[Featured Story] An Independent Crossbell: Yea or Nay?
◆The Referendum Approaches◆
As the blistering summer continues, we hope that all our readers are faring well. Here in Crossbell, the independence referendum will be held in five days, and the populace has been growing progressively more restless by the hour.
The poll will not immediately enact independence, but instead gauge the will of the Crossbellan people. Citizens are encouraged to consider their decision carefully and vote with the state's future in mind. In this issue, we will analyze the prospects of an independent Crossbell.
◆The Significance of Independence◆
Calling Crossbell's history 'complex' may be a gross understatement. The region is generally believed to have become a key point on major trade routes long ago. The turbulent Middles Ages, however, left the land and its people ravaged by the tides of war. Over the previous five centuries, ownership of Crossbell has changed hands five times. It was only 70 years ago that Crossbell finally achieved its autonomy.
In the years since, Crossbell has become a nexus of international commerce. Having already developed into a modern city with cutting-edge infrastructure like the orbal network, what exactly should the state strive for in the future?
◆Crossbell's Role and Future◆
As an international economy with open borders, constructing and preserving stable diplomatic relations is essential. What role Crossbell should play as a financial hub of western Zemuria is still open to debate. An international perspective may be necessary to clarify the many ambiguities.
Regardless of the referendum's result, it is unlikely that Crossbell will become its own country. Even so, the mayor's proposal may still be of dramatic consequence.
[Notice] Public Forum to be Conducted
The Crossbell News Service will be hosting a public forum on the topic of state independence. Experts will debate the merits of each perspective to further the public's understanding of the issue. The forum will be held the afternoon after tomorrow at the Civic Center.
[Entertainment] Arc en Ciel's New Performance Begins!
The wait is almost over! Arc en Ciel's long-awaited revival production--which will include new characters and scenes--is opening in three days' time. This is one show no Arc en Ciel faithful will want to miss.
[Finance] The IBC's Acting CEO: Mariabell Crois
Yesterday, the IBC announced that senior board member Mariabell Crois would be appointed as its acting CEO. Miss Crois says she will strive to further the IBC's contributions to the international economy. With the renowned and intelligent Mariabell Crois at the helm, we expect her father, former IBC CEO Dieter Crois, to fully focus on his mayoral duties.
[Culture] Highlighting Historic Monuments
- Upon the Battlefield: The Sun Fort -
Off the beaten path of the Old Armorica Road lies a desolate wasteland known as the Ancient Battlefield. Deep within lies a gigantic ruin--the vestiges of the Sun Fort. As public entry has been prohibited for some time, due to the monsters infesting the area, many are unaware that the great Bell of Crossbell, the symbol of our city, actually originates from the Sun Fort. One theory hypothesizes that the fort once housed a powerful lord in the Middle Ages. Hopefully, the day will come when the fort will be open for all Crossbellans to explore at their leisure.
[Lifestyle] Beware of Monsters
The Bracer Guild's Crossbell branch has reported recent sightings of large, erratic monsters roaming the highways. As the creatures are highly dangerous, they advise those traveling on the roads to do so with extreme caution.
