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The opposition leaned forward, intrigue etched on their faces.

"We'll honor the promises," Elio continued, his eyes sweeping across the room, "but with conditions. The payment will be made in installments, tied to community service. These women and their families will contribute to the city in meaningful ways."

Lucien nodded slowly, his frog croaking in what sounded like approval. "It would show we're willing to honor past commitments, but also that we expect something out of the mana used in return to benefit all citizens."

Cassandra's eyes narrowed to slits, her mind visibly working to find a flaw. "And who," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "would determine what constitutes 'meaningful service'? Who would oversee this grand plan of yours?"

Elio rose from his seat, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made everyone in the room instinctively lean back. Ember grew on his shoulder, its scales emitting a glow so bright it cast dancing shadows on the walls.

"I will," Elio declared, his voice resonating with newfound authority. "I'll determine what constitutes meaningful service. I'll oversee everything."

The silence that followed was deafening. Even Lucien looked momentarily taken aback by the forcefulness of Elio's declaration.

Saren recovered first, a sly smile creeping across his weathered face. "Well, well. Our young leader shows his might. But, Von Elio, don't you think that's too much responsibility for one person? Even for someone of your... caliber."

Elio's gaze locked onto Saren, unwavering. "I won't be alone, Saren. I'll have advisors, of course. But the final decision will be mine. As it has been since I assumed leadership of this city."

Cassandra, regaining her composure, interjected with a voice as smooth as silk. "Von Elio, darling, no one questions your authority. But surely you understand the need for... balance. For different perspectives."

"I understand the need for efficiency and justice, Cassandra," Elio responded, his tone firm but not aggressive. "And that's precisely why I can't allow this process to become a political battleground. These women's lives and their children's futures are at stake, aren't they?"

Angela, who had been silent, spoke up, her voice laced with bitterness. "And what do you know about lives at stake?"

Pain flashed across Elio's face for an instant before he composed himself. Ember nuzzled against his cheek, offering silent support.

Lucien, sensing the rising tension, intervened. "Perhaps we should focus on the practical details. Elio, tell them… How do you plan to implement this community service system?"

Elio shot Lucien a grateful look. "We'll establish an evaluation committee. Representatives from different sectors of the city. They'll propose projects and needs, like teaching the new information we've discovered. The women and their families can choose where to contribute based on their skills and interests."

Cassandra, ever probing for weakness, asked, "And who will choose these representatives?"

"I'll appoint them," Elio replied without hesitation. "But they'll be subject to approval by the citizen council we're forming."

Saren leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. "A citizen council, eh? Intriguing. And who will be part of this council?"

"Elected representatives from each section," Elio said, his voice growing stronger with each word. "From all areas of the city, all economic levels. Including, of course, representatives from the families affected by this situation."

Angela's head snapped up, a spark of interest in her eyes for the first time. "The families will have a voice?"

Elio nodded, his expression softening. "Yes, I want everyone to have a say in our city's future. Even those who might disagree with me."

Cassandra, sensing she was losing ground, made one last attempt. "This all sounds very democratic, Elio. But at the end of the day, you're still the one with absolute power. How can we be sure you won't abuse it?"

Elio stood slowly, Ember erect on his shoulder, its eyes fixed on Cassandra. The room seemed to hold its breath.

"Because," Elio said, his voice quiet but intense, "unlike Fathoran, I don't seek power for myself. Every decision I make, every action I take, is for the benefit of our city and its people. And if I ever fail that commitment, I expect all of you to let me know."

The silence that followed was heavy with implications. Everyone in the room knew that, despite his words, Elio had the power to crush them if he so desired. But they also knew that, so far, he had proven to be a fair and compassionate leader.

Even when they were probing and pushing him…

Finally, Lucien stood. "I believe we've made significant progress today. I suggest we take some time to reflect on these proposals and meet again in a few days to finalize the details. I expect your accounting tomorrow through Ivan as usual, Saren."

Elio nodded, grateful for Lucien's suggestion. "Agreed. Thank you all for your time and input. We'll reconvene in seven days, Saren."

As the others filed out, Angela lingered, her eyes fixed on Elio. For a moment, the mask of bitterness slipped, revealing a woman torn between grief and hate. Then, without a word, she turned and left.

When they were finally alone, Lucien approached Elio. "You handled that well," he said, his voice low. "But stay alert. Cassandra and Saren won't give up their power so easily."

Elio nodded, absently stroking Ember. "I know. But neither will I. This city deserves a better future, and I'm going to make sure it gets one."

♢♢♢♢

Elio and Lucien emerged from the central building, their faces showing signs of exhaustion. Ember yawned lazily on Elio's shoulder, while Lucien's frog croaked softly from its usual perch.

They had barely taken a few steps when they were ambushed by a diverse group: Elio's mother, Tarec and his family, the four mysterious young women, and Elio's friends.

"Elio!" exclaimed Lena, hugging her son tightly. "I finally found you! Have you been eating well? You're so thin..."

Elio, slightly choking in the embrace as he didn't want to use his strength, managed to stammer: "Mom, I'm fine. What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

Lena pulled away, her face changing between relief and frustration. "No, honey, everything is not okay. Our house has lost all privacy. People keep coming asking about you, some even try to get in..."

"It's true," intervened Tarec, approaching with his family. "We live nearby and it's madness. People won't leave us alone, always asking about you, Von Elio. My youngest daughter now believes you're some kind of fire god."

"Well, technically..." Kriz began, but was interrupted by an elbow from Zara.

Elio blinked, trying to process the information. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't think that..."

"Oh, come on!" interrupted Kriz, appearing out of nowhere and putting an arm around Elio's shoulders. "Our boy is a celebrity now! We should charge for visits. Imagine the profits! How about we sell tickets to watch Elio bathe?"

"Kriz!" Zara hissed, her face flushing a deep crimson as she elbowed him again, harder this time.