Chapter 30

In the wake of Karthikeya's bold declaration, a hush fell over the gathered throng. A ripple of uncertainty wavered through the crowd, a silent debate unfolding within each heart. Some held onto the flickering hope of unity, of a collective defiance against Karthikeya's decree. But the seeds of doubt had been sown, and the first to succumb to its grip was the Calm Man, his stoic façade crumbling under the weight of his decision.

His lead was swiftly followed by a procession of Buddhist monks, their serene countenance masking a turmoil within. Temple lords, their authority threatened, and an elderly Brahmin, his wisdom tested, joined the growing tide of those who chose Karthikeya's path.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd as the Brahmin stepped forward, his weathered face a testament to a lifetime of experience. This final act of allegiance proved the tipping point. The hesitant ones, their hopes dashed against the rocks of reality, made their choice. They too joined the procession, their initial defiance evaporating like mist under the morning sun. The ranks of Karthikeya's supporters swelled.

Karthikeya, a man of unwavering resolve and calculating intellect, remained unfazed by the swift and unanimous agreement of the crowd. Their compliance fell squarely within his strategic calculations, and he had devised a contingency plan in case his persuasion tactics failed. However, the unexpected allegiance of the elderly man, Aravindacharya, caught him by surprise. A subtle nod of satisfaction played upon Karthikeya's lips as he acknowledged Aravindacharya's decision.

His gaze swept across the assembly of temple representatives and Buddhist sect leaders, his expression turning grave. "Your continued enjoyment of privileges denied to others," Karthikeya declared, "is a testament to the compassion you have extended to the kingdom's populace during their times of hardship. And under my supervision, as long as you adhere to your current principles and ideals, you shall have nothing to fear within these borders. However, be mindful that any deviation from these virtues will not be tolerated."

Karthikeya's words hung heavy in the air, a stark warning to those who dared stray from the path he had laid out. The crowd, sensing the weight of his authority, remained silent, their faces etched with a mixture of respect and trepidation. Karthikeya's message was clear: he would be a just and vigilant ruler, ensuring that all under his dominion adhered to the principles of righteousness and harmony.

The assembled representatives responded in unison, their voices echoing through the hall, "Your Highness, we understand your expectations and shall strive our utmost not to disappoint you."

While their outward expressions conveyed sincerity, Karthikeya's keen senses detected a subtle undercurrent of fear beneath the surface. Only a select few among them truly embraced his vision, their hearts aligned with his principles. Karthikeya made a mental note of these individuals, recognizing their potential as valuable allies in shaping the kingdom's future.

However, Karthikeya and the others overlooked the faint smile that graced Aravinda's lips, a subtle expression hinting at a hidden satisfaction. The elderly man's eyes sparkled with a wisdom that belied his age, suggesting a deeper understanding of events unfolding around him.

Karthikeya, ever the pragmatist, swiftly shifted the focus of the gathering. "Let us set aside these matters for now and turn our attention to the pressing responsibilities that lie ahead," he declared. "We shall begin by discussing the roles and responsibilities of the various Brahmin families and Buddhist sects."

Karthikeya's voice boomed across the hall, silencing the murmuring crowd. "Many of you are already aware of my plans," he began, his tone laced with determination, "either through whispers or Achuthanandan's report. So, let me make this clear: I have decided to establish a new education system, one that grants every individual born under my dominion the right to pursue knowledge and mastery in any field, regardless of their caste, social standing, or gender."

A wave of confusion washed over the assembled dignitaries, their faces etched with bewilderment. However, as Karthikeya's words sank in, understanding gradually dawned upon them. A middle-aged man, bearing the unmistakable appearance of a small-scale landlord, stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly as he addressed the king.

"Your Highness," he ventured, "wouldn't such a radical shift destabilize the existing social hierarchy and structure?"

Karthikeya's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes, it will," he acknowledged without hesitation, his words sending a shockwave through the gathering. The implications of his declaration were profound, signaling a fundamental transformation of the kingdom's social fabric.

Karthikeya's voice, resonating with conviction, filled the hall. "The new education system will serve as the cornerstone of my efforts to dismantle the corrupt caste system that has plagued our society for far too long. It will shatter the barriers that have confined knowledge within the confines of one's birth. I will liberate us from the shackles that have bound our civilization and restore the true essence of the Varna system," he declared, his words echoing through the room.

A ripple of unease stirred among the assembly, their faces reflecting a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Some stood with furrowed brows, their expressions conveying skepticism and doubt. Others, however, remained calm, their eyes fixed on Karthikeya with an air of anticipation.

The man who had spoken earlier raised his voice once more, his words carrying a hint of caution. "Your Highness," he addressed Karthikeya, "while I commend your noble intentions, I fear that implementing such a drastic change too hastily could destabilize the already fragile state of our kingdom. Perhaps it would be wiser to address more pressing matters first, before embarking on such a monumental undertaking."

Karthikeya's gaze fell upon the man, his expression unwavering. "So, you suggest we delay progress in the name of stability?" he countered, his voice laced with a subtle challenge.

The man hesitated, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "I merely suggest that we proceed with caution, Your Highness," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "A society cannot be transformed overnight, and such a radical shift requires careful planning and execution."