Many have asked me: What is the correct way to govern?

I have given this question much thought and can only profess my frustration.

The problem stems from the myriad people that we have. Two can certainly agree; but three, inevitably, will disagree.

Add more people and you add more variables, each with different opinions and conflicting desires. Gather more than a certain number of people and you naturally wish to reduce each variable to categories in order to simplify the problem.

But just as no two apples are exactly the same, how can we treat all humans equally?

There are no right answers, only wrong ones. Even what works is only temporary and always found through compromise, meaning no one is satisfied by the state of affairs.

This results in a tenuous state of socialization ripe for disruption. And when it tips over, what happens? Revolutions and strife.

Alchemy is straightforward, but people are not.

— Excerpt from the journal of Flangel the Wise

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ZhiXia City — Martial Arena

To Shurra’s surprise, faces peeked up from the swirling mass of fur that had, just a second ago, been focused solely on the food she doled out. Dogs’ tails blurred with wagging, and the cats’ demanding meows were replaced with strong purrs. Shurra glanced up, then, sensing no danger from the approaching figure, looked back down, shifting some of the hungry animals and wondering why they didn't think to look for bowls with the least amount of competition. She waited for the man to come closer before she spoke up.

"I wasn't expecting you, GloomSire," said Shurra.

"That's because you still rely on your eyes. My Domain enveloped you some time ago, and you weren't even on guard." The man still covered himself from head to toe, but had discarded the thick cloak he wore during Winter's Sorrow.

Shurra chose to ignore the remark. "Is there a reason you're here?"

"Master Ji came to see me a few days ago about Molam's request, then asked me to oversee your training. I came as soon as I recovered from my injuries."

Shurra frowned. "Where is your bond? The pixiu."

"Sent to JiangXi at Molam's request. Continue with what you were doing."

A moment of confusion later, Shurra understood. Molam had been adamant about needing to get Kalle out of JiangXi as soon as possible, and what faster way than to fly?

Nodding to herself, she turned back to her charges, all once again clamoring for more food. Once she began thinking of the exercise as similar to how she stayed vigilant of her surroundings while hunting, it became easier to connect the hungry pets with her background. Now, all she had to do was step around lightly, as she had seen the Whale do, shifting animals around each bowl and ensure that —

A dog yelped and hopped to one side, whimpering. She knelt, apologizing for stepping on its tail with a handful of kibble. It licked its nose, giving her a look of reproach before coming closer, deciding the offering was sincere.

Well, Shurra thought as she let the dog lick her hand clean, I can't expect to exert a Domain in just a few days of practice.

"Master Ji gave you an interesting exercise," GloomSire observed. "I learned this skill by standing under large trees shedding their leaves. Autumn's Colors had almost faded before I went through an entire day without being touched by a single one."

"Why not with animals?" asked Shurra.

GloomSire sat down on the ground, crossing his legs to allow a small batch of cats to fight over his lap as the dogs sniffed him, their tails wagging. Several tried licking his face, but he guided them away with a firm finger on the snout. "My affinity with them would hinder me from learning the ability to focus on everything at the same time."

Shurra glowered — none of the animals had shown her the same level of affection. Even the dogs were more interested in the food she brought than Shurra herself, and cats were cats. But she was curious. "What is it like to be an Anima?" The few born into the Northern Tribes became Seers, separated from the rest of the Tribes.

"Loud, but not in the way of hearing," the Titled One responded. "They're always communicating — incessantly, mind — in speech humans neither think about nor care to understand." A cat leapt onto his shoulder, rubbing its scent over his hood, its tiny body rumbling with a purr. He ignored it. "For example, right now they are all asking why the large man hasn't come to feed them even if his aura is in the City. And, why do you seem to not ever bother answering them."

Shurra looking at the sea of fur, staying silent as though that would somehow make her capable of hearing whatever GloomSire was speaking of. Still hearing nothing, she shrugged and tried to focus on her mental exercise, but the topic had been breached. Keeping her voice monotone, Shurra said, "I assume you're here because you heard about the Whale."

"In a way. As I said earlier: he asked me to take over your guidance to see if you could produce a Domain."

It hit Shurra, then. The reality of it all. She had been so focused on practicing that she hadn't found the time to think through the significance of recent events. Or… perhaps she had been avoiding facing it by diving into her exercises.

The strongest person she had ever met could die in just two days, and it was not from an insurmountable fight against an overwhelming opponent. It was not through some freak catastrophe, or even of divine intervention. No — the Whale of ZhiXia, a living legend, faced the wrath of the very people he had protected.

