- This... is a good song. - He said, sounding slightly puzzled. - Is this some kind of test?
- This... is a good song. - He said, sounding slightly puzzled. - Is this some kind of test?
New here? I'm Roha — want a quick tour?
- Now that’s what I call a philosophical approach. But from my perspective, I wasn’t talking about punishment, but about the small joys of life and the careful use of the country’s available resources 🤓... So, a man is walking home from work, and on the way, a woman in chains beckons him. He’ll take advantage of it, and his mood will immediately improve. He’ll be less likely to argue with his neighbors and less likely to come up with any radical ideas. But if you chop off his head, that’s it. It’s like polluting fertile land with something.
– You could say that, – he said with a nod, then assessed her outfit: shouldn't she change?
– Well, if you're ready, we can go. I'll try to introduce you.
– Well, we are honorary members of the guild of philosophers, – Beata said with a smirk.
– A person is, after all, primarily an individual, not a resource or an object, and approaching them with such a... utilitarian attitude is not... right, – Gion almost blurted out.
– I agree. Who knows what might happen, but we are rational beings and can control our impulses! This should only happen with the consent of all parties. If you want to improve your mood, look for someone who agrees to lift it... It was easier with public houses, of course; people worked there, earned money, and at least enjoyed their salary, even if they didn't like their partner. Or, I don't know, artificial girls back then. And boys. To me, there's no difference whether you're having fun with something inanimate or with a living being against their will, but in the first case, at least the person doesn't suffer.
– Ah, yes, – Gion continued. – If criminals start being treated like objects and used to exploit their resources and not waste them, what guarantee is there that it will stop there? We could start sending those who cross the wrong people to the mines; resources would be wasted. And then we'll end up with slavery, like in that damned Lower Lunaria or some other Calcite. Do we need that? I am absolutely against such an approach, – he snorted, crossing his arms over his chest.
Beata put her arm around his shoulder and gently patted him, comforting him. The topic clearly touched a nerve.
– Well... something like that, – she said with a guilty smile. – It would be better to reopen brothels so that everyone is happy, everyone can relieve stress, and no one is forced to do anything.
– In that case, this person is not right for you. Even if such an option existed, further escalation would be impossible.
Think again. For example, start with what traits you like and what you would like to see, and then try to create something realistic from that.
And before that, tell me – how are such relationships arranged in your tradition? I have an idea, but there are probably nuances that I don't know.
And about winning or losing. Even though you are sisters, that doesn't mean you have to be identical. There are things she does well, and there are things you do better. You have different marks, and you are on different paths, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you met a person you really liked, and you were sincere with them, not just going through the motions, you would leave Ahuri in the dust – without any negativity.
Well, let's go to the kitchen.
- Just a moment.
Dionysus rushes into his studio to change, wash his face, and put on some cologne.
- Alright, I'm ready.
- Why?
The question was followed by a characteristic Aiyan head tilt.
- I like Aiyan traits and Sonata traits, but I don't remember seeing such traits among the men here.
- It varies. Some follow the same idea as the people of this empire - one man and one woman form a team and live together; others may have multiple wives or husbands; sometimes they acquire concubines or consorts from among the defeated.
- Precisely because I am a warrior, I should not shy away from such challenges...
Having come to the kitchen, Sonata, who had been silent until then, asks - what should we stop at: cakes, cookies, or something else?
- I found a candidate. This person was very enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet you, approached the matter with all the responsibility he possesses, and I hope that he will please you and your parents, and vice versa. I still ask you to equip him, if it's not too much trouble, - she gives a talisman. - As I said before, you can never be sure about love... But still, I can vouch for the fact that this man has every chance of becoming a reliable support for his future wife, if he is given a chance.
- Because this is not the kind of person who would fully commit just for the sake of it, to something that doesn't resonate with his heart.
- What kind of qualities are those?
- Then you should understand that the first option is what's in demand here - and even if not always, but mostly with a "complication" in the form of a romantic subtext. Therefore, finding someone who would agree to spend their time on such a weak, unfulfilling premise, and who would be decent enough not to turn your life into hell, will be very difficult. People, even if it's not immediately obvious, especially when looking at some of them, are not animals who don't care, but emotionally vulnerable beings experiencing a constant existential dread, and therefore seeking something worthwhile to dedicate themselves to. And being in their company, these qualities should be respected.
- A warrior must not only respond to these challenges, but also overcome them with honor and skill, otherwise he is not a warrior, but just an ordinary brawler. And for this, in addition to courage, understanding and ingenuity are needed.
- Cookies are the best, I think. A subtle hint, a convenient format, it won't spoil in half a day, it can be nicely packaged. And it will please anyone, even someone with a more discerning taste.
- I understand... Thank you.
The waitress-daughter decided not to meet the potential groom and, taking into account what Erephir said, went upstairs with him to his parents... The right pillar will most likely not find out the results of his actions in the next few hours.
Only Amun knows whether he has already woken up or not.
- The plan was Diablo and the Thinker, - Arivell replied, - but I don't really feel like it anymore.
- Let's visit the guild of philosophers, - Kilika suggested.