[Jade Mask] Isabella addresses the people

Isabella now stared into the distance, past the people gathered in the Plaza, to the city that sprawled before the palace.

She understood that if she wanted to unravel Carlos' web, take down the elites that threatened to undermine her, to hold her hostage, she must first court their natural enemies.

“Under my father, Montesoro has grown rich, but it has not always shared its wealth with its people. The mines that bore our country’s treasures, the factories that have fueled our progress—too many have worked for these riches and seen nothing in return. My father believed in the power of industry, in the promise of wealth, but he also understood that true strength lies in our people, not just in profit.

The people of Montesoro, the workers and farmers who have long toiled beneath the weight of this nation’s growth, have been forgotten. I will not let that continue. The wealth of this country is not just the property of the elites, it belongs to all of us—the workers, the farmers, the citizens who breathe life into this land every day. We must change how we share this wealth, how we reward those who contribute to the prosperity of our nation."

The crowd, many of them seeing the safety and security of their wealth evaporate before their eyes, murmured with unease. She knew her speech was radical, a complete departure from the traditional policies and rhetoric that had come to define the regime. Her words were a challenge to the oligarchs, a declaration of war against those who would oppose her, the people who had profited under her father.

"I will work to improve working conditions and ensure that the fruits of our labor are shared among all who build this country. Montesoro's prosperity will no longer be measured by the wealth hoarded by the few, but by the welfare of its people, all its people."

The Plaza was now completely silent, the weight of her words sinking in, the consequences clear. Yet in the streets across the country, the crowd roared, the common folk hardly believing their ears. The cheers quickly spread like wildfire, burning across the city. The people of Montesoro, tired and hungry and poor, raised their fists and shook them, their voices raised in joy. They began to chant her name, as if invoking a goddess:

"Long live the Presidente! Long live Isabella!"

Isabella glanced down, noticing the figure of Carlos Silva in the front row, his expression dark. Their eyes met briefly and Isabella allowed herself a small, victorious smile, before she turned her attention back to the speech.

She had struck the first blow, but the battle had only just begun.