The question came out. "You think the Whale will die?"

"If they convict him. Your mind is wandering; focus."

But she could not. Shurra looked up, meeting GloomSire's gaze. "The Whale is going to die because others tell him he should?"

Though much of the man's features were obscured, she could hear a somber tone enter his voice. "I hardly agree with Master Ji's ideals, but he has a right to them. His readiness to risk his life sets him apart from those who defend their ideals only when there's no danger to themselves. I can respect that."

"Is this not… suicide?" Shurra asked.

"You have such little faith in his likeability."

"It's not about likeability." That wasn't what gnawed at Shurra. "It's about how he doesn't struggle against it. When they came for him, he seemed to have already accepted it — as though he didn't care about the possibility that he would die." This irked her — no, it distressed her. Perhaps GloomSire was right. "Why would the Whale of ZhiXia accept this kind of death? The possibility that it would be his last act? Unless he refuses to honor a guilty verdict, in which case no one in the City could possibly stop him from —"

"He wouldn't, and you know that."

A fist clenched around her heart. Just as GloomSire said, Shurra knew deep down that the Whale would accept the outcome if the people voted that he was guilty. He would never run away from the death sentence.

"Your concentration has waned again."

She blinked, her vision coming into focus again. Her mind wandered, trying to recapture the earlier sense of focus she'd barely managed, but then she turned to GloomSire. It was pointless to try when so many thoughts overwhelmed her mind.

"I was just thinking," Shurra searched for the words to describe her confusion, "that I didn't understand why Master Ji would allow this to happen to him when… he's strong. No one in ZhiXia could restrain him. The strong should not bow to the weak."

"Think about that on your own time. My patience is limited to teaching you what I promised him, in the hopes that being a mentor can give me insight into my shortcomings. Perhaps you'll find the answer to what Master Ji is thinking when you yourself become strong one day."

The words stung Shurra; her immediate instinct was to stand tall and look down upon him — how dare this thin, sickly-looking man lecture a daughter of the White Bear? Then she collected herself with several deep breaths. He was still a Titled One, at least eight decades old. She couldn't even beat his bond.

"All I've ever wanted is to become strong enough to not bow to the whims of others," Shurra growled, contemplating if it was wise to challenge him right now as part of her training. Yet the question burned in her mind, and she decided she must have it answered. "But what… is the purpose of becoming powerful if something as simple as ideals can be your downfall?"

GloomSire pondered her question silently, a hand scratching under a dog’s chin. The other dogs that had eaten their fill were already lined up behind the current one, awaiting their turn. The cats did not line up — those that had already claimed a spot on his lap gazed triumphantly at the cats around him, who glowered.

"If you insist on listening to the musings of an old man who has gone down many wrong paths," he finally responded, "Master Ji once told me that the only enemy we keep throughout our lives — the only one we must fight repeatedly — is none other than ourselves." He fell silent, then shrugged and added, "I think becoming strong helps you live long enough to meet those who truly care for you. They are the ones who will then guide you away from the wrong paths, the ones who can still sit down and speak with you when you lose to yourself."

Shurra stared. "I find that difficult to accept. Strength is when you don't rely on anyone but yourself. Strength is what you need because others may abandon you."

"You are confusing strength with competence. A lone wolf is competent, but it is the strength of the pack that causes fear."

"Humans aren't wolves," Shurra replied. "The strength I seek is —"

"Look at the battle in front of you that has you so distraught," GloomSire's voice took on a frigid, stern tone. "And it is a battle. One that you don't understand because Master Ji's current plight is not a battle that can be won through force or strength, but through heart and mind. Did you not realize your own inadequacies in this area? And have you forgotten who you trusted to resolve it?"

The notion struck Shurra as though she had suddenly become aware of a color she had never noticed before. "I…" she mumbled, thinking about Primrose and Molam. "I didn't think of it that way."

"Your frustration at being powerless in this situation is understandable." A cat meowed at GloomSire from his shoulder, earning itself a finger flick for its attempt to climb the man's head. "You should put more trust in others, especially when they can fight the battles you cannot. Remember: Molam and Primrose rely on you to fight the battles they cannot."

"That… does make some sense." In a roundabout way.

"Now then, if we've put your worries to rest, you should start again."

Shurra turned to look at the strays, who had cleaned out the bowls. "But they're already done eating, GloomSire."

