"A King!? What is he even talking about?!"
That thought resonated all over the room, the temperature was dropping, slowly, Damian was testing if they would notice this. I knew it was dangerous, but I was here to moderate his winter magic just in case. He wanted to transmit an aura of danger, and they still seemed not to notice. Mainly the arrogant albino man. Jaques Schnee looked shocked, but just like a Wayne, he seemed to regain composure. Quickly shifting his eyes towards Peny, Damian and I read his movements.
"I assure you, we are perfectly safe, and if anything were to happen, my sister and associate" Damian gestured towards me. "Is more than capable of submitting her"
"How long were you going to keep this a secret General?" Asked Jaques looking as if he had won the lottery. I could see Winter Tapping her finger against the table. Even Penny glanced at it nervously.
"Classified" he answered before Damian could say anything, he, as well, was losing patience with everyone. Damian has never liked interruptions.
"You have been working on autonomously for years," said councilman Sleet.
"It is obvious Atlas isn't going to war nor anyone has declared it" reasoned Councilwoman Camila "And we had nothing to do with the incident in Haven and there is evidence that the drones were acting on their own accord. At this rate, the closure of Atlas will only serve to hurt our relations with the rest of the world"
"It's hurting ALL of us," said Robyn. Her passion is admirable, but she is only doing this to make it believable so we can give put the necessary information.
"You are quite right Miss Hill. With all due respect your majesty. You don't know our people nor its problems yet." Jaques sounded too arrogant, the fury in Winter's eyes was terrifying. "And I'm afraid it is not just your General's choices that affect us. Have your forces found the one responsible for the attacks on Mantle? I do recall some confusion regarding that horrific massacre,"
I frowned. Did he not know that we had incarcerated the man responsible? I believe Damien sentenced him to death. Either that or he was sent to Jason and killed. I just know he isn't here anymore.
"Your information is flawed, everyone was safe, healed perfectly, and no casualties," said General Ironwood. I noticed that underneath the table he was gripping on to Edward's robotic arm, perhaps it was to calm the blond who was yelling profanities in his mind. It was hard to tune him out. Winter was no better, the tapping was louder.
"And as the official report stated," Edward was serious as he said this but his thoughts were "If you had cared to read it, motherfucker! And not trust some old geezer you would know!" "That footage was doctored. And, as said before, Penny is under the General's complete control. The details are classified, but one of the ones involved has been dealt with"
"I'm afraid of the ever-growing list of classified information you seem to be keeping." Said Jaques, he was getting annoying, but Damian and General Ironwood are used to this by now... "I asked the councilmen here to shed some light on your amity Coliseum project they know as much as I do." He glanced at Damien "Did you know this, your majesty?"
"Even you don't know?" Asked Robyn surprised.
"Yes, I am aware," said Damien, "It is to help with some of the aforementioned problems"
"Discretion was needed to avoid a-" General Ironwood didn't get to finish before he was interrupted by Jaques.
"Are you saying you don't trust us?"
Winter slammed her fist down making us all jump. "You can't just buy trust like everything else! You have to earn it!"
"I couldn't have said it better" Jaques was smirking.
"Yes, and you, Councilman Schnee, have not earned it. Until now, all the reports made of you have shown me appalling things" said Damian. "Lieutenant Schnee, please sit down"
"Yes, your majesty"
"Your majesty, you wouldn't know, you barely got here" Jaques was trying to be a poor innocent soul. I believe no one present believed his act.
"As a matter of fact, I do. I have made background checks on you, and your families. I wished to make sure there were people who were truly concerned about the kingdom here. So please, stop wasting our time with ignorant comments and fallacies," said Damien with a glare. Thick ice covered the table immediately. Everyone stared in shock, except our allies. Robyn also was shocked, she hadn't really seen this in person. "Let's now talk about what exactly each, and every one of you controls. First, General Ironwood has control over the Amity project"
"And what reason would that be?" Asked councilwoman.
"Winter, you explain, Damian, could you show them?"
Winter got up and Damian used the ice on the table to create a detailed version of the communications tower.
"General Ironwood created the project using the Amity arena as a base. A communications tower to connect Atlas to the rest of the world" explained Winter. "This would benefit humanity and aid us in eliminating the threats that could come by establishing an emergency line as well, easily used by any citizen. It will also be practical for those with scrolls."
"I have accepted this project, and thus, general Ironwood has permission to proceed. But, we will be using the people of Mantle to work there." Said Damian looking at Robyn. "Of course if that is agreeable with councilwoman Hill"
"What?!" The rest of the council was shocked, Robyn seemed pleasantly surprised by this and nodded.
