The Eminence of Not-Shadow

Chapter 8 - Prelude (II): A Never Ending Grudge

[Iris POV]

Death, damage, loss of money and scarred innocents were occurring every day. It wasn't the occasional bandit or crazy murderer down the street, but it came all from one person. 

Shadow.

And Shadow Garden.

Every time I expect myself that we will come closer into uncovering this organization, our progress takes two steps back from realizing it was a dead end. Or that the information was misleading. I speculate that some of this information obtained is a misinformation campaign done by them. 

I sit at my desk, frustrated at our current state. Especially with Shadow changing his tactics. He shifted from appearing at the most decisive battles into making his own appearances at any day, any time. He notifies us, as if mocking the fact that we can't stop him.

And this new tactic must be on purpose, since he is trying to make the public support his actions. Giving out free food, water, currency and other miscellaneous items from his 'heists' are ways that he is creating possible anarchy at Midgar. And we can't stop it...

"..."

I stand up from my seat, before punching the nearby wall out of frustration. The information I got months ago regarding Shadow Garden's fake 'Cult of Diablos' plan unexpectedly forced me to change my plans and actions in Midgar as one of the future leaders of the kingdom. Yes, they were not the best ethical laws proposed, but it had to be done to prevent Shadow Garden from gaining ground in Midgar.

Besides, at the cost of their freedom of expression and liberty about not mentioning or being associated with Shadow Garden, they would gain total protection by us. There were a few exceptions, Natsume convinced us that the restrictions would somehow prevent her future works. While there is a possibility that she could be working for the enemy, she has been releasing books that are unrelated to Shadow or anything that contained a black person in robes. There was one book that I had suspicions on, but I cannot remember the name of it. Regardless, even I don't want to stop her creativity. 

One of my knights then entered my room, holding a few documents and a letter on top of the paper. 

"Apologies for the Interruption Princess Iris!" Spoke the knight, still holding onto the pieces of paper. 

"You're excused, what seems to be the issue?"

I say, with the most normal tone I could possibly use. Apparently, some of the knights have been slightly frightened by tone as of recently, but I don't think there was anything that caused my change in tone...

"There is a document here that needs to be signed regarding the introduction of a certain law before being passed onto the King for full approval. The title of the law of called 'Patents and Copyright.'" 

"Patents and Copyright?"

"Yes, a newly appointed high ranking government official, Phoenix Light, convinced most of the people in our current government in regard to this new law. A few others have also slipped in a few additional changes that could help them in the near future."

"...And what if I refuse to sign this document?"

"Well, they would not be surprised, but would be a slight setback given how popular and convincing this official is. This would accelerate a few things. Besides..."

The knight hands the letter to me. It appears to be slightly heavy.

"They said that this might convince you to sign it..."