Setting the Stage

[Eva-Beatrice]

Originally posted: April 20, 2020

Due to the current health crisis and situation within Rokkenjima, the Witch Council had found themselves in the routine of holding daily meetings. Today was no different, as they were once again gathered in an undisclosed building in Tokyo, this time being briefed by Rokkenjima's Head of Internal and Foreign Affairs, Crestia Bel. "In regard to COVID-19, the number of cases in both Beijing and Shanghai have remained consistent. As of right now, Beijing remains at fifteen cases while Shanghai remains at eight. Furthermore, the health departments of both cities have begun requiring every citizen to be tested. People have been complying with the order thus far, but continue to voice their displeasure with the situation online. As long as the virus remains in those two cities, however large they may be, we should have enough testing kits for everyone. We've yet to see additional cases elsewhere since the bolstering of defenses along our border."

Beatrice nodded, taking in the information. "Indeed. That would be in line with what we learned from Commander Satan's report earlier that the People's Liberation Army is focusing their efforts on policing China's population, punishing anyone who goes outside unnecessarily. Since we caught wind of what they were doing, the smuggling of infected people across the border has ceased." Bernkastel shifted her expressionless gaze to Crestia, casually asking her question. "And what is the state of the protests?" Crestia responded. "Right. It seems the protests have started gaining traction among all of Rokkenjima's species. They've started to become more unified as well, with the common desire for equal representation in government. They remain peaceful for the moment. However, there has been some arguments over whom would hold the most power if an interspecies council is created, and the power that members would have over a different species."

Virgilia voiced her concern. "I believe the possibility of these protests turning violent is high. It would be wise for this council to discuss the creation of an interspecies council as well as who would be included in such a thing, or at the very least, address the concerns of the citizens." Lambdadelta raised a point in response. "How do we know that doing any of those things will even calm the protests? What did they do upon noticing the number of Coronavirus cases didn't rise? They shifted the goal post from how Rokkenjima should respond to the virus to something entirely different. Who's to say they won't do that again? Sure, an interspecies council could be created, but so long as someone disagrees with their representative, they shall never be satisfied. It's all on Eva-Beatrice though, since she decided not to enforce her Territory Lord powers this time around." Eva had a cheeky grin on her face as she looked at Lambda. "Hoh? I'm sorry Lady Lambdadelta, are you dissatisfied with the current state of affairs? I thought you would've been enjoying this more than rolling around in absolute boredom. Nevertheless, the Witch Council will hold a discussion on the matter and address the nation after coming to a decision. Thank you, Crestia Bel, for the report. You are dismissed for now." Crestia bowed respectfully, taking her leave. Upon her exit, the Witch Council would begin their discussion.