Chapter 171 171 – The Speech

"Prophet Velvet will make the speech in the courtyard of the government building! Please come there!" A man in a blue and silver official Ascaind uniform was walking around the city, making announcements. He was escorted by several soldiers. "She will address last night's disaster and talk about the future of this country!"

The refugees gathered on the street exchanged glances. Some followed the official's words to go to the government building, some remained silent because they were injured or too tired, and some approached the country's officials. The soldiers immediately moved to block them from coming to the announcer.

"Is the prophet going to help us, Sir!?" one of the men asked frantically.

"Has she defeated that dragon!?" Another man joined in.

Meanwhile, a woman was crying. "Please, can I ask the prophet to help find my missing son?"

"You will find the answers to your questions in front of the government building." The official kept walking while the soldiers protected him. "So, come there, meet the prophet in person!"

Ascaind officials don't just pass through that street. The other shapeshifters and succubi do the same thing in all corners of the city by disguising themselves as officials or soldiers.

Apart from that, several real officials and soldiers from that country were forced to do this too. They have no other choice. The government they know is gone, and they can only depend on the prophet.

***

[Vorn's POV]

The crowds of people had already echoed from outside the government building where I was now. I sat in a room with ministers who could only look down in fear.

Well, for now, I still need them. They are in charge of carrying out the decisions of the council members. They know the condition of this country and how to manage it.

"It's okay, ladies and gentlemen." I smiled at them. "Yes, change is inevitable, but I guarantee it won't be as bad as you imagine."

They didn't answer and just kept looking down.

"I am proud to witness this great thing, my lord." Ayre, sitting next to me, said. "I'm looking forward to what will happen in the future."

I held the shapeshifter general's hand. "Yeah, but it's still early, Ayre."

Not long after, Velvet entered this room accompanied by several female soldiers. The color of her eyes and hair has returned to normal. Her fangs have also disappeared. However, I wonder if her scales are still there because she is already wearing her white-gold armor.

"Have you made any acquaintance with them, my lord?" the prophet asked.

I shrugged and got up from the chair. "Well, it seems they're still shy around me."

She approached me, and I put my arm around her waist.

"It's going to be a great day, my love." I hissed in her face.

And she flashed a faint smile. My heartbeat soared at the sight of such a sweet thing. Finally, she can smile after a long time of sadness and anger.

"Yeah, I agree." She answered, and I lightly kissed her mouth. My ears can catch gasp from those ministers.

"Ah, I haven't told you about my relationship with the prophet." I faced those people while continuing to wrap my arms around Velvet's waist.

They could only stare at the prophet with a frightened expressions.

***

The two of us went to the top floor of the building. Velvet nodded at me, then out through the big window onto the balcony.

The people outside immediately burst into cheers.

My gaze fixed on her figure. She carried a hefty burden on that tiny back. Everyone has enormous hopes and expectations for her.

I promise, Velvet. I will remove the burdens that torment you.

The people outside fell silent as soon as the prophet raised a hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, all of you know that a giant dragon monster appeared last night! That thing went berserk, destroying our beloved city!" She exclaimed in her distinctive deep voice. With the help of magic, her voice echoes far away so that many people will hear her. "But don't worry, we have defeated that creature!"

People applauded Velvet again. The prophet raised his hand a second time to calm them down.

I know you are also suffering to tell this lie. What makes the destruction is you, after all.

Unfortunately, this must be done. There's no way you're telling the truth.

"And someone helps us in doing that." The prophet continued her speech, then turned her head to me.

On signal from her, I entered the balcony, sparking a flurry of chatter from among the crowd.

I smiled at the thousands of people gathered, then raised my horns. Some of them screamed like crazy because of that.

"It's a demon!!!"

"Is that Vorn!? Vorn is with the prophet!?"

"What really happened!?"

"It's time we eliminate discrimination against the demons!!!" Velvet let out a thunderous sound that miraculously made those people silent again. "Not only did he help us defeat the dragon, but he also exposed our corrupt government. Some of you must already know that and go on. You can spread the stories of our vile officials. I will guarantee your safety. All council members and the prime minister is dead."

Those people were still silent. It seemed they were shocked by the prophet's last words.

"You know what!? I think the arrival of the dragon monster is a punishment from god!!! That creature is coming to exterminate the evils ruining this country from within!!!" Velvet clenched her fists up, and her voice grew even more fiery. "You may not believe it! But remember this! These words come out of my mouth, the prophet herself!"

"How could we believe you!?" One of the spectators near us shouted. "You could be a demon in disguise! It's impossible for a prophet to coexist with a vile creature!"

Commotion erupted. Those who worshiped Velvet began to mock and attack those who agreed with that person.

"Silence!!!" Velvet shouted again, and suddenly those people's bodies were covered with white light.

I checked my own body, which also experienced the same thing.

Even after everything that happened, she can still perform miracles, huh?