I Am The Truth II

Chapter XVII: Nōtterskarten Populist-Labor Party

"We both know you always drew the bulk of your support from North Ardonia, specifically the northernmost provinces of both Hyperia and Conchord."

"Yeah."

"These Magnorites have heard of you, but they do not know you. There is a difference."

"... yeah."

"So it all comes down to this: first impression. You tell them what they like-"

"I tell them what they need."

"But do you know what they need?"

"..."

"Let Sapphire handle the beginning of the rally. You will get accustomed to the local mannerisms here."

"Do people know I've never been this far south before?"

"I doubt it."

Of course everyone would know. Schorl-Tourmaline had spilled the whole deal the moment he left Sapphire's residence. And so it happened that on the very next day, everyone knew that Abbigail was in town.

As it turned out, Sapphire was going to hold a rally in a quieter area, two or three streets down from his residence. Unlike the denser parts of the massive mining city, this area was not as thick with police, though they did show up regularly. What Sapphire and Ruby did not factor however, was the amount of people coming to attend the rally.

So when the rally began, Sapphire and Ruby both saw a definite increase in their audience. As Igneous and Onyx had predicted, there were people of other races as well, be it out of curiosity or to connect, but they were there. And more kept coming.

"There are much more than we had predicted," Ruby murmured. "It may attract attention."

"We cannot cancel now," Sapphire responded huskily. "Besides, the news of Abbigail being here in person is something nobody wants to miss out on."

He gave Ruby a pat on the shoulder before ascending the podium, waving to the crowd as they clapped for him.

"Thank you everyone," He said.

Ruby turned to see Abbigail sidle up to him.

"Not very discreet," She commented.

"I wonder why," Ruby thought to himself, glancing at her.

"Elections are coming up once again," Sapphire called out to the many dozens of onlookers  gathered. "I know as a fact that as a regional candidate, I will never ascend the post of Prime Minister. However, that has never been my goal."

Abbigail stood off to one side behind the Magnorite on the marble podium.

"My one goal has always been to fight for the rights of all Magnorites living outside of K' Arthen's borders," Sapphire continued. "We all know how our rights fare under Allister's rule... or should I say, honorary dictatorship."

There were murmurs of agreement within the crowd, now well over a few hundred.

"As long as Nōtterskarten holds a majority vote against Allister's re-election, we will play our part in showing that there is a solid opposition to his rule," Sapphire declared. "I know that the elections itself only concerns four nations, but the outcome affects all of Ardonia. As we speak, there are more than half-a-million soldiers with a few hundred tanks, planes, and heavy artillery on Cydonia's northern border, waiting only for Diamond Height's victory to make their move."

He turned once to Abbigail without warning, and the crowd's gaze followed suit. 

"I am a populist, not a nationalist," Sapphire said slowly. "Hence, my concerns are not exclusive to Magnorite kind. All of Diamond Height's opponents must work together. My friends, I present to you the nominated candidate for the Crown Peak Republican Union Party, Abbigail Finch."