***This is a free auxiliary chapter. This is the book Jay was reading. You can skip it and still understand the story, I just thought It would be fun to add. Thanks, Aero182***
~Words of the philosopher king, to his dearest son~
Sedulus, Mern, Radette and I send our greetings, grace and love - along with your queen.
My child, soften your heart and hear my words, knowing I only want to build you up. You are my reflection, and I would not hurt my own body.
What is your purpose, young prince?
One man strives for wealth, another for power.
They both succeed and are content for a while, only to empty again after some time - Is his true goal then to be content or even more foolishly - to be happy?
You have the world, yet it isn't enough, is it?
You've planted gardens for yourself and built houses, mansions, castles, kingdoms.
You created families, amassed gold, treasures of kings among all the lands.
You've gathered entertainers, singers, and great harems.
Yet after all of this, you gained nothing, it was all meaningless.
Why not then skip the middle step of gaining wealth or power and be content?
One of the many fools realises this and strives for pleasure - filling himself up in the flesh, only to be drained by the next day, more empty than before.
God laughs, the heavens scoff, and the depths mock at these pitiful beings.
No matter how long a man lives or how much he acquires, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity, it would be better for such a man to not have been born; both have the same outcome - meaninglessness.
Yet you, prince, shall find more satisfaction in one single day than those who live forever.
A little poison taints a whole keg, as a little foolishness tarnishes your wisdom and honour.
Drunken adulterous foolishness will not cause you any contentment but instead only more pain, and more foolishness, my child - and one day you will be judged for these actions.
Therefore, knowing you will be judged by the grand council, as well as God, for your actions in this meaningless world, I commend you to live and enjoy your days - but do so with honour, integrity, righteousness and wisdom; then you will wake up with gladness all your days, and endure judgement when the time comes, being found to be above reproach - The mockers shall be silenced, the whisperers quieted, and the nay-sayers embarrassed for their own words.
Then a fool - even after drinking all the wine in the world will not be able to reach your level of fulness.
Looking forward to your return. Peace, grace and love to you, my young King.
- Philosopher King Helotian, Empire of the Broken, Counsellor of the wise.
