World of Women Book 3: Chapter 28

The room was dark and silent, but that wasnt for lack of people. In front of the room was an image displayed on a screen. The image of a man with short hair, brown eyes, and a mischievous green on his face was displayed to the room.

Dresden Miles. A woman standing in front of the room said boldly into the silence.

There was no click, but the image changed into the image of another male. This guy had red hair and freckles and looked to be in his forties.

Peony Smith. She spoke another na.

Face after face appeared on the screen, na after na was called out. Finally, a slide with a familiar face appeared , but it wasnt just anyone. It was soone I knew well. I felt a strange feeling shooting through at the sight. I dont even know when this particular picture was taken. Images were taken with a magical device, and it didnt really look much like the caras I was familiar with in my own world.

Ashton Cooper.*

A sudden familiar na caused my eyes to widen. It was a picture of Ashton, my roommate and an apparent demon. Her image disappeared off the screen as quickly as it had co on.

Clyburn Bonholdt. The woman said with a sense of finality to her words. In the last year, this is the list of the n who have perished or disappeared worldwide.

Why was my face the last one on that list? I didnt know. Maybe it was because I was the youngest, and they wanted it to end with a particularly shocking point. Maybe it was because before I died, there were rumors I was so kind of special chosen one. Well, that was true, and so people believed it, but those rumors probably didnt reach everyone in this room. Maybe they just went reverse alphabet and my na ended up at the bottom. I really couldnt answer, but the effect weighed on my heart heavily, as was the attention of the female speaker at the front of the room. There wasnt a man in the room who didnt squirm in his seat at her powerful gaze.

She was a beautiful woman. It was difficult to tell if she was from Amaryllis or another similar country, but she had the familiar facial features of an Amaryllis woman. She was tall, with pale white skin, dark hair and dark eyes. Her nose was sharp, her lips were large and red, and she wore a very business-like dress. In fact, she reminded very much of Ashtons mother, Allie, although Allie was a bit prettier. That was one woman I did not want to run into again. How could I even talk to her, knowing that her daughter was likely still alive and a demon at that?

The death rate of n in the world is currently ten tis the rate of won. This is absolutely unacceptable. She changed the image to a graph. As you can see in these graphs, while many leading countries have managed to keep their population steady over the last three decades, weve seen a 15% decline in n. This is staggering.

This is a problem for your countries. My grandfather suddenly spoke out loud. You treat your n like sheep, putting impossible demands on them to create offspring, and then forcing them to interact with won alone. It should be no surprise they beco overwheld and swamped. You also allow these so-called male-hate groups those like this Wrath. These won should be strung out by their tits, but you seem to allow them to fester.

Councilmber of the Matahari, yes? When grandfather nodded, she continued. Im surprised you chat of such things. Was it not your own prince who was poisoned not too long ago? I also heard that he had disappeared from the castle for so ti where his location was unknown.

Unknown to a woman, perhaps! Grandfather snarled back. My grandson was also poisoned by a woman! I find it interesting that you complain when my son is outside of your view! We of the Matahari find that too much female involvent is exactly the problem!

In so ways, I agree with you. The woman sighed. Yet, at the sa ti, your country has its own problems. Even though there hasnt been a decrease in the ratio of n to won, there has been a decrease in population entirely. Your country is in a decline!

And what of it? The population will eventually level out. Its just settling.

The number of n and their behavior in your country isnt sustainable! The woman on stage shot back. The population will continue to decline, and eventually, your entire country wont be able to function. Youre in denial if you think anything else.

You

The other councilman, Davont, put a handout and touched Grandfather. Both n seed to have identical expressions on their face. Any sense that they were at odds disappeared in this place. In fact, it really did seem like the council mbers were out of place. There were almost fifty countries eting here, and almost everyone in the room was a female. Every country seed to have two speakers, but only Matahari had two males. A few had one male and one female, but at least half were all female. The contrast was staggering. It got thinking if this wasnt what it was like for won in politics in my own world, at least in the beginning.

Gentlen, before you can fix a problem, you first have to admit you have it! The woman continued. Im afraid the small male population is a problem that affects all people. We cannot continue the way we were. It doesnt matter what country youre looking at, the public may still be in denial, but we are its leaders, and we must admit were all in serious trouble!

What do you propose we do? A woman called out.

