The first conference of the Zelandia Free City-State came to a close on that note.
Though some had foreseen that, after forty-six years, the awakening of the Dragon Lord would certainly bring reforms to the existing order of Zelandia—and even the new city—
When those sweeping reforms came cleaving down upon them, they were simply too swift, too decisive, too ruthless.
By the time the meeting adjourned, most people were left dazed and distracted.
The political merger of Zelandia and Minas Tirith, officially renamed the Zelandia Free City-State, was still within everyone's expectations. Some had even been looking forward to it for a long time.
After all, Minas Tirith, the new city in the Northlands, had already become an independent city-state in all but name, whether economically or militarily. All it lacked was a declaration of independence.
Some worried whether this might provoke an extreme reaction from those Drow in Gershon City.
Although the Shadow Queen Xineya had, in order to draw the increasingly powerful Zelandia into Gershon's Beast Tide defensive war, verbally recognized their right to autonomy.
Autonomy, however, was still only autonomy. In name, Zelandia remained a territory under Gershon City's jurisdiction.
And the establishment of an independent city-state meant that they would soon see more detailed and standardized legislation, along with a more authoritative government body.
The former concerned the vital interests of the vast majority, while the latter represented an unprecedented opportunity for many among them to rise in rank.
A chance to go from citizens to true "nobles."
After all, the managers of a "chamber of commerce," whether in status or authority, could not compare to the nobles, bureaucrats, or even lords of a city-state.
Some could not help but wonder whether, with Zelandia's current momentum of growing ever stronger, it might gradually develop into