United Kingdoms

— What? — Eric was surprised. — No, that’s not what I meant. I enjoy battles and I love taking risks, but I don’t have any illusions about war, and I don’t have any love for it, because it challenges even those who are not ready for it. If only people like me were at war, it would be a noble cause, but in reality, it’s quite different, and those who don’t seek battles suffer from it — ordinary people who want to live in peace and prosperity. As for this expedition... I was interested in the history and culture of the East, so I have no doubt that a military conflict with the tribes is inevitable, and the only thing that the recent victory can bring is to accelerate its beginning.

— Interesting, — Lex noted. — As a non-military person, I hadn’t thought of it that way. I had always taken it for granted that war is just another aspect of our lives, like harvesting or something, but a more unfortunate one. In my understanding, society should spend some of its resources on this in order to be able to survive at all. And, of course, this also applies to civilians, not just the soldiers who are forced to fight by circumstances and duty, not by a love of battles. If everyone doesn’t contribute to the war, even a little, then it will be difficult to live in peace. It will be difficult to provide everything necessary for victory — and for the further existence of society in the form that we know. Of course, I would like it to be different, but... We seem to live in the world that we have been given. Our job is to accept these rules and try to win.
Mirna nodded seriously.
— I, too, have never really liked battles, but I will fight when it is necessary. I believe that one day people will not have to die meaninglessly. But if we do nothing... that day will never come.