It sounded prompted, like this whole talk was planned from the beginning. I didnt really know much about politics, but I felt like we were being led to make specific conclusions from this talk. I guess convincing others to see your way was sort of the point of politics, huh? It didnt an I had to like it.

Good question. The woman in front smirked. Those from Amaryllis might be familiar with the Male Protection Act. This was put in place so years ago in an attempt to protect n from unjust laws made for won. It was an attempt to provide them more freedom, and It failed spectacularly. The Day of Wrath, as so of you know, was an event that led to mass death. More than half the n on this list died on that day.

Are you suggesting we remove governnt protection towards n?

Quite the opposite. She clicked, changing to a new screen which had the words Extended Male Protection Act written across in bold lettering. I suggest that we increase it. It is ti that we treat n as the valuable resource that we all know they are. It is ti we use our resources to protect them, keep them, and ultimately monitor them.

You dare! Grandfather couldnt help but stand up.

We do She said smoothly. In fact, it was your culture in which we based much of my five-point plan.

Our culture?

You segregate n from won, creating a system where won are brought to the man. We have realized it is far too dangerous to allow n to seek their own won. n are continuously being raped, having their hos broken into, and being snatched off the streets. We used to allow n to handle their own security, but this has proved to be insufficient. It leaves too many holes in security. It leaves n too widespread and too disunified.

What exactly is your five-point plan? A woman asked.

Im glad you asked. She smiled, looking pleased with herself even though Grandfather was still standing and glaring at her. Point one, all n will be rounded up and placed into specialized male-only camps. This will allow them to remain strong and interact among their own kind.

If n arent exposed to sex continuously, their libidos will decrease! A woman shouted from one of the tables, the first that didnt appear to be prompted. This is known! If you do as you suggest, you might as well doom us all.

Studies have shown that what we thought we knew about male anatomy may be wrong. The woman answered without missing a beat. In fact, I have a study suggesting that being around other n increases a chemical in their body known as testosterone, making them more fertile. Competition breeds fertility, it seems.

How do they breed in these camps?

Of course, every man will be registered and trained on the new thod. As of now, n receive no education. In the new system, education becos compulsory. From the age of 13 to 18, n will be taken from their mothers and placed in a secure, all-boys school to receive their education safely. An event like what happened in Amaryllis will not be allowed to happen again!

This is madness! Grandfather growled. Youre talking about completely restricting male freedom!

Actually, we plan to expand it! The woman grinned. Using an assigned liaison, n will be provided a lavish location where they may select won from a catalog. We will bring the won to our n. Won who have first been screened so that we know they are fertile, willing, and most of all safe for our n. In my proposed system, you will have many more choices than you were ever given before. A different woman every night with none of the dangers involved.

This will create a classist war! One of the won shouted out.

This will actually help close the wage gap, ladies. The woman raised her hand comfortably. Dont you see? Age, occupation, financial records will not be provided to the n. In the past, n needed to select targets in order to earn their slice. This pushed n heavily towards more wealthy won that could provide better slices.

Now, the governnt provides the slice. This way, a man isnt paid based on who he sleeps with, but rather how successful he is at impregnating won. Is it not fair that the most fertile n obtain the most rewards in our society?

Are you suggesting that n live in cages? I found my voice coming out.

This caused several whispers, including a look from my grandfather, but I didnt care. What they were talking about was complete control. Picking won out of a catalog? Just banging won for benefits? A different woman every night? This sounded like utilitarianism mixed with a socialist nightmare.

Isnt that what you wanted? A voice whispered in the back of my head.

I had just been starting to settle, to commit to the idea that the only thing Id be good for was making babies. Suddenly, those thoughts seed so foolish. How could I agree to a fate like this? Making won pregnant to fill a governnt quota was one thing, but we did it to keep from becoming a governnt tool. This plan seed like a way to strip away all male rights. It left feeling disgusted.

Of course, we understand that you are people too. The woman chose to answer, but her comnt was patronizing and a few won even chuckled like she was humoring a child. You will be allowed to leave your residence under close supervision. You could even apply to and work jobs. And, should you wish to have sex with a particular won you et, we will arrange for it accordingly.

