George Atkin, the merchant, approached the podium. "As you all know, my name is George Atkin from the Atkin family. I am a merchant by profession," he began. "My family and I have been a part of this town for a long time, and we have always been gracious to the people here. We help anyone we can, and as a merchant, I take good care of my business. So, when I become the governor of this town, I will take good care of it as well."
While George spoke, Akira whispered to Jarvis, "Jarvis, why do the townsfolk look like they don't like him but can't do anything about it?"
Jarvis replied, "Master, as far as I know, he is a loan shark. When people can't pay him back, he forces them to work for him for free."
George continued, "I will rebuild this town and make sure a disaster like the last one never happens again." He then turned to Akira and said, "My lord, I'm done now."
Akira responded, "Okay, please step back and let Archie give his speech."
Archie walked to the podium, visibly nervous as all eyes were on him. George grinned, confident that Archie's nerves would ensure his own victory. George recalled threatening the townspeople to vote for him orelse he would not give them extensions for paying off their loans. Archie looked at Akira and Jarvis, who both nodded encouragingly. Akira even gave him a thumbs up.
Taking a deep breath, Archie began, "Greetings, everyone. It's me, Archie the mischief boy," he said with an awkward laugh. "I'm not a merchant, a healer, or any important person. I'm a common person just like you, and I think no one understands you as much as I do. I believe because I see the world from your eyes, I can relate to you more and solve your issues better. All I want is a chance. With Lord Akira's help and everyone's effort, we will certainly put this town on the map. That is all I have to say."
Akira thought the speech was short and simple, but the crowd felt Archie's sincerity. Slowly, people started clapping, and soon the whole crowd was chanting, "Archie! Archie!". Archie returned to his position, smiling.
Akira stood at the podium and called both candidates to the front, placing Archie on the left and George on the right. Using earth magic, Akira created a six-inch tall wall from the podium to the end of the crowd. "People who want to vote for George, go to George's side of the wall. People who want to vote for Archie, go to Archie's side," he announced.
The townsfolk talked among themselves before making their decisions. However, some who owed George money initially moved to Archie's side but then, under George's glare, shifted to his side. Akira noticed this and thought, "I should have come up with a better voting system. People are going to vote for George out of fear. I'm sorry, Archie. I think you will lose this one."
As the townsfolk settled into their chosen sides, it was clear that George had more people. Akira, striving to stay neutral, began to count the people. Just as he started, Jarvis walked past him and stood in Archie's lane. "I'm also a resident of this town, so I can vote," Jarvis said.
Akira nodded, "Yes, you're right." Jarvis had gained much recognition in a short time, and his kindness towards everyone earned their respect. Seeing Jarvis vote for Archie, people began moving from George's side to Archie's, balancing the votes.
Akira announced, "I'm starting to count people. After this, no one will be able to change their vote." The final count showed George with 146 votes and Archie with 144. Just as Akira was about to announce the winner, a distant noise drew everyone's attention. A carriage carrying Ron and Brook while Jack was driving it arrived.
Seeing their arrival, Akira asked, "Are you residents of this town?"
"Yes, my lord," they replied. Akira already knew they were the residents but had to show all the people that he is neutral and only the residents of the town are voting.
Akira instructed, "Then choose the person you want to vote for." Without hesitation, they joined Archie's side, bringing his total to 147 votes.
Akira then declared, "Archie is the new governor of the town!" The crowd erupted in celebration, lifting Archie into the air. Smiling with tears in his eyes, Archie basked in the joy of his victory.
George approached Akira, "My lord, am I allowed to leave now that the elections are over?"
Akira extended his hand in a gesture of respect. "You showed courage standing for the election," he said. George shook his hand, and Akira added, "I'm going to turn this town into a great city, and as the biggest merchant here, you will play a significant role in this."
George, feeling a newfound loyalty to Akira, removed his hat and said, "Yes, my lord, I will always serve you and this town."
Akira then called Archie to the stand. "You have won, so won't you give a victory speech?"
Archie took the podium again, and the crowd fell silent. "You people have chosen me, and I will not let you down. I will make sure this town flourishes, and people will rush here to live, speaking of it as a heaven on earth." At Akira's suggestion, Archie added, "A feast from my side will be held for all the town."
The crowd cheered again, but Archie turned to Akira and whispered, "My lord, I don't have enough money to hold a feast," laughing awkwardly.
Akira put his arm around Archie and said, "My friend Jarvis here is apparently a rich person," winking at Jarvis.
Jarvis smiled, "Yes, my lord. I will certainly take care of all the preparations." He then ordered the people to start preparing for the feast, ensuring the celebration would be grand. This is how the unnamed town elected its first governor among themselves.