"Isn't the 'cause' all we need to deal with the 'political' side of things?"
Vaan questioned with a frown on his face.
"It is not that simple, Vaan. We cannot do anything rashly even if we do a reason and that's because you were the one who started it.
'My child lost control over his emotions and acted restlessly, however, if Young Master Vaan hadn't done what he did, I doubt my child would have lost control. My son was bleeding, which 22-year-old boy wouldn't panic and act rashly when he sees his old blood?
My son should be punished, yes, but a death sentence? That is going too far considering it was Young Master Vaan who made the first move.'
This is what Eamon Frostmoon would say in order to defend that boy.
Now in this situation, we allow you to move right now and let you kill that boy, what do you think would happen to the family image?
And you think the Frostmoon Family would take it lying down? Don't forget, Roland is their 'face', their hope of getting a 7th Circle Mage in their Family History. They won't remain silent if you kill him like this."
Orion explained the situation.
"See, now this is what I do not understand, Father. I have read about them, so I know that even though they are considered pretty strong in general, the strongest Mage they have is a 6th Circle Mage.
Then why should I, as the Young Master of the Vesta Family, should care about a Frostmoon Family and take them into consideration?
Why are you even asking if the Frostmoon Family would take it lying down or not? Do they have any other option? If they act rashly, can they get away from Mother's wrath? Even if Mother acts alone, without using the strength of the Family, I know she can half destroy the Frostmoon Family-"
"No, she would destroy them, there won't be a single trace left. Don't underestimate your mother, she is stronger than me."
Orion was quick to correct.
Vaan was slightly taken aback, however, he didn't lose his focus and continued, "See? That was what I am trying to say. Why would we care about what the Frostmoon Family would think?
There can only be mutual respect between two forces when they are similar in strength, if one is so much weaker than the other, then there is no respect, there is only subordination.
And if the stronger force is not acting on this and still chooses to be 'respectful' to the weaker force, then I believe that the stronger force is foolish and doesn't deserve the strength it has."
A smile appeared on Orion's face.
For some reason, Vaan's questions didn't feel annoying anymore. At first, it was just Vaan trying to act unreasonably, now however, he was standing there, actually trying to understand his perspective while asking questions about things he didn't understand. He didn't just dismiss his words and continued to shout about his own troubles and perspective, he was trying to have a decent, calm conversation.
How many years has it been since Orion had talked to his son like this? It was so long that Orion didn't even remember it.
Therefore, even though technically two of them were standing on the opposite side since they had different opinions, Orion was still enjoying this situation.
However, just as he was about to answer Vaan's question,
"You are right."
A voice was heard.
Orion and Vaan turned around and saw Astra walking towards them with a slight smile on her face.
"Gabel, you can leave."
Astra ordered without moving her eyes away from her husband and child.
"As you command, Family Head." Gabel bowed his head and walked away.
"Let's talk back in your ward, shall we?" Astra questioned as she looked at Vaan.
Vaan still wanted to get rid of Roland, but since his mother was here, he had no choice but to listen to her.
"As you say."
The three then walked into Vaan's ward, then, Astra sat on a chair and,
"You are right, when one force is stronger than the other, there is no 'respect', there is only subordination."
Astra agreed with Vaan's statement.
"However, the meaning of the subordination you have in your mind is incorrect.
Subordination is different from Slavery, the Frostmoon can be seen as our subordinates, however, they are not some Slaves who are absolutely loyal to us.
You are correct, we are strong, the Frostmoon Family wouldn't be able to directly hurt you or us even if you kill Roland right now but the keyword here is 'directly'.
You killing Roland here has two problems.
First, your own situation, you are weak, you are seen as a 'waste' and in the eyes of the people, your competence is in negative. Even in the Vesta Family, people who actually support you aren't many. If you do kill Roland here, then I would have to personally step up in order to protect you.
I can and will do that, however, that would send a message that the Vesta Family Head supports the incompetent waste because he is her own blood, she might choose him to be the next heir because of her deep love.
This will not only affect the other Magic Families in the Vesta City but also your uncles and aunts.
Second is the problem of our image, if you kill Roland right now, the family image is harmed, and that is something that cannot happen."
"And why is that? Aren't they just our subordinates? Why do we need to care what they think about us?"
"Because not caring about that would make us Tyrants, an image that could potentially destroy the entire Family."
"There are successful Tyrants who ruled their kingdoms without any troubles in history. I'd even say their rule was better since there was no 'image' propaganda so people knew what to expect from their ruler." Vaan replied. Astra, however, shook her head.
"Tyranny empties out a Kingdom from the inside out. Some Tyranny prospers because the Kingdom is much stronger compared to its enemies, or they have no enemies. That is the only way a Tyrannical Kingdom would survive."
"We are the strongest Magic Family in the world, don't we fulfill the first condition? No, actually, I think we fulfill both conditions. I doubt anyone would want to be our enemy."
Vaan spoke and both Astra and Orion stared at him with blank looks on their faces.
"We do not have enemies? The Vesta Family?" Orion raised his eyebrow. He couldn't believe what Vaan was saying.
"The entire world is our enemy, Vaan. Don't think that just because they aren't actively attacking us means they have given up. The treasures we hold are something that can that every single force in this world craves, there is no way any of them is giving up on those treasures.
They are just waiting, waiting for the time for us to be weak and they will use that chance to absolutely wipe us out from this world. Don't ever think that we do not have enemies just because we are the strongest magic family in the world.
We have lots of enemies because we are the strongest Magic Family."
Astra explained.
Vaan finally understood what his parents were thinking.
"So you are saying that if we act tyrannical and have a bad image, these mage families would betray us in the future and we would be destroyed?"
Vaan questioned.
"That is somewhat correct." Astra nodded.
"Then what makes you think they won't betray you if you 'respect' them?" Suddenly, Vaan questioned.
Astra and Orion frowned.
"You aren't thinking that just because you were nice to them they would be loyal to you, right? I hope not because if that's the case, then let me guarantee you, if something happens in the future, they would be the first ones to leave you aside and run away."
Vaan spoke however, Astra and Orion just glanced at each other.
"It is not his fault, he has started taking interest in these matters only recently. We should be happy that he is even showing some interest." Astra commented.
"But…" Orion wasn't convinced.
His son was too dumb…
"Don't worry, a parent's job is to explain till they get it," Astra replied calmly.
Then, she turned towards Vaan and,
"You remember when I told you that you are too impulsive because you try to deal with everything using your own strength and that attitude is not acceptable if yours is not acceptable if you wish to become the next heir?"
Vaan nodded.
"Well, this is the reason I said it.
You are right, if nothing is done, these people would run away and abandon us in a time of need. That is how human nature works, it seeks protection and tends to stay away from things that could potentially harm them.
If you are the ruler, then you would most probably punish these traitors, then would turn to your enemies and fight them on your own or your few trusted subordinates, eventually tiring yourself out and getting yourself and your loyal subordinates killed.
That is why I said that this attitude of handling everything with your fists only makes you a dog, not the owner.
Someone who thinks like you will be an incompetent ruler whose Kingdom would collapse in difficult times."
"Then… How would a Competent Ruler act in this situation?"
