Chapter 21 - The Ark Of Ones In The Underworld

"Your group could start by restoring order to the underworld society. For the above-world dwellers, leave it to themselves first. After you guys are done with the underworld, help the above-world and underworld work together," proposed Baldwin, giving a determined look towards the Marquess.

Little Mavislin found that expression amusing, laughing later on. Minwoo gave a small smile but was focused on the task on hand. Having a child around is a great way to lighten the gloomy mood.

A child's smile was enough to cure the emptiest of hearts.

But reality kicked Minwoo right back into the conversation as he realized something odd.

"Hang on, isn't it better to help the common people first? They are usually the ones helping out the domains. Won't it be easier as well?" asked Minwoo.

"If you think easy is the best way to fix issues, then you aren't cut out to be a leader," retorted Baldwin, shaking his head.

"Being a leader means to fix all problems swiftly, right?"

"Swiftly ain't always the way out. You've got to start from scratch as well."

"But shouldn't the leader be one step above everyone else?"

"If you want to rule your area like that, you might as well rule it into the ground. Mate, crawl before you start flying. It's only after you understand what is going on then you are free to make your decisions. Rome wasn't built in a day," commented Baldwin.

"Yea, but it was burnt in a day. Not very helpful..."

"There won't be any 'Rome' to build if your foundations are weak either," argued Baldwin.

"Right now, that won't be such a good idea," replied Gillian.

"And why not?" asked the Marquess.

"Because a weak root won't be able to bare a proper fruit," replied the little Valkyrie.

"Pardon?" asked the Marquess.

Little Mavislin used her hands to form a cup and whispered some words. Her Earth Elemental Energy increased, furthering piquing the Marquess's interest. A small flower emerged from the base of her palms. She then gave a small smile, directed at Minwoo.

"A flower without its roots cannot bear fruit. If I were to take away the roots, the flower would live for only a few more days. If I continue to let it live, then it would be able to blossom into a fruit," explained the little Valkyrie.

The Marquess seemed perplexed as he could not quite understand the Valkyrie's words.

"What she meant was for you to fix the root of the problems first. Get your hands dirty before expecting a clean victory," said Ysabeau, with a stern gaze.

"There's no point in fixing surface problems if you don't solve the root first. No matter how many you were to solve a surface problem, it won't fully go away if you ignore the source of it."

Gillian gave another sigh at how clueless the Marquess was.

"Talk to the people of the underworld. Get a feel of how they work. How they suffered. How they lived. How the domain that you rule functions as a whole. Take notes on how your people deal with conflict. With crime. Get down-to-earth and suffer alongside your subjects before you think to lead them," explained Gillian.

"The filth of the world, the ones that common society humans have rejected because they want everything to clean and proper. The anguish and pain the underworld goes through would be hidden by those who want to paint a better picture of the domain," said Ysabeau, giving a disgusted look.

"Why would anyone think to do that?" asked the Marquess, hurt from Ysabeau's sharp gaze.

"Because they've fought to protect the world that they know. They felt safe in that world and they are willing to risk anything to protect it. To even bury the grime of their haven with the dead. It isn't wrong since that's what we are currently doing now," answered Ysabeau, rather bluntly.

"Where's the justice in that? All while I was growing up, we heard about that so often. And yet, I don't see it being preached," whispered the Marquess in sadness.

"Sooner or later, "justice" is just an authoritative line taken by those in power to benefit their ends. It's nothing more than a fancy way of control."

"We are creating conflict to protect the ones that we hold dear," added Ysabeau as she stroked the Valkyrie's cheek.

"So, we are stealing that sense of security away for others to strive?" asked Minwoo, frowning.

"There lies two kinds of people. One who steals and the other being robbed. Now, we are currently the former, stealing their protection to show them the filth of the world that the common people have exiled. It's not exactly fair if those who fought in the dark to be judged by fake words."