"And I can assure you that although this has something to do with Vylkr vines, you have nothing to worry about. Our warriors are handling the issue and will protect us from anything the Vylkr vines throw at us!" he continued, his tone reassuring.
"Nonetheless, I'm well aware of how uncomfortable the shortage of light can be. However, our only option is to endure this for a few weeks before the sky clears up. So everyone, please go about your day without fear or worry."
"If the architect of Orion's Cities himself is saying this, then we obviously don't need to worry," remarked a woman confidently.
The Vylkr vines have never broken into Orion's Cities before, so why should they be capable of doing so now?"
"Yes, I agree," chimed in a young man nearby. "My senior sister is currently in a relationship with a warrior, and he has assured her not to worry if anything comes up. No matter what, she shouldn't be worried about the Vylkr vines. I guess he was talking about something like this."
After listening to Orion's words, several voices rose in agreement.
Within minutes, the whole area quietened, and everyone returned to their previous activities as though nothing significant had happened.
Orion sighed as he watched the scene unfold. He knew that the only reason this had worked was that they had all witnessed the construction of Orion's Cities, along with the strength of the warriors, and were thus more confident in their safety than fearful of the Vylkr vines.
Fortunately, it was a good thing, as he could only imagine the chaos that could have erupted if it were the other way around.
Orion inwardly sighed as he glanced at the darkened sky once more. "There goes the snowy week I was planning for," he muttered.
Patriarch Rylan was impressed and surprised at how easily Orion handled the crowds. Though he could similarly handle the Four-eared elves, it was only because they were accustomed to living in fear of the Vylkr vines' encroachment. Even then, they would need to deploy hundreds of gods' chosens ones to suppress any groups that might use the situation to incite crime and commit various atrocities.
Isadora, however, was visibly impressed by Orion's words and conduct.
"We should get going and have the warriors deliver this message throughout the Orion's Cities. I'll head back to the Village and have Thak and the warriors from Leftward and Rightward Stronghold handle it," the Village Chief suggested.
It would be quicker and more effective for the warriors to spread this information to calm the people down rather than doing so themselves and going from one location to another.
Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded. "I'll head over to the Third Border City walls and have the warriors there spread the message," he responded.
Orion acknowledged their plan with a nod. "I'll take care of the Leftward and Rightward stronghold branches in the Second and Third Border Cities and ensure they inform everyone," he replied decisively.
The Village Chief and Stronghold Leader Zogar nodded in understanding. The Village Chief shapeshifted into a giant green-horned owl and soared toward the direction of the Village. Meanwhile, Stronghold Leader Zogar leapt into the air, swiftly heading towards the Third Border City walls.
"I think you should return to your home as well," Orion said, directing his attention to Patriarch Rylan and Isadora.
Patriarch Rylan nodded in agreement with Orion's words and motioned for his daughter to follow him as he turned to leave.
However, to his surprise, Isadora took a few steps toward Orion and lowered her head respectfully before him.
"Mr Orion, I'm certain you're already aware of the trouble our people have caused. On behalf of the Four-eared Elf race, I beg you to consider lightening whatever punishment you have for us. I can assure you that those responsible are fully aware of their actions and deeply regret them," Isadora pleaded earnestly.
Then, with a hint of desperation, she added, "Furthermore, if that's not sufficient, I am willing to offer you all of my most valuable possessions to sate your anger and mitigate the punishment. Please, I beg of you to reconsider."
"Isadora…" Patriarch Rylan began, wanting to call out to his daughter, but he quickly halted, choosing instead to observe silently.
Though he was taken aback by his daughter's actions, deep down, he hoped Orion would listen to her plea and consider mitigating the punishment he had in store for them.
He had already given away all his valuable possessions, so he couldn't even if he wanted to meet Orion himself and plead for leniency.
Furthermore, while he could discipline Flintor and the others, he couldn't entirely blame them for their actions. After all, who could have predicted that the only district Orion prohibited them from entering would be the same place where Captain Seig and his lieutenant were staying?
It was an unfortunate coincidence that they found themselves there while pursuing the Pixies.
Patriarch Rylan couldn't help but inwardly smile wryly. Never before had he felt so helpless, having to stand aside and watch his daughter plead for forgiveness on behalf of their entire race.
It was one of the most shameful moments he had ever experienced as a leader and a father.
Listening to Isadora's heartfelt plea, Orion furrowed his brows thoughtfully.
He knew he still needed to decide on their punishment, but he hadn't devised the right punishment. Furthermore, he realised a simple punishment could not resolve their offence.
Orion knew he could rid himself of this headache and the accompanying problems by expelling the entire Four-eared elf race from the Orion's cities. However, that would result in the extinction of an entire race, and it was a solution he wasn't willing to entertain.
Besides, Patriarch Rylan had already offered a divine artefact to apologise for the previous incident.
Rather than punishing the entire race for the actions of a few, he could only hold those directly responsible accountable and ensure they faced the consequences themselves.
