jackal-among-snakes-16091326
chapter-634

Argrave wasn’t necessarily opposed to giving those who’d been brought back by Garm’s machinations some generous concessions. The Fruit of Being had chosen Durran, and as a consequence, all of this had spiraled into this. He had started this joking idea about trusting the fruit, but actually going through with it had made clear that the golden snacks had some deep foresight. Without leaving it to them, things would not have turned out half as well.

Just because he wasn’t opposed didn’t mean that he would stand idly by and let these people run roughshod over his kingdom.

The nature of domestic politics, in Argrave’s eyes, wasn’t born of cooperation. It was born of disagreement. Two or more opposing desires or viewpoints would come into conflict, each seeking advantage often at the expense of the other. It came at the other’s expense simply because they debated what the resources of the government might be spent on. The role of a truly good government was to be a system by which this conflict could be resolved in a manner that was not only non-violent, but also synthesized the opposing viewpoints to create a productive compromise.

That was what he had been aiming at with the creation of the parliament. In Argrave’s experience, one worldview seldom held all the answers—not even his own, much as he’d like to pretend otherwise. And now, that was what he hoped would be the result of this Council of the Living and Dead.

“So—we have intel on everyone present. Now… our plan of action.” Elenore pushed aside stacks of paper and rose from behind her desk, walking in front of it.

Argrave, Anneliese, and Elenore—king, queen, and head of parliament—plotted their approach to the negotiation in Elenore’s office. Argrave was rather pleased to see that any frigidity she’d been displaying had evaporated like morning dew. Perhaps it was the urgency of the task, or perhaps Ji Meng’s advice had truly worked wonders.

“Realistically speaking, despite everyone formidable we’ve gathered, I think we still fall short when it comes to experience, intelligence, and insight,” Elenore explained to Argrave and Anneliese as she paced around the room.

“And even if we aren’t, operating under that assumption only helps us stay cautious and prepared,” Anneliese agreed, expounding on the issue.

“Just so.” Elenore crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. “So, assuming they have more intellectual capital than we do… we need to consider our advantages.”

“They lack unity,” Argrave said confidently. “Some of these people met just yesterday. Many of them actively hate some of the ones they’re working with.”

“If we exploit that, we risk alienating certain stubborn figures.” Elenore scratched at her cheek as she remained lost in thought.

“Rather than call upon their dislike of one another, why don’t we focus on emphasizing the voices of the ones we might count on as allies?” Anneliese walked to Elenore’s desk, reviewing some documents. “Felipe I can be relied upon. Others are people of good character, with no indication of racial ties that remain the most hot-button issues. They can be our wedge on the inside that disrupts the stubbornness of some others.”

Silence fell as they considered her point.

Elenore nodded and broke the silence. “I think that’s the best initiative.”

“Seconded,” Argrave concurred. “With three motions in favor, our ghostbusting strategy has been decided.”

Elenore chuckled, but then hid her mouth with her hand and cleared her throat to disguise it. “Alright—we have that. But a pretty damned large problem remains. How in the world are we going to make a compromise that satisfies all of these people? We need to give our side of the negotiation direction—a goal to work toward. Shepherds need to know which field to bring their sheep.”

Anneliese nodded. “I’ve been thinking about what Raccomen did. He requested a zone of empty land to occupy—a steppe south of the Order of the Gray Owl. That’s worked out very well. It would satisfy these people and their demands for special privileges if we can distribute land similarly.”

Argrave shook his head. “Historically speaking, segregating populaces into different zones has had terrible results. We don’t want to divide people up with either distinct privileges or distinct zones. Any ounce of inferiority or superiority, perceived or genuine, in separate populaces can breed resentment that builds over decades. Before long, separatist sentiments are brewing. The nation could fracture as each seek to establish an independent state of their own. And conveniently, we’ve given them zones that would become borders with a now-hostile country.” Argrave shook his head adamantly. “We can’t give them an inch. No privileges. No people of higher or lower status. We should only have citizens.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“A… very excellent point,” Anneliese conceded with a nod of her head.

“I have the benefit of having seen some of this stuff play out,” Argrave said dismissively.

“She’s right, though. It is a good point. I could see such a situation arising if we concede to them.” Elenore tapped her temples, as though she’d a headache brewing. “But… we can’t just deny them one and all. That would be a disaster. We need to have an objective to work towards—something everyone presses toward in all separate conversations.”

Everyone went silent, drafting up answers to this complex question. Argrave started laughing after a while.

“What?” Elenore narrowed her eyes.

“I’ve just had a dumb idea that might be secretly genius,” he explained, then laughed a little harder.

“Do tell,” she prompted, listening curiously.

Argrave looked between Anneliese and Elenore. “Anything that happens today will have incredible weight, right? I mean, all the great heroes of centuries past have come together, here, today. The decision made could impact the future of our nation for as long as it lasts.” He smiled. “And there’s been something I’ve been meaning to do, anyway.”