Post by Ward on Oct 3, 2022 5:17:21 GMT -5
The response given wasn't all that surprising, and was a view he shared even when he was looking at things from the outside. Even now he still didn't feel as if he was on the inside either given the context, but was he was privy to had definitely made him more paranoid than less. Ise wasn't an issue as far as someone who would betray him, but he had been preparing for the day Mint decided he didn't want to share the throne anymore and challenged one or both of them in a moment of hubris.
"There is a certain level of paranoia you must have as a leader, as there is always someone who covets what you have for themselves. It's simply a fact that too many ignore because they think power means untouchable. Even the strongest of beings have weaknesses. In regards to crimes, I'm certain there are those that wish speaking ill of one of us three was a crime, but not one I'd ever enforce. It might cause other issues though, certainly."
Again she had a point, but he realized in that moment maybe it was best not to speak too much of his true feelings so openly about Mint given they still had people around them that could easily relay what was said. He wasn't all too worried about Mint as he still wasn't sure how much he did trust him already, and he knew full well Mint didn't fully trust him, but he didn't want to throw fuel on the fire for the sake of a casual conversation.
"One day things will change in how Arcose is ruled, as there will come a time when three become one almost certainly. Our arrangement is certainly a unique one and if the circumstances were only marginally different they most certainly would have ended differently. Much like those pirate crews you referenced, when the sea changes they have to change with it and react accordingly. There is a balance to it all, and that's my role to play in this leadership role. If you were to meet the three of us individually, it's likely you wouldn't see a world where we would agree on much or share many views, but it's not about us, and I do my best to keep my eyes forward for now."
One of the guards ahead made a motion down a corridor branching off to the left they were moving towards, not wanting to audibly interrupt. Giving a nod in response, he turned and made a motion for Cato towards said guard.
"It seems we've reached our destination upon making this next turn. I hope you are properly prepared. You've made quite the effort to get this far."