Quoted By:
“That is the Reich of Henrik, then?” you asked, “I heard you were not like Alexander. If I asked you the question about conquest, you would not burn the world, either?”
“Those without a future are tempted by that,” Henrik rested his hand on the stone fencing, “They are willing to brighten the darkness of their lives with any flame, no matter the fuel. Desperation breeds desperation, however, and my vision for the future is one where as many can be happy as possible, no matter who they are. Where tomorrow is not clouded by doubt. Where the people can, in their moments of despair, merely look upwards,” he swept his arm to the city, “And see the Kaiser watching them, reaching a hand for them to take if only they summon the strength to climb upwards. A guardian sworn to their prosperity, and have faith that they can always bring themselves back up no matter how deep they think they fall. Though, I cannot be that to the world. At least, not yet. When that time comes, then I invite it, but for now, the men and women of the Reich look to me, and I am honored by their faith. A better world is plenty attainable at a slow pace. History is not defined by individual lifetimes, after all, but by many, working after each other.”
Many lifetimes, working after each other. A legacy towards tomorrow. Though…not yet, echoed in your mind. “Though the armies of the Reich are known for conquest. Nations live in fear of the second coming of Alexander.”
“That fear protects us, as much as it curses,” the Kaiser said, without a hint of offense, “Have you heard of the saying, Richter? Si vis pacem, para bellum?”
“I doubt you would find a soldier who hasn’t.”
“Times are uncertain, Von Tracht,” the Kaiser said, “Words are but wind without the backing of a blade. A peaceful world is not one without guns, without tanks, or aircraft, or battleships. A peaceful world is one where all of those stand vigilant. An untested blade grows dull. Provocations unmet escalate. There are times when a swift war will prevent a greater one. Faelinn and Felbach are occupied protectorates, yes, but they are far from ruled as though under Alexander. It was necessary for the Reich, by mine and the measures of others, including the representatives of the people in the Parliament. I shan’t defend the shedding of blood, but difficult decisions must be made for those in your care when inaction would lead to their misfortune, do you agree?”
You frowned and bit your lip- but could hardly disagree.
“I appreciate your answer, however,” the Reich moved to fetch his own tea, “When the world cloisters itself away at your approach, the isolation may lead to flaws in perspective. It is good to listen even to those who may hate you.”
