Family system

After ensuring everything was moving according to plan, Jack reached out to Ela, the city lord of Lunaris. If Goldspire was going to move past its paranoia, it needed to open itself to the world beyond its walls. What better way than inviting Lunaris' merchants to showcase their prosperity? He established a direct mental connection with Ela, who responded almost immediately, her tone carrying amusement and curiosity.

"You always need something when you call," she teased. "What is it this time?"

Jack smirked at her playful tone. "I'm organizing a festival in Goldspire. The people here need to see that the outside world is thriving and that they aren't alone. I want to invite merchants from Lunaris—let them bring their finest goods, their best crafts, their rarest items. If the people here see it for themselves, they'll understand that there's more to the world than their fear."

Ela was silent for a moment, mulling over his words. "That's actually not a bad idea," she admitted. "Many traders have been looking for new opportunities, and if Goldspire opens its gates to commerce, it could become a major trade hub. What exactly do you need?"

Jack considered for a moment. "Diversity. I want merchants of all kinds—textiles, food, rare crafts, jewelers, blacksmiths, alchemists. The more variety, the better. Make it feel like something larger than just Goldspire. Let them see what's beyond their walls."

Ela hummed in thought. "I'll put out the word. I won't force anyone to go, but I don't think I'll need to. Once they hear about this, plenty will volunteer. Expect the first wave within two days."

Jack grinned. "Perfect. I'll make sure they're treated well. Thanks, Ela."

"Just don't expect me to be there personally," she added dryly. "I have enough work to do in Lunaris."

"You work too much," Jack teased.

"And whose fault is that?" she shot back before cutting the connection.

Jack let out a small laugh, pleased with the result. The merchants of Lunaris would bring an influx of culture and trade to Goldspire, making the festival feel grand, interconnected, and alive.

Meanwhile, back in Goldspire, Elise and the maids worked tirelessly to ensure the festival's preparations were on track. Elise managed the overall logistics, ensuring that all necessary supplies, decorations, and food were in place. Ayana cleared and reinforced public spaces, ensuring the festival grounds were in perfect condition. Selena worked on organizing performances and managing crowd flow, while Fiona ensured that food vendors and public feast halls were properly stocked and ready for the crowds.

Despite the meticulous planning, Jack didn't interfere much with their work. Elise had the expertise to manage a city, and the maids handled everything with an efficiency that even professional taskmasters would envy. He simply observed, occasionally stepping in to offer his help when necessary, but for the most part, he let them work. It was refreshing to see everything falling into place so smoothly.

The city itself was slowly transforming. Workers raised banners bearing the emblem of the Phoenix of Rebirth, a symbol meant to inspire hope in the people. The main festival grounds were taking shape, with designated areas for food, entertainment, and trade. The city's main plaza, now renamed Unity Plaza, was prepared for the grand announcement that would mark the beginning of the festival. Jack had ordered amplification magic, ensuring every citizen would hear his words clearly, no matter where they were in the city.

With each passing hour, the festival became more real. The paranoia that gripped the people of Goldspire wouldn't disappear overnight, but this was the first step toward breaking their cycle of fear. Jack stood on a balcony overlooking the preparations, watching the transformation unfold. The markets were coming alive, the workers moved with purpose, and the festival grounds were nearly complete.

One last thing remained. He knew that words alone wouldn't be enough. The people needed to see, with their own eyes, that the world outside was not something to be feared but embraced.

Tomorrow, they would take the first step toward that future.

As the sun rose over Goldspire, the preparations for the festival continued at full speed. The city, once draped in a heavy silence of fear and uncertainty, was now filled with the sounds of workers setting up stalls, banners being unfurled, and decorations adorning the main roads. However, despite all the effort put into the festival, many of Goldspire's citizens still hesitated to leave their homes.

Jack stood on a balcony overlooking the city, watching as Elise and the maids coordinated the final stages of preparation. He could see the problem clearly—fear still gripped the people's hearts. Even with the promise of celebration, they were hesitant, convinced that another attack was inevitable.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We need to push them out somehow," he muttered.

Elise, standing beside him, nodded. "It's not just fear holding them back. They've been living in survival mode for too long. They don't know how to just… live anymore."

Jack turned to her. "Then we'll remind them."

He walked down from the balcony, calling Ayana, Selena, and Fiona to his side. "We're changing the plan. The festival isn't just going to start when the merchants arrive. We're going to bring the festival to them."

The maids immediately understood his idea, their eyes lighting up.

Selena grinned. "You want us to take the celebration into the streets." Continue your story on My Virtual Library Empire

Jack nodded. "Exactly. We need to show them that life is happening outside their doors. They need to hear the music, smell the food, and see the joy with their own eyes. Once they do, curiosity will win over fear."

Elise smirked. "I should've known you'd come up with something ridiculous like this."

Jack simply shrugged. "Sometimes, people need a little push."

With their new strategy in place, the festival preparations shifted gears. Musicians were sent into different districts to play lively tunes, their melodies echoing through the streets. Performers, including acrobats and dancers, took to the city squares, creating impromptu shows. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as food vendors set up carts near residential areas, offering free samples to entice the people outside.

Ayana personally led a group of festival workers to decorate the outer residential areas, hanging lanterns and colorful fabrics to make the city feel warmer and more inviting. Selena worked with entertainers, ensuring something was always happening in every major street. Fiona ensured that vendors had enough food and supplies to keep the momentum going.

Slowly, cracks appeared in the walls of fear that held the people of Goldspire captive. Children were the first to step outside, drawn by the music and the sight of jugglers tossing flaming torches into the air. Parents followed cautiously, watching as their little ones laughed and played. Some still hesitated, but the more they saw others stepping out, the harder it became to resist.

By midday, clusters of people were gathering in the streets to watch the performances, taste the food, and engage in quiet conversation. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Jack, watching from a distance, smiled. "It's working."

Elise crossed her arms. "It's still not enough. They're watching, but they're not participating yet."

Jack thought for a moment before snapping his fingers. "Then we'll give them a reason to."

He walked toward the central plaza, where a large temporary stage had been constructed for the official opening ceremony. With a flick of his wrist, a small amplification spell surrounded him, carrying his voice throughout the city.

"People of Goldspire!" he called out, his voice booming across the streets. The murmuring crowd turned toward the sound. "For too long, you have lived in fear. You have hidden behind your walls for too long, afraid of what may come next. But today, that ends!"

His words carried weight, drawing more people from their homes. They gathered closer, their expressions mixed with curiosity and uncertainty.

"The festival is not just a celebration," Jack continued. "It is proof that life moves forward. We are not defined by our fears but by how we choose to live. And today, we choose to live!"

Cheers erupted from those who had already begun enjoying the festivities. Others hesitated, but the energy was infectious. Jack gestured toward the growing festivities around them. "This city belongs to its people. Step forward. Taste the food, hear the music, dance in the streets. Goldspire will not be a city of fear. It will be a city of life!"

That was the final push they needed. More doors creaked open, more people stepped outside, and the hesitant murmurs turned into excited chatter. The festival had truly begun.

The rest of the day ensured the momentum didn't fade. Elise monitored the city's activity, making adjustments where needed. The maids worked tirelessly to maintain the festival's energy, ensuring the food flowed and the performances didn't stop.@@novelbin@@

As night fell, the streets of Goldspire were alight with lanterns and laughter. The music continued, and for the first time in a long time, the people of the city looked ahead with hope rather than fear.

Tomorrow, the merchants from Lunaris would arrive, bringing with them the final piece needed to shatter the last remnants of the city's paranoia. But for now, Jack watched the celebration unfold, satisfied that the city was finally beginning to heal.