4:30 PM, Victorray Senate.

The Harbor Guardian and the Lord of Westwood, Eagle Hendon, leaned on a cane as he walked to the front of the stage. His gait was steady, like an old duck—which seems a bit unfitting for a Yorl Chicken Person, but otherwise, there's nearly no words to describe his stability when walking.

The Yorl Chicken People, in the 10th narrative "Crimson Blood Alliance," had twice won the title of supreme species, their large population base occasionally producing heroic figures.

Though the world constantly tries to attribute ancestry like 'Phoenix' or 'Peacock' to the Chicken People, they scoff at this, deeming it a defense of the weak.

Chicken People are simply Chicken People, as Eagle Hendon's elegant plumage and bright red crest clearly demonstrate. He extended a claw to smooth the feathers on his neck, puffed out his broad chest, glanced around, and the next moment his loud voice echoed throughout the council hall:

"Has everyone heard about the fire in West Harbor today?"

"Yes, Honorable Guardian, that's why we are here."

"I really didn't expect such a tragic event to happen, it's truly pitiful…"

"I think it's time to establish a proper fire brigade. Relying solely on civilian firefighting teams, when a fire breaks out at your homes, how long will that take…"

People below the stage discussed fervently, most expressing sympathy for the fire disaster.

After all, the dead are dead, making a few comments—once it's your family's turn, others would criticize you too.

"Good riddance! That bastard exploiting the sailors and sea merchants is finally gone!"

Just then, someone shouted:

"Damn Iris Flower Family is finished, Mahmut's second son Quinn, burned to charcoal, serves them right!"

Such remarks seemed somewhat harsh; after all, the death has occurred…

"Since the people have died, I'm wondering whether to postpone the taxation issue."

Eagle rubbed his claw, following up:

"As you all know, for a Yorl Chicken Person, I'm not young anymore, I love our city, but I cannot guard you all forever. Therefore, forming an army to protect people and city property is necessary… Adding to this fire incident, I think fire protection must be on the agenda."

"No time like the present, Mahmut Family indeed caused us quite some trouble in the past, but you also understand, without their influence maintaining lower-level order, these captains and sailors would act unchecked. Therefore, I propose taking advantage of Mahmut Family's manpower shortage to establish a maritime management department… let's call it the Maritime Division, how about that?"

"Certainly, establishing departments, armies, firefighting—all require money, Mahmut Family would surely be pleased to pay a little of the unreported and omitted taxes from the past—thus, our army will protect their offspring in the future, right?"

Chicken People speak bluntly, openly laying out their intent to "take advantage of the situation", yet the senators had little opposition, as Eagle's propositions indeed benefited them all.

"Honorable Guardian, I have a question."

A senator raised his hand to inquire:

"Do you think this fire was a natural occurrence?"

"Many saw it, a bolt of lightning struck and ignited the wooden houses—oh, it seems we also need to levy expenses for lightning rods and banishing Lighting Elemental Spirits from the citizens, secretary, note it down."

Chicken People answered fluently, as he saw it, the Mahmut Family was already declining, using the opportunity to push reforms, consolidating power back to the council, and forming a port protection army, that was the core.

Just as he articulated, he was no longer young, his descendants hadn't inherited his exceptional talent, Chicken People's lifespans are short, aging happens fast, only their birth rates remain high. Once he couldn't continue fighting, taking on the guardian position, hundreds of mouths back home would fret him.

Considering his offspring, Eagle must insist on carrying out reforms to ensure his family could at least rely on army protection for future generations.

"However, according to police response, Mahmut Family's housekeeper Maight, not long after the fire broke out, left Victorray Harbor alone with plenty of luggage and documents. According to interrogation records, he claimed it was persecution and sought to inform Old Mahmut Family of the sorrowful news."

The senator argued convincingly and presented the complaint record:

"Let's set aside the army and firefighting matters, I wish to ask, even if Mahmut Family was a gang in the past, do we ignore the criminal offense of persecution and assassination they're experiencing now?"

"Senator Aver, if you speak like that, you can't just put it that way. Even the little ghosts picking trash at the port know, Iris Flower Brotherhood is involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, hoarding goods, violent crime, gang conflicts, threatening Layer Abyss immigrants numerous times—how do I see it, such an organization's destruction should be a worthy occasion indeed."

Another senator mocked:

"[Master of Souls] Gloster above, I fail to comprehend what level of moral low ground one must possess to empathize with a bunch of drug dealers, human traffickers, and pimps—do you perhaps engage in such endeavors?"

"Director Otto, you're a prosecutor, I know you wish to throw everyone into prison, thus showcasing your righteous stature, fulfilling your noble needs."

Senator Aver declared righteously:

"Frankly, we are humans first, legitimate citizens of Border Abyss, independent from the dominion of the Narrative Union, a free city-state. In Victorray Harbor, the law must prevail, even if one is guilty beyond measure, only deities and the law can judge them!"

"But surely deities desire good people as believers, right? Otherwise, why do religions teach kindness—Even Redd Gold encourages honest business and timely repayment."

"Correct, even Redd Gold dislikes the wicked."

"Senator Aver, you have a background as a lawyer, if you want to uphold the law, why not defend the poor?"

"Because the poor can't afford legal fees."

Upon saying this, the entire council burst into laughter, Aver's face turned green, yet he still insisted:

"Honorable Guardian, irrespective of past history, we should presently consider judicial integrity. Let police and detectives uncover the truth, trials for the guilty, redemption for the innocent, not focus on armies and firefighting. Without fundamental justice guaranteed, what's the point of having so much armed force?"

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