18 The Ark Of A Rising Marquess

"As a leader, you shouldn't lie about these things. You have to let them know the true evils of humanity. The greed, the bloodshed," explained Ysabeau, with a very scary tone.

"Otherwise, you are no more than a liar. A foolish leader. Such arrogance will lead to any fool's downfall."

"Hmm... A lie could become the truth with due time, right? Besides, without arrogance and fear, we won't be called humans."

"That's how most lies function. But lies are lies. There's no argument about that."

"Surely, there's got be a cap on how low one could go for power, right?" asked Minwoo, shakily.

"Oh ho! You'll find that cap to be very low, my boy," laughed Baldwin.

"But why would humans go about killing themselves? Doesn't seem very sane of them. If you can't find a reason to fight, then you shouldn't be fighting, right?" asked Minwoo, looking confused.

"They do have a reason to fight or kill."

"And what reason do humans have then?"

"You tell me, boy. If you, as a human, can't understand why humans kill or fight each other. Then don't expect your reign to be forever. If you can't answer questions about humanity, then don't wish to predict the hearts of those that you are meant to lead," warned Gillian, with a deep voice.

"You can't give to your people if you do not understand how they feel, right?" asked Baldwin.

"What is a leader worth if he can't even protect his subjects?"

"Sadly, in reality, there is no situation where you can win merely by heeding the rules. There will be knights that break the rules and even chess pieces that betray him."

The Marquess settled himself down. He needed to be clear-headed. He can't just run away just because he is scared of the truth. He should face the problem, head-on. Despite the pain later. After all, running away and dying is easy. But living and overcoming are much harder. And so much better.

"If you turn your eyes away from sad things, they'll happen again one day. Keep on running away from those problems and you'll find yourself repeating those same mistakes. That's why you have to face the truth straight on."

Those words echoed throughout his head. Those words from his old buddy, Ashley. Even if he has second thoughts, even if he has doubts. Even if he is afraid, he still has to rise to the challenge given to him. That's what makes him different than all the rest.

The Marquess of the Campania took in a deep breath and answered to the trio in front of him. He then proceeded to laugh. Loudly This shocked the adults.

"Perhaps the trauma was too much for you, eh?" asked Ysabeau.

"None at all! I've just realized how blind I was."

"Blind?"

"As a Marquess, I am not so noble that I would use my life for someone else. Nor am I so forgiving that I would sit by and allow someone to trample me. I am selfish… and self-righteous human being!"

Minwoo drew a deep breath before continuing.

"And that means... I'll be doing this because I want something out of it. Not from the goodness of my heart. Not from understanding others. But for my gain. Because I am selfish. Because I'm human and I want my title to mean something."

The three beings looked at one another with unease. But shook their heads and smiled.

"Alrighty. I'll accept the challenge and restore order to both societies. I'll start from the underworld first," said the Marquess, with newfound confidence.

"No regrets? No turning back?" asked Baldwin, seemingly impressed at how quick the Marquess had agreed.

"There are no regrets for me," replied the Marquess with pride.

"There's no way to go back. No other chance. You sure about it?" asked Gillian, once more.

"If I'm proud of my choices in my life, then I shouldn't have to wish for another chance, right?"

"Hm... That human's gotta point," said Baldwin, smiling.

"Besides, glorious people shine more brightly than typical ones. They never regret or agonize over what they've done. If I'm to die one day, wouldn't it be better to have no regrets?" reasoned the Marquess.

"Very well, since you are keen. That saves the trouble from forcing you to do our bid."

"But you have to know that working with us would mean that you'll sacrifice your ordinary life as a human."

The Marquess titled his head.

"I'll give you the last warning. You should keep your distance from us if you wish to live. The place we dwell in is in the shadows, yours in the light. We walk opposite paths. So if you agree..."

"Then I'll be making my way towards Death's door with you? Sounds thrilling," finished the Marquess.

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