"There is a reason why Master Ji asked me to oversee your training," the Titled One's eyes pulsed a deep blue and the animals sitting on him slid off, marching obediently into a formation at the silent command. "And I dislike the Title the merchants gave me. From now on, you are to address me as Master Yao-ren."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

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A Small Tea Shop, ZhiXia City

Scarlette waved cheerily. "Aster, over here. Come, sit. I've already poured the tea."

"Madam Scarlette," the man walked up to her table. Aster was a striking figure, standing at a commanding height with a well-built frame that spoke of his disciplined lifestyle. A hint of his natural fair complexion could still be seen up beyond his tanned arms, indicating his commitment to being a leader that did more than sit behind a desk. His most distinctive feature was perhaps his piercing amber eyes, framed by thick, dark eyebrows and carrying an intense, determined gaze. "Weren't you the one who taught me persistence is a quality better left to self-improvement?"

"My, not even a word of kindness between old friends?" Scarlette raised her cup in greeting. "Though what you say is true. I wouldn't have had to persist in my invitation if you had simply agreed to see me yesterday."

"If you haven't noticed, half the City is in shambles. I have rebuilding efforts to oversee, and some problematic individuals have taken to looting."

The man was straightforward and to the point, as usual. Scarlette gave him her practiced smile, full of warmth to those who did not know her. "Perhaps people wouldn't be looting if the Whale of ZhiXia was not imprisoned."

Aster responded with a hard stare, then pulled out a chair and sat down. "HuaLang Chamber has had a longstanding agreement with the Sharks." He pulled out a flask, ignoring the cup Scarlette had already poured out for him. After sniffing at the cup and the teapot, he emptied both into the flask. "The Sharks do not interfere with HuaLang Chamber so long as you contribute your dues to the city. HuaLang Chamber does not interfere with how the Sharks enforce the peace within ZhiXia City." He sniffed the tea again before taking a sip. "If HuaLang Chamber's stance has changed, perhaps the Sharks should reconsider this relationship."

"HuaLang Chamber is not looking to interfere with the peacekeeping of ZhiXia City," said Scarlette. She did not use a friendly tone. "But in light of recent events, your decision to imprison the Whale seems... " she tapped a finger on the rim of her teacup, "questionable."

"It is precisely because the Whale left ZhiXia City to fend for itself during recent events that I have chosen to undertake drastic measures. You understand that people have died because of his negligence? Over four hundred, by my last report." Aster's eyes narrowed. "Or has HuaLang Chamber become so accustomed to dealing with death that mere numbers no longer matter?"

"And the solution is to remove the defending Titled One?" Scarlette raised her brows. "The Sharks have chosen an incomprehensible path for a group that did not even arrive to stop the OutCast."

"People needed help," Aster responded, stoic. "The Sharks are supposed to prioritize saving lives and aiding in disaster recovery, not engaging with a Titled One."

"Because you leave that up to the Whale of ZhiXia," Scarlette now ran her finger around the teacup’s rim. "Which is why your current actions fail to make sense."

"If he had continued to protect ZhiXia City without fault, we wouldn't need to take our current course of action. As it is, there are deaths to be accounted for, and so the old law has come into effect." Aster sipped again from his flask, then added, "While the decision does not rest with me, it's become clear that ZhiXia City does not need such an unreliable Titled One; much less one that originated from the Empire of the Sun. It is time for the people to reassess if such a presence is necessary."

Ting. Scarlette cursed inwardly; she had momentarily loosened the aura collected in her nails at Aster's words. The teacup's rim cracked, the ceramic shard flying off to the side.

Neither of them flinched.

After a moment, Scarlette spoke quietly. "HuaLang Chamber has no intention of seeing the Whale punished so unjustly."

Aster did not blink. "I am aware. Don't think I'm blind to the Flowers running around the City with the Oracle's vessel ever since last evening, looking to influence the outcome of the vote." He seemed to shrug. "Though, I suppose I would have been disappointed if you hadn't. It is your prerogative. Only," He leaned forward, his intense gaze meeting Scarlette’s veil, "I believe your efforts are misplaced."

Though he couldn't see through her veil, Scarlette felt their eyes meet. "But my patience has its limits. If HuaLang Chamber truly intends to maintain our relationship, then this matter is to be settled by the people's will. The people will vote, and the people will decide. HuaLang Chamber still abides by the agreement, correct?"

Scarlette resisted the urge to chew on the inside of her cheek. Aster had clearly thought this through; no matter how much HuaLang Chamber objected, their predecessors' agreement bound both of them to a certain type of conduct with each other. "HuaLang Chamber will always abide by its agreements."

