The murmurs continued spreading through the hall for several more moments, rising and falling softly as people discussed the rules among themselves, some uncertain, some thoughtful, while others already looked relieved simply because someone had finally stepped forward to create order out of the chaos they had been trapped in for so long.
I remained standing at the front quietly, my eyes moving across the villagers as I observed their reactions carefully without interrupting them, because this was important.
Fear alone could force people to obey for a short time.
But understanding—
That was what made rules last.
Gradually, the noise inside the hall began settling on its own as more people lowered their heads in thought rather than argument, and once it became clear that no one intended to openly challenge the rules, the meeting slowly came to an end.
People began standing one after another.
Some spoke quietly amongst themselves as they left.
