My Way To You 230 Cry For Change

"From the bottom of my heart I swear I am happy that cafes are opening up." Ariana said as she stood tall. "Why would a child like you care if a cafe opens or not? Why meddle in my business?!" Virginia hissed.

"I want cafes to replace brothel houses! I came up with the idea so that men and women could be serviced in a different way! That people could find another option and not feel forced into thinking that they are objects for sale! I want to stop people from selling themselves for s.e.x! There are other ways to provide a service where people feel happy and satisfied. No family should have to sell their young girls or boys for whatever situation they are in. Why not give them opportunities for them to find employment and bring money home? So that's why I care if cafes open!" Ariana shouted as she stared at Virginia.

"Did you know that making slanderous remarks can destroy a business? Why would you want that?! Why would you need to do it! Our cafe hires anyone with a basic education, social standings mean nothing to us! We provide wages that can actually provide a comfortable life for our emoloyees, we offer benefits, where an employer provides their employees things like paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid maternity leave for up to one year. Reimburs.e.m.e.nt for medical needs not just for the employee but alsl the employees immediate family! And most importantly we give respect and trust to those who deserve it! That is what I want to bring into society and stop death, disease and unplanned pregnancies! Our society needs equality and fair treatment!" Ariana shouted with unwavering conviction.

"So Mrs. Gale if you think I would steal your family recipes call my mother here! Or better yet call my grandmother, she would never tolerate such a disgraceful act. Especially if I am trying to pave a way for the betterment of my fellow peope." Ariana said as she let Edlyn's hand go and walked up to Virginia. Her shoulders were back, chest out, her face regained her complexion and she stared at Virginia with a deadly glare. "As if I care what your grandmother thinks of you?! What would an old lady do? Would she lecture me to death with her ridiculous stories of her past life!" Virginia laughed as she was about to push Ariana down. 

"I apologise for being old." A n.o.bel voice called out. The crowd instantly parted and an stern looking woman in dark red slacks and white blazer with gold trim and ta.s.sels walked forward. "Grandmother." Ariana called out as she curtsied. "Countess Drake!" Virginia shrieked in horror. "I would never call such a youthful looking woman such as yourself old." Virginia mumbled in an incoherent panic.

"You did well." The Countess said as she stood a foot away from Ariana. "I am pleased to bring honour to the Drake name." Ariana said in a loud voice.

Virginia paled even further. "Your grace. I had no idea you were acquainted with this little girl." The Countess turned her stern gazed to Virginia. "Acquainted? That is an interesting word to say. I'm pretty sure you heard my granddaughter call me grandmother." The Countess said as her tone suddenly turned deadly. "Yes! Yes! I did but I thought I just misheard things." Virginia squeaked as she started to shrink back.

"Yes, you must have misheard things. Just like how I misheard you trying to steal the young Cayden Remo's fiancee from under his nose." The Countess said in a booming voice. Ariana raised her head and felt completely rejuvenation. Ariana's eyes sparkled as she smiled lovingly at her grandmother. 'There's news!' Ariana thought as she dared to hope.

"I would never!" Virginia yelled as she paled a deathly colour. "So you never even thought of who she was when she introduced herself?" The Countess asked as she raised an eyebrow. "I apologise for my complete oversight!" Virginia yelled as she dropped to her knees and begged for mercy. "Well since your son apologized and you have humbled yourself, I will overlook your ignorance." The Countess said as she turned back to Ariana.

"Ariana, I was in my way to see you. There is a small problem with your new Academy plans. Some people aren't happy that you have created and are funding a project for commoners and n.o.bles to go to school to learn about the new horticultural system you came up with. Can you please come with me to talk to them so we can start building." The Countess said casually but her voice carried to the entire crowd. Ariana's eyes grew wide. 'No seriously what are you up too?!' Ariana screamed internally.

"Well sweetheart?" The Countess said as she extended her hand. "Yes grandmother. As you command." Ariana replied as she straightened her back and took her grandmother's hand. "Wait what about answering my request?!" Bruno shouted. "I want to know where does your mother get her meat? Do you think she would want to sign an exclusive contract with me?!" Mr. Klopp shouted as he jumped up. "I need the exact address of the Sugar Apple Cafe! I don't think I can live without eating flan everyday." Mr. Johnpine shouted. Soon people from the crowd started to shout.

"Does the Academy cafeteria allow anyone to go there and eat?"

"Why are cooking cla.s.ses so only at the Sugar Apple Cafe and the Academy? I want to join too!"

"A new Academy but for horticulture? Is this to fix our food shortage epidemic?"

"I want to work for the Sugar Apple Cafe!"

"Why can't my employer be so accommodating?!"

"My children are always in need of medication do you think my employer would reimburse me for if I asked?"

Then someone's shouts drowned out all others.

"The Jewel eyed priestess's daughter was adopted by the Drakes and is changing this place for the better! All hail the Jewel eyed priestess's daughter Ariana!" 

Ariana wasn't the only one who heard it. The Countess squeezed Ariana hand and walked forward.

"The jewel eyed priestess's daughter?!"

"Who?"

"Ariana Drake! The daughter of the Jewel eyed priestess?! Are you sure?!"

"The church has spread lies! The Jewel eyed priestess has not appeared in public for 16 years!"