"Good." Aster pushed back his seat, adding in a formal monotone, "On behalf of ZhiXia City, the Sharks appreciate HuaLang Chamber's swift aid to the needy residents. If there is nothing else to discuss, Madam Scarlette, I have important matters to oversee."

Before Aster could fully stand up, Scarlette interjected, "The Whale of ZhiXia cannot be blamed for your son's death, Aster. Killing the Whale's will not bring him back."

The man paused, then leaned over the table. "This has nothing to do with my son."

"You've disliked the Whale for two decades," Scarlette lifted her head. "Your son's death cannot be placed on his shoulders just because he was not in the City. He had good reason to be gone — did you forget how he came back from Teljumaya with the bodies of his two disciples?"

The man's face did not flicker, but Scarlette noticed a hand flex as though resisting the desire to clench into a fist. "I do not blame my son's death on the Whale of ZhiXia."

"Then I truly don't understand, Aster. Why?"

Aster seemed contemplative, then relaxed his hand and sat back down. He poured more tea into the flask. "Are you asking as the Madam of HuaLang Chamber, or as Scarlette?"

"Is there a difference?"

Aster paused, then said, "I would like to speak to my Flower sister."

"I've been speaking to my Flower brother this entire time, Aster."

"Scarlette," Aster acknowledged, sipping again from his flask. "We may have our differences, but we grew up together and I know you well enough to know of your… fondness for the Whale."

Scarlette took a drink from her own tea, choosing not to respond.

"We were both trained to remove our personal feelings from our line of work. And so I'm going to tell you honestly: the person I blame for my son's death is myself." A pause. "My weakness. No — our collective weakness."

Scarlette wasn't certain what to think. "What do you mean?"

Another pause. Then, "Do you know what my wife said to me?" Aster's face stayed stoic, but Scarlette saw his gaze softening with memory. "No, of course you wouldn't, you weren't there. Rhea asked me: 'Why didn't you know? Why couldn't you do anything?'" He leaned towards the table, lowering his voice. "Rhea asked me that, over and over again, repeating it as I begged her to step away from the ledge. And I couldn't stop her, of course. But you know that part."

His gaze lowered, as though deep in thought, before flicking back up. "I still hear her question every morning when I visit their placards, Scarlette. Why didn't I know? Why couldn't I do anything? A good question — why didn't anyone help my boy?"

"You can't blame the Whale for being gone when the criminal —"

Aster waved her silent. "I won't repeat myself: I do not blame the Whale. I blame what we have become. A City that relies on the Whale's protection. People that require his Domain to know that a crime is being committed, so that it can be stopped. A City of people that have grown dependent. Why do you think I've expanded the Sharks' numbers and increased patrols? The people may grumble about the allocation of taxes, but the results speak for themselves. When the Whale was gone during Winter's Sorrow, we prevented seven individual opportunists and two groups from selling illegal narcotics. And yet it's not enough — Sanctuary had two orphans disappear and a fight broke out in the taverns. One man was stabbed to death before the Sharks could arrive because we weren't informed about it as it was happening. The Sharks themselves have grown dependent on the Whale."

He took a deep breath, then continued. "Do you know how long it's been since ZhiXia City has produced a Titled One? Almost two centuries now — since the Bloody Prince killed the Shark of ZhiXia. And do you know what my Sharks say when I try to get them to master their aura? That it's pointless when we have the Whale of ZhiXia and Sanctuary. This is what the Whale has reduced us to. Pathetic dependents, relying on someone else for our own safety."

Despite her misgivings, Scarlette found herself sympathetic towards Aster's point of view. And yet… "How does imprisoning the Whale at a time like this and putting him in a position where ZhiXia could vote for his death solve any of that?"

"Were you not listening? The people have decided it is better to rely on others than to improve themselves! With the Whale gone, the circumstances will change — without his Domain, people must rise to the occasion," Aster responded grimly, then added, "Flangel the Wise once said 'All know the legend, but few remember the nightmare.' We've already been attacked by the Empire, again. Only now, when the pain is fresh in everyone's minds, will they understand that we cannot rely on the Whale. We must rely on ourselves," he clenched a fist, "to protect our families and friends with our own hands. To know when trouble befalls those around us, so that we can —"

"Neither of us have learned to achieve a Domain, Aster." Scarlette laid a hand on Aster's arm, hoping a soft touch would soften the maddened gleam in his eyes. "And we are among the most powerful auramancers in ZhiXia. Do you think I haven't tried to overcome that impossible chasm? We lack the talent!"

