyes focused on her, filled with anticipation, curiosity, surprise, admiration, and more.
Closing her eyes, she sensed the emotions in their gazes. Then, the black-haired girl stood up. Her dark hair floated gently in the indoor air as she placed one hand on her chest and slightly extended the other, bowing gracefully.
"The year 612 marks the time since the Verdant Veil began its transformation to the present day," she began, her clear, light blue eyes opening.
"Following the legacy of Golden Flame Rose Isanisha, the elves have been developing desolate planets, spending the majority of their lives in these remote corners of the universe."
As she spoke, the glass walls of the hall dimmed, and even the transparent dome above gradually transformed into a starry night sky.
"The brutal wars of the Fifth Epoch caused countless people to lose their homes. The once eternal paradise was shattered, and the remaining planets were mostly harsh environments plagued by radiation, mutations, viruses, and various other threats."
"It was out of a longing for beauty that Isanisha hoped for a new world filled with flowers, a place where people could move on from the sorrows of the past."
"She conveyed this wish to the people, and this became the starting point of the Rose Federation."
"I don't want to claim that I fully understand the sorrows you've endured over the years. But I want to tell you that the world, or life itself, is not always so cold and cruel. This might sound naive, but I don't believe that coldness and cruelty are the only ways to navigate this world."
"People often feel regret after experiencing failure—regret for past weaknesses, regret for unnecessary kindness—as if becoming cold-hearted is the only way to survive in this harsh world."
"Cold-hearted people are not bound by emotions and possess a strength that ordinary people cannot match. But this strength is also lonely and helpless, requiring constant power to sustain it. Thus, it is also filled with anxiety and unease. Once power and status are lost, everything is lost."
"But power, or status, always follows a pyramid model. This means that only a small number of people can remain at the top, while the majority spend their lives chasing after it, only to remain in the middle or lower tiers."
"Are the majority destined to live their lives in anxiety and unease? Must one become a cold, unfeeling machine to be considered 'successful' and earn praise and respect? I don't think it should be this way."
"The world—the objective, physical world—does not carry labels like 'cruel,' 'beautiful,' or 'kind.' It simply exists. But people, based on their own perceptions, paint it with different colors."
"So, there's no need to constantly imagine persecution or believe that this is an inherently 'cruel' world. It is merely an unconscious world. If we can avoid its sharp edges, we can discover its gentler aspects. It does not target us, so there's no need to always be anxious or uneasy."
"Life is the same. It holds many possibilities. Perhaps the past has always been gray and dull, filled with disappointments and losses, but that doesn't mean it will always be this way."
"Perhaps it's because we are too fixated on one corner of it that we overlook other possibilities. The world, and life itself, are not inherently cruel. They simply exist, and it is we who impose different interpretations on them."
"The life I hope for is one filled with countless possibilities, free from constraints. We are not shackled, and the power of choice always lies in our own hands."
"I dislike those who willingly chain themselves and then complain endlessly. I dislike those who glorify suffering as greatness. I dislike those who, because of their own misfortunes, make others suffer as well."
"I hope to remain unconfused by appearances, not led astray by the sweet words of others, and to view the world clearly and calmly, shaping it into what I wish it to be."
"I believe this is the path we should take."
"It's time to start a new chapter in life. We have a broader world, countless choices, and a future where we can make up for past regrets."
After finishing her speech, the black-haired girl bowed once more. The dome and the glass walls of the hall returned to their transparent state, allowing the blue sky and sunlight to pour in once again.
Her blue, clear eyes, like a gentle and tranquil lake, and her flawless face, with strands of hair swaying gently by her ears, conveyed everything in her heart. This emotion and wish were so genuine that they moved people to tears.