Ice Vapor Goddess

Chapter 39 Speech
On the 12th of the month, it was an ordinary day in Speyside.

The clouds were thicker than usual. Although it was early morning, only a faint ray of light fell through, which was immediately swept away by the howling wind and snow, leaving only a hollow halo. The doors of St. Lucia's Cathedral were open as usual, and a fat doorkeeper in a white robe cursed the terrible weather at the entrance.

Eight days have passed since the extreme cold arrived, and apart from the villagers who took refuge nearby in the first three days, no one has been seen.

Albion's airships could cross the strait in just one hour, proud steam warships treated the world like a bathtub, steam trains ran through the empire's limbs, and the Queen's knights roamed the skies.

But eight days have passed, and there has been no news at all. It's as if Lundinia—once the world's most prosperous capital—has fallen silent in the snowstorm, with no sound left.

People have gradually stopped expecting the empire to come to their rescue. The once-unbreakable order has been directly destroyed by cruel reality, leaving many heartbroken and feeling lost and helpless.

They were once citizens of the Albion Empire, and the glory of the First Empire enveloped them from birth. Whether in a squalid slum or a luxurious bedroom, they firmly believed that Albion was indestructible and that the glory of the Empire was with them.

But those things collapsed; those things they once thought were solid—order, law, tradition, the state… those things they once firmly believed in seemed utterly vulnerable.

They need a new pillar, new strength, someone to tell them what is trustworthy and what they should do.

“The people don’t actually need these things,” Siron said with a smile, sitting in the cathedral’s bishop’s seat. “But at least for now, they do need them—let’s hear the governor’s opinion.”

People sat quietly by the brass horn, crowded in the outdoor corridor.

Posters were plastered everywhere, and announcements of the speech were sent out countless times; no one would be absent at this moment.

Even factories and mines are shut down for the day, and the managers mercifully announce that people can enjoy a day of paid leave, but secretly pocket most of the subsidies issued by the governor.

"Greetings, citizens of Speyside! I am Ryan Hoffman, Governor of the Empire."

A noisy and distorted sound came from the brass-plated loudspeaker, while a steady voice reached people's ears.

“I am acting on the orders of the Queen, the Cabinet, and the Parliament to protect and govern the people of Speyside and to ensure its stable operation and the well-being of its people.”

"When winter came, I immediately started the steam engine to provide warmth, gathered the residents, and ensured their safety as quickly as possible. Then I sent my guards to the forty-six nearby villages to gather and guide the villagers and provide them with shelter. During this time, two brave soldiers froze to death on the road. I felt sad for them, but also proud."

"At present, Speyside has protected 35,028 people, all of whom have been provided with housing, and all jobs have been opened to all residents."

"I believe I have lived up to the Queen's appointment and my duty as governor."

"Our coal mines are operating well, and the coal we provide each day not only meets the needs of our daily steam engines, but also has a large surplus."

“我们的畜牧区成功保住了201匹马、178头牛、670只羊、22头猪、1804只鸡鸭鹅、330只狗，甚至还有两只老鼠。”

"Our agricultural areas have started growing potatoes, turnips, oats, rye, cabbage, beets, peas... and even cilantro."

"Under the leadership of the ministers and managers at all levels in Speyside, I believe that even if the winter continues for another ten or twenty years, we are confident that we can persevere and even live happily."

"But the temperature drops lower every day, and there's no news from the empire. Strange beasts are attacking the city walls... This world isn't so safe after all." "We can't help but ask—in this world ruled by harsh winter, what can we trust? What can we follow? Where does our future lie? Where should we go?"

"But a hundred years ago, this land was afraid of straits and mountains, afraid of floods and landslides. But a hundred years later, our steam and steel traverse the world, subduing nature and natural disasters. We sing marches, we travel through rainforests and deserts, we are fearless!"

"Two hundred years ago, this place was called barbarian land; four hundred years ago, it was an even more desolate wasteland; and today's world city of London was just a small fishing village eight hundred years ago."

"So—we will forge new glory here, we will redevelop, expand, and live anew, and perhaps a hundred years from now, future generations will sing praises and shed tears for the epic of today."

"You might ask—really? Can we really do it?"

My answer is—yes! We can!

"We are the people of Albion, children of the sea and the wind, emperors of steam and steel, rulers of wisdom and wealth!"

"I saw our elites working day and night by the difference machine and the punch, until they fell into a deep sleep. Only time and paper can prove their struggle and record their glory."

“I saw soldiers patrolling the city walls all day long, braving the extreme cold and snow. Most of their feet were frostbitten and necrotic. I heard them making suppressed moans during their rest, but they had no complaints when they picked up their guns.”

"I saw wise managers using the most advanced concepts to maintain the operation of various systems, to maintain the supply of coal, to maintain the production of fabric, and to maintain the rhythm of the factory."

"I also saw hardworking residents contributing their sweat and toil in their respective positions, forging the glory of Speyside."

"I am proud to have people like you! With you, we are invincible!"

Suddenly, cheers erupted like a vast ocean throughout Speyside! People laughed excitedly and threw their hats into the air!

Whistles, laughter, footsteps... hugs, jumps, holding hands!
Yes, the governor approves of them! The governor has seen their efforts!

At this moment, even someone who has just witnessed the death of a loved one will feel honored and comforted as they touch the meager compensation.

Do you see? Your sacrifice was not in vain, the governor saw it.

Your bones and blood have been cast into the steel of Speyside, becoming part of this great continuation.

The cheers were like those of heaven, as if they were about to burst through the rooftops, the city, the wind and snow, and the dark clouds!

"The response has been very good, Your Excellency," Schneider said with a smile in a low voice.

Ryan smiled and gestured for him to whisper.

"Therefore, my people, why not think carefully—what has brought us our present glory and achievements?"

(End of this chapter)