"I don't expect either of us to do it, but someone must!" Aster pulled his arm away, rejecting her touch. "There's thousands of talents in our City, they just lack motivation! How can you not see this?" He placed his palms flat on the table, leaning in again. "When you received the veil, Madam Ixia reminded you to look for what you cannot see, and this is it! We've been so well-protected we've lost the desire to better ourselves! Indulging peace has softened our fists and dulled our blades! The Empire's attack has only proven how unprepared we are! The Whale's mere existence as our defending Titled One enables our continued ineptitude!"

"So you do blame the Whale."

"Not for my son's death," Aster sat back in his chair. "And as the current leader of the Sharks, I am obligated by the law to arrest the Whale for neglecting his agreed-upon duty. Putting my personal matters aside, this isn't just a single child's life anymore." He folded his arms, "The City and its people lost too much this time. Homes, families, friends. My position makes me answer to the residents of ZhiXia. There is nothing to negotiate."

"Even if I entertained this madness," Scarlette pressed her lips together at the thought, then continued, "What happens if you're wrong? What happens if we lose the Whale and none of our talents rise to his level? Did you forget that the Whale of ZhiXia's reputation alone brought ZhiXia so many generations of peace? The Empire did not attack ZhiXia for over eight decades!"

"We will," Aster seemed firm. "In fact, the Sharks recently recruited two of the combatants from the Martial Arena. Like you, I'm also looking out for talent, and the young man who fought the opening fight seems quite promising."

"You gamble with ZhiXia's protection instead of simply galvanizing the people?"

"But I have! People are indolent by nature," Aster grimaced. "I hate to say it, but there is wisdom in what the alchemists say: that which is at rest, remains at rest… unless acted upon by a large enough force. What spurs humans into action faster than collective pain? Isn't that why HuaLang Chamber receives orphans of the Empire's war?"

Seeing that Aster could not be dissuaded, Scarlette changed her tone. "HuaLang Chamber will not interfere with how the Sharks enforce peace within ZhiXia City," she said icily, "but that only applies to what the Sharks do. When it comes to the popular vote, we are allowed to participate as residents ourselves."

"As you should. And yet, I feel you allow your feelings on the matter to cloud your thoughts, Madam Scarlette." The leader of the Sharks pushed back his seat, placing down some coin, more than enough to pay for both of them. Perhaps he intended to pay for the chipped cup as well. "I will allow you to see him if you wish to tell him your feelings before the trial, but that's as much rule-bending as I can allow."

He turned to leave, waving a hand without looking back. "It was good to share tea with you, Scarlette."

Scarlette sat there for several moments, pondering the color of her tea. Then, a light voice whispered somewhere else, a building and three floors away, so soft that only someone like Scarlette could hear. "Madam Scarlette, Captain Aster has left. He's heading back to oversee Second Street's repairs."

Scarlette tapped the rim of her chipped teacup — gently this time — deep in thought. "Set Flora, Leilani, and Cassia out to look for looters tonight. They are free to use their skills however they see fit, but ensure the results are visible to potential miscreants. Then double the amount of food we provide to the needy."

"Madam, the Roots and Leaves in the kitchens will be overwhelmed if we increase production to this extent."

"It just needs to be healthy and filling. No need to plate it; we're feeding people, not entertaining guests. Egg fried rice with some vegetables should do enough to cook for quantity. Anyone who wants a bowl should be fed, regardless of how well dressed they are."

"Understood. Is there anything else?"

"Summon Primrose to the Chamber, and make sure she brings Molam."

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HuaLang Chamber

Scarlette looked up to Primrose walking into her study. "I hope there's a good reason I heard only one set of footsteps."

"I tried my best, but Molam is heading to Sanctuary after hearing about your meeting with Aster," Primrose grimaced, closing the door behind her. "Molam also wanted me to tell you that due to a bad experience being invited to HuaLang Chamber, he will come when he is ready."

"I see he can still find levity when the vote is tomorrow. Is he always so relaxed?" Scarlette didn't wait for a response. "And why Sanctuary? The Priestesses cannot vote. How does going to Sanctuary do anything to influence the vote?"

"About that…" Primrose turned slowly. Scarlette could hear the note of trepidation; Primrose could hide her feelings very well, but her voice always became more high-pitched when she needed to talk about delicate topics. "Molam thinks there isn't enough time to change public sentiment enough to sway the result. He said we can continue the efforts in that regard on our own, but he wanted to explore other… possibilities."