"I think it will be fine. But we will need better conditions" said Robyn with a frown, Penny didn't cover her glee.
"Outrageous! Using resources this way! The economy could fall!" Yelled Jaques struggling not to hit the table.
"Yes, it could, but it won't," said Damian calmly. "If you were so kind as to think about our people, you would give us a donation. But I know you won't, therefore, I will take all the money you owe due to tax evasion and appoint someone else on your position. Councilwoman Hill will be the one in charge of choosing the people who will be working on it. Objections?"
Jaques was terrified at the mention of tax evasion.
"It does make sense," said Councilman Sleet. "But what if they get sick or if Grimm attacks them?"
"The military will be providing protection" General Ironwood answered.
"And the rest of the people?" Asked Councilwoman Camilla. "How will they be affected?"
"The academy will open its doors, and we will train everyone who is old enough. They do not need to be part of the military" said Damien calmly. "But I do believe it's important for everyone to not be vulnerable to Grimm given the case no military personnel or huntsmen are there. I also believe later on we could make evacuation routes if needed"
"But what about-"
"Councilman Schnee, your dust company will still be up and working" added Damien with a bat glare. "But, the faunus will be freed. No more slave labor. And the abandoned buildings will be used to house the homeless. Taxes will pay for their water, food, and job. They will be doing the jobs nobody else wants. But will be paid accordingly. Therefore, our own salary will diminish by at least, twenty percent. It is not a question. Yell all you wish, but this is for the people. And it can avoid future riots...mainly from the extremists that are part of the white fang"
Damien knew very well how to shut them down. I'm so proud of him!
"Councilwoman Camila, you are appointed treasurer since you seem the most sincere of the other councilmen" she nodded and smiled warmly. "Councilman Sleet, you will be in charge of finding the places that are abandoned, dilapidated, or not maintained. Also, the places that were vandalized in all of the kingdoms. I believe those working under you will be more than enough to locate those places" the man nodded as Damien looked at Robyn. "Councilwoman Hill, you will care for the needs of Mantle and the other poorer areas. Also assign those who will work on heavy lifting, those who would want to work in the mines, restoration, cleaning the streets, maintenance or erasing vandalism"
"Of course, and I'll make sure to send them to the academy"
Damien nodded, "Councilman Schnee, you are fired"
"WHAT?! YOU CAN'T DO THAT" I cringed God at his yelling, he looked redder than ever.
"I can, and I did." Said Damien, "In fact, Major Elric will be taking over your position. He is more fit for the position, and aware of people's necessities." He looked at the blond who nodded. Had they spoken about this beforehand? "You will be in charge of the education and health departments. General Ironwood will still be in charge of the military. Pietro Polendina will be in technology and science. Are there any questions?"
Jaques was sputtering trying to say something, Winter was smirking and the rest only nodded.
"Jaques Schnee you are, as of now, along with your wife, Willow Schnee under arrest" Edward and General Ironwood got up and walked towards him Jaques was outraged, trying desperately to escape.
"WHY?!"
"Kori" I nodded.
"You have the right to remain silent. All you say can be used against you" I said as Penny left along with Edward to find Willow. "You and your wife are being charged with child neglect. Along with that, Jaques Schnee you have committed: Slavery of faunus, discrimination, domestic abuse, fraud, tax evasion, bribery, conspiracy, and treason."
Everyone was stunned as General Ironwood got up taking the man with him.
"This meeting is over. As of tomorrow, everything will start." Declared Damien leaving the room. I followed him sighing. The people had left. Only our group remained, the Schnee siblings watched how their father struggled and how their mother, with her head down, was taken away.
"I apologize to say this so soon, but I will have to tell you before I forget," said Damien, observing each sibling being comforted by their lover. "Winter, you will receive 20% of the Schnee inheritance. Your main job will be to take care of the mining part of the company since the military will be helping out. And due to you having a paycheck you will not need all of the properties nor money" she nodded trying hard not to cry.
"Weiss you, like your sister, do not need all of it. But you will have 30% of it. Mainly money and handling the distribution of dust, along with outside properties. Since you are a huntress, you will be moving all over the world and this will be convenient for you" Weiss was crying and sniffled a yes.
"Whitely, you will be coming with us to the military. 50%of the inheritance is yours. You will manage the money and workers of the company. You may do what you wish with the properties in Atlas."
"W-Why?" He asked.
"You will come with us in order for you to learn how to defend yourself and use the Glyphs like your sisters!" I told him as Altair took my hand. I relaxed as I felt his warmth.
"We can be together for more time!" Said Penny. Whitely smiled tearfully and nodded.