Allowed. Arranged for. Supervision. All of these words told it was a complete loss of choice. We would be told what to do, where to go, and who to fuck. I definitely didnt believe a word of her talk of decreasing the gap. At least, in the current thod, old and ugly n were encouraged to sleep with poor won, because sothing was better than nothing. In this system, the governnt could just cut out so won completely.

They could refuse to list won based on personal biases. A woman would never know if her picture didnt end up in that catalog, and neither would the guy. That was the problem with control. The more you had, the more you could abuse it.

Matahari will never sign a contract like this, Grandfather said. You are trying to fix a problem that you yourself created. It is won who have made life dangerous for n. In this way, you should give n control. Only n know how to raise n. Give you control of all n? Well be dead in a generation!

There were many frowns amongst the won in the audience. They didnt like being told that they didnt know what was best for the n. However, most of the n in the group seed to be nodding in approval, as if they were thinking the sa thing. This Extended Male Protection Act would force n to basically give up all power.

In my system, we will do just that. The woman smiled. n will be in close proximity to other n. Youll have male teachers, male role models, and male advisors. There is absolutely no reason that n cant have control of their own world.

Of our own world. Grandpa sneered. You an a self-contained world isolated from the rest of the world. You want n to have our world, and you want to keep this world for won alone!

And what do you suggest? n in charge of won?

It has worked for Matahari!

This caused crowds of won to suddenly start to protest. In fact, the rooms eruption was so sudden it caught off guard and caused to sit down again. So won snorted while others wore open disdain. The thought of a country run by a man seed appalling to this woman. It was clear to that these won truly did see n as inferior. No, it was more than that. It was as if they wanted complete control of n.

Then, the truth suddenly dawned on . That was exactly what this was about. This was about putting a stake in the patriarchy. As I looked around the room, I could see a battlefield. Matahari was on one side, representing perhaps the last true Patriarchy in this world. On the other side were uncountable Matriarchies trying to make all n sit in a corner and wait patiently. As I watched my Grandfather be the only man in the room brave enough to stand up to the words this woman was saying, I realized sothing else as well.

Terah wanted to assassinate this man and rebel against the governnt. I had convinced myself the council was full of bad n. After all, they had children irresponsibly, sat in a back room on high making choices that affected everyone, and even called for my Mothers beating. However, they were also the last n in charge in a world full of the female-run matriarchal aristocracy.

I starting to suspect that Tyranny wasnt what Terah was fighting to the end. She wanted to found a female-run governnt. She, like all of the others, wanted to oust male control! Looking at Grandfathers back, I realized I had let an assassin right into our clutches, and even as we spoke, she could be plotting his death.

The other n were nodding at his words. After today, there would certainly be etings between delegates. Grandfather and Davont would sit down with other groups of n, and they would start forming sides. Thee were just enough n here that it was possible this idea could go away, but only as long as Matahari lead that charge. I had to stop this assassination. If I didnt, then who could say what would happen to this world.

Ti will tell. The woman in front smiled. But let us speak of other things for now. This is simply one idea put forth. There is still much more to unlock when it cos to things. I dont want anyone here making an uninford choice. That is the nature of this eting.

The woman ended up calling up other won, in turn, So were scientists or magicians revealing information that they discovered about n, fertilization, or the current state of the world when it ca to populations. Most of this ca off as bleak, with the won declaring that populations were either in total decline, or at least male decline. Our heads were filled with so much information that by the end, even I was starting to think that maybe it was best if a system like they suggested was put in order. Was it heartless? Sure. What else could be done, though? Even as soone who would be most disadvantaged by this policy, I could see why the won here were considering it.

After the etings broke for the day, I followed the counciln back to our Mansion. As they closed the door, Grandfather cursed loudly.

These stupid won! The Bules would treat us like slaves! We must not allow this act to go forward.

Relax, Davont spoke up. Do not let your emotions overwhelm you, old man. We can still salvage this situation. Let us et with our closest allies first. Dricon and The Republic of Zao both have strong male support. We need to consolidate our power.

Yes, of course. Grandfather sighed. Now is not the ti to squabbling. I will access my contacts and see what we can do.

Do you need to do anything, um Grandfather? I asked.

Grandfather turned and looked at while Davont only sneered. This is a bit above your capabilities. You were bold in speaking out today, but these won do not take you seriously. It is best if you just focus on your harem. Youve done well today.

