Forged Destiny [Book 6: Ch. 15]

The King took another step towards me, but stopped out of reach, knowing that to try and restrain me would end poorly. "Your Strength could kill untold innocents just as easily as I might control them with my Charisma. Yet we do not. Our will, our choices are what define us. Not our abilities. We hold back because we understand that."

"Fine words and I agree with them, but that doesn't change what this bastard did! He betrayed us! He broke the treaty! He burned down our neighbouring villages. Hundreds of innocent villagers died! Perhaps thousands!"

"Just… NPC's…" the King of Mistral spat.

I brought Crocea Mors higher.

"The world needs order!" The King of Vale countered, speaking quickly. "As I said, it is not perfect, but the Grimm do not allow for a perfect solution. The people need leadership. Our systems protect us. The Caste system ensures the majority can work and live without fear. Even if it must occasionally let some suffer. I do not like it," the King said, "But the alternative is chaos. Chaos in which the Grimm thrive. You would throw Mistral into chaos were you to kill him here. Think not of your pain, or even of hers," the King said, pointing to Cinder. "Instead, think of their innocent villagers. Think of all the others here today who were – and perhaps still are – in the same situation she was. Think of what she would want."

"Is that your own Charisma you're using on me?" I had to ask.

"Only to express my point," the King said, smiling softly. "I would not impose my will on you, were I even able. You have shaken his, and I hold no doubt you would do the same to mine. If you choose to kill him, I shall personally ensure you suffer no consequences. You have earned it by saving my life. But I hope that you will consider what I say. The choice is yours."

—Forged Destiny [Book 6: Ch. 15]