Chapter III: Viridi Conference III

24 Degrees Central Britannica, Afternoon.

Oreal Ambre Blanc, 27th February 1894, Viridi Conference.

"Well this does indeed sound quite concerning, so can you elaborate on any potential solutions that would prevent the effects of these supposed environmental calamities?" Mizer, the Prime Minister of Britannia, why in the name of Irene is he here? His face was generally plastered on the front of the news coverage, popular for turning around the economy despite its controversies. He held a strong jawline that matched a nose that protruded slightly more than the average individual. Pitch-black hair slicked back with a shine that illuminated the slight darkness that surrounded him; almost like he had a stage of his own. His iconic dark blue sharp eyes darted at me. Staring in anticipation.

"Additional research funding specifically helping us to gather more data on the ocean currents and volcanic activity, enacting new laws like the Evergarden treaty to limit C02 emissions, and ban the use of any unstable magical cores will suffice to bring us a better understanding." The crowd scoffed in response.

"You what? Do you know what runs this economy missy?" A man shouted in haste.

"You're lucky we even help fund your organisation, to begin with." Said another. Breath, Claire breath. The sudden pounding attributed itself like a hammer hitting the anvil lodged in my chest. Flickers of whispers scurry around the audience. Only for it to pause when he raised his hand to talk again, complete silence followed soon after. He held a smile, one that sent shivers marching down my spine.

"Interesting." Nothing ever good comes whenever he starts with that word.

"The goal is to ultimately invest in further researching the volcanoes and gulf stream. We all know that the seven sins period is inevitable regardless of what we do. They have never once been predicted successfully on release, not to mention that they've always been in between a ten-year range."

"But we've recorded a sudden change in three out of the seven volcanoes. They've seen an increase in activi-"

"Regardless, these phenomena are normal signs in volcanoes. These aren't your normal volcanoes either, something that science can't quite explain. We've likely had the seven-sin period hundreds of times. They've always come in between that ten-year range ever since we've started recording their occurrence. Now tell me what factor has changed?"

I bite my lips, it's true that these volcanoes are different, but we can't ignore that something is causing them to change. A change that could disproportionately make things worse, a simple gust of wind turning into a storm.

"We've seen what happens when we use unstable magic cores, they release unstable mana into the air. It affects the environment, with storms growing in scale and happening earlier."

"Do we have any evidence that these link with volcanoes?"

"Well no, bu-"

"Then we have our answer then, we don't have factual evidence that it even affects a normal volcano, let alone one that is linked with the Seven Sins period. It's true that the temperature has risen, thats factual. But you're implying the gulf stream will come to an end? I'm sure that'll cause some damage to the environment but it will also undo the increase in temperature. And in regards to the volcanoes, let the next generation worry about that. We've got plenty on our plate." Don't cry Claire, not again. He sits back down, seemingly taking pleasure in the silence. Needles prickled at my throat from the idea of engaging in further talks. I didn't dare look elsewhere, seeing Oreal, my colleagues or Sophie... My ideas crumbled down, their lack of care insulting. Frustration boiled inside of me. Don't they know how bad things can get? Don't they see what we could be dealing with? A hand suddenly landed on my shoulder, Oreal? How'd he get here? He lands me a look of pity. Turning to the audience, I suppose it is his event after all. Why else would he be on the stage?

"Thank you, Claire. In regards to additional funding, I do advise we follow through with this as a precaution. If what Claire says is true we can then take action once we know with clarity and discuss this later on." Just like that a couple of nods stir in the crowd satisfied at the ultimate ending to this near disaster.

"Thank you for listening." I felt broken, leaving the stage in defeat, my eyes seconds away from shedding a tank full of tears.

"Claire you have done a great job out there" Where did she come from? Had she already come down knowing full well I'd fail? So many questions, and too many thoughts. I just... want to be alone. Sophie's voice felt so muffled.

"Thank you, but I failed again." Doubt she heard it, could barely bring myself to utter those words.

"You have done a splendid job, Claire." Oreal looked earnest, those words might've made me feel better if it weren't for the pity given prior. I didn't bother responding, it was painful enough that he had to fix my mess and recover what should've been my job.

I rushed back, gaining speed once I reached the corridor, away from all of it, of them. I already regret not thanking him but still... it hurts. Why am I useless? Does anything I do amount to anything? Am I making a mistake? Thoughts plagued from back to front of my mind, throbbing with each word they uttered.

"Claire! Are you alright?" No, not now, please. Don't see me like this. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. Anything that might come out of my mouth might be a regret waiting for the making. Don't make her worry, lie Claire.

"Yeah, I just need some fresh air is all," I spoke as best as I could. Hurrying straight out for those doors. Turning harder and harder to see as my eyes filled with tears waiting to escape. The automobile. Some privacy, someplace I can curl up and forget about everything. Before I knew it I already opened the door and let myself in at the back. Sniffling beyond control, tears finally released as they flood out. I'm sorry.