Ah, yes I bowed and then left the room, feeling a bit awkward.

I did get that feeling of being looked down on when I spoke. I didnt like it at all. I wondered why Grandfather didnt get that. Was it because he was a threat to them? I didnt really know and I didnt understand enough. All I could do was exactly what Grandfather asked. However, it wasnt exactly in the way he had suggested. He ant for to go and sleep with my harem so more, possibly making another woman pregnant.

Instead, I went and saw Brooke imdiately. Thankfully, she had returned and was waiting in her room. When I knocked, she answered instantly. She was fully dressed and looked about ready to go to war.

Have you had any luck in finding a way off this island? I asked, Can you get yourself, Lyra, and Charlie off?

I can Brooke said uncertainly, But youre not going to like it.

What does that an?

In short, I found soone who is willing to sneak us off, but only if I report on you.

What? What do you an, report?

Brooke shook her head. They want to spy. Your supposed Grandfather, your entire country, it seems to be a sore spot at this, particularly eting. Theyre pushing for sothing, sothing big, and it seems like hes standing in the way.

I knew Brooke well enough that I decided to just tell her what I had seen at the eting. She was a friend and I trusted her with my life. Furthermore, if we continued, the best way shed know what information she could and could not say was to know how they were going to use it. When I finally finished telling her that womans 5-point plan, she had a bitter expression on her face.

I cant believe things have gone this far, Brooke said. After the Day of Wrath, I knew sothing was going to happen, but this feels like overkill, even for .

And it isnt just Amaryllis, I added. They seem to be trying to push this new system on everyone. A system where all n are governnt shills.

At least youd be safe, Brooke whispered.

Brooke!

She threw up her hands. Hey, I dont like it any more than you do. But you cant deny your life has just been one crazy event after another, right? Youve been kidnapped by gangs, almost murdered by a demon cult, kidnapped as a slave, fought so demons I have been by your side for most of that, and even for , it is a bit much. I just want you to be safe.

Whats the point of being safe if I have no free will? I asked in return.

Brooke lowered her head. I got it. So, whats the plan then.

I sighed, For now, keep working on an escape. If they want information, act like your interested. I dont want to let them know anything that might compromise Grandfather as he fights against this, but you and Lyras safety is still the most important thing to .

Alright, Cly, just stay safe and dont ruffle too many feathers, okay?

Yeah its not like Im going anywhere. I smiled haphazardly.

Once Brooke had left, my eyes fell on the next door, which was Terahs. Terah the terrorist, it even seed to rhy. Was she already working with the other people on this island? I didnt know how I felt about that. However, I didnt want to confront her right away. I had to be smart about this. That was easier said than done. I couldnt wait too long though. I had no clue what kind of plan she had for the counciln. If I waited for her to strike, it could already be too late.

Worst of all, she was pregnant with my child! I couldnt just attack her or get rid of her. I had to find so way of making her stop, or convincing her to stop. Unfortunately, I suspected as soon as I tried to stop her, shed think I turned traitor. She already didnt trust all that much. My best course of action was perhaps to convince her it wasnt worth her babys life. Perhaps, if I appealed to the mother within her, I could change her mind.

As I was having such thoughts, I shook my head and decided to retreat for now. Instead, I went to check on Kemala and Veronika. What I found instead was a note on their door, but it was addressed to . Curiously, I opened it and read.

Dear Daddy,

Please et by the lake tonight at sunset. I found out sothing about Kemala, and I must tell you about it imdiately. I believe that she is betraying us. Im scared what will happen if she finds out I know, but knowing that Daddy will protect keeps going. I look forward to seeing you tonight. Your lover and daughter,

Veronika

I had to read the note three tis before I could finally accept what was in it. Kemala was really betraying us? I found it hard to believe. She was so quiet and well mannered. The thing about her poisoning she hadnt done it. However, even though that was the case, we had tossed her into a dungeon for months. It was possible that she was looking for revenge. I wasnt even that upset if she was leaking information to the other side. However, if she was doing it, and then Brooke did it, there was a chance Brooke could be caught in a lie. In that respect, I had to find out what Veronika knew.

First, there was Terah, and now there was Kemala. I felt like I was in a leaky boat desperately needing to patch holes and hope we dont sink. Sohow, when grandpa inford that I should take care of my harem, this was probably not what he had in mind!