CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113- AUDIENCE WITH THE KING AND QUEEN (2)

Reinhardt nodded once again. What he asked for was indeed troublesome. Recognising demi humans as citizens of the country would mean harbouring them in their lands. Not only that, it would also mean giving them social and economic rights to live and start their family inside the kingdom’s territory.

Most of all, it would give them a standing that was equal to humans.

Even if they discounted all of these, the unrest it would create with their surrounding kingdoms if the kingdom of Solaris were to pass such a law would be immense. After all, unlike Solaris, the other nations and even some Seven Great ones actively use slaves and see demi humans as nothing but lesser beings.

What Reinhardt asked was practically sparking conflict with the other nations at this time when they should be united. However, if there is anyone who can fulfil this wish, then it’s the King and the Queen.

"Reinhardt, it’s now like you don’t know. The Forces of Darkness are only growing stronger. While we humans on the other hand only have a finite number of kingdoms still standing. If we start something that sows discord among our own allies, then it would only be giving demons the opportunity to destroy us".

He was aware, how could he not? That said...

"All the more reason that we harbor demi humans and recognise them as citizens. How long are we going to see them as ’Lesser’? How long are we going to oppress our own? You consider using fellow humans as slaves disturbing and inhumane. However, isn’t enslaving demi humans the same? We brand them as slaves, deny them names, deny them homes. When they are out there, getting slaughtered by the demon, we only offer silence in return. I ask your Majesties, which kingdom has survived so far by dividing its own heart?"...

"After becoming a knight and walking the far off lands, I came to understand a few things. The elves have walked these forests since before our first stone was laid. The dwarves carved the mountains that shield our borders. The beastfolk hear the whispers of the wild that we have long forgotten. These are not lesser beings. They are not slaves. They are citizens in waiting. They are allies. They are family"...

"I know it is hard to accept a view that is completely different from yours. However, isn’t this the reason why our continent of Valdonia fell so easily to the onslaught of the forces of darkness? We were disunited, unfazed, and unconcerned about what happened to the other races. We were only concerned about our own people, territory and interests"...

"The demons took advantage of that to quickly sweep through the continent until the remaining land humanity had was a measly few percent. This is my honest plea to your Majesties, there is still time to change this. If we do not stand together now— if we do not recognize their rights, their dignity, their place among us— then we will fall divided, and the demons will feast on our pride".

Reinhardt finished his piece. This entire time while he was speaking, no one stopped him. No, they could not. It was not due to his presence, but because the weight of the words and ideals that he presented in this hall was that great.

They were enamoured by the ambition the man named Reinhardt had.

The queen took a deep breath and closed her eyes. The king did the same. If what Reinhardt wished for was based simply on a whim of his, they could have condemned or even dismissed it outright.

However, when a knight who has repeatedly protected the kingdom and whose countless valor has made him a hero, lays his heart out, even they, the highest decision makers of the state, were tongue tied and distressed over what to do.

"Reinhardt Arcknight... let me ask you. Is that what you think? Do you really think demi humans have that much value? You could have asked anything else you know. Even the Holy Sword Galgano that you currently do not possess. You could have asked to get it back, yet you insist on recognising the demi humans?"

The queen glanced at him and asked for his confirmation.

"Yes, your majesty," Reinhardt’s stance remained unchanged.

"Sigh, in that case, I want to see that demi human that made you change your views. Bring that woman who is outside".

On her command, the guards brought Zerina, who was waiting outside. Like Reinhardt, she got on one knee and greeted them.

"Chief of the new Toto village, Zerina from the panther tribe, greets Your Majesties".

"Hmm, you are the one we met yesterday," the Queen recalled. Thanks to her testimony, Reinhardt’s words had more weight.

"My knight here just suggested an interesting proposal. I want to ask you, is this what your people desire too?"

Zerina glanced at Reinhardt, and a smile appeared on her face.

"The humans have ignored the plight of us demi humans for a very, very long time. When the elven kingdom, Elvenheim fell, the humans simply observed. When the world tree Yggdrasil fell, you were all silent"...

"When Mount Cragdor fell and the dwarves were displaced from their territory, you simply watched. When the Duskrun Expanse fell and the beastfolk were homeless, you simply stood by the sides"...

"Of course, the blame cannot solely be put on humans; we of the other races were at fault too. However, after the fall of our civilisation, when all of us ran away from the demons to survive, the humans finally moved. They took arms, subjugated us, branded us inferiors, enslaved us, and used us like tools"...

"At this point, I believe I can say it on behalf of all demi humans that we do not want humanity’s pity. Sooner or later, the human kingdoms would also experience the same ending and get swallowed by the forces of darkness. That is what my thought process was up until now".