005 orion.arjun

///C
Orion:
... Hey, Prince. You don't have to be around me if you don't want to. I'm sure I could convince [Tact] to come up with...
Arjun:
That's quite alright, Lord Orion.
Orion:
Are you sure about that? I can't imagine you hold me in high regard.
Arjun:
On the contrary, you inspire me.
Orion:
After my callous treatment of your citizens?
Arjun:
You came to their aid in the end, anyway. And regardless of your intentions, you did save the empire.
Orion:
I was only looking out for my own people.
Arjun:
Yes. And that is what inspires me the most. You fight in the front lines for your people. I cannot think of anything more noble a lord could do.
Orion:
Well, I'm not the standard noble.
Arjun:
That should be the standard, I think... ... I confess, I was never given the proper training to be an emperor. Since birth, I was tossed around by other lords as a tool. None were interested in seeing me rule the empire. As long as I was in their grasp, they controlled Deimos. I'm sick of it. I'm tired of seeing the people suffer... But... I don't know a thing about being an emperor. The people look to me, expecting me to fix everything, but I haven't the faintest idea on what to do...
Orion:
Ah...
Arjun:
Forgive me...I spoke more than I should have.
Orion:
When I was his age... Hmm...

///B
Orion:
Did you... ever know your parents, Arjun?
Arjun:
No, they died when I was very young.
Orion:
I see... And you feel like you must take control of the empire. It's your duty to do so, but you don't know what to do...
Arjun:
Yes...
Orion:
I... I understand how you feel.
Arjun:
You do?
Orion:
We aren't exactly the same. But I became the duke of Ernterre at a young age... My father had died in an accident, and my mother died a year later.
Arjun:
...
Orion:
I wanted to be a strong ruler for the duchy, but like you, I had no idea what to do.
Arjun:
H-How did you learn, then?
Orion:
It all boiled down to having the right people supporting me. They showed me the ropes, and I learned over time. One of the things I needed to get through my head was simply... It wasn't all me.
Arjun:
You had help...
Orion:
Maybe I'm not the best person to say it. After all, I naturally want to handle everything on my own.
Arjun:
But who could I turn to...
Orion:
There are plenty of upstanding imperials in this army. I'm sure they wouldn't mind you leaning on them.
Arjun:
But is that really okay?
Orion:
Of course. Not to mention, you have my support as well.
Arjun:
I-I do?
Orion:
Well, we'll be neighboring rulers when this is all over. That is something I haven't really thought of until recently...
Arjun:
Lord Orion... thank you.

///A
Arjun:
Lord Orion, what inspires you to go so far for Ernterre?
Orion:
I guess it was instilled upon me by my parents. They loved Ernterre greatly, and the people loved them. It's my way of emulating
them, I suppose. It's more than just that though. I've mingled with my countrymen before. They're all good people. I just want to make sure they live out the lives they want in peace.
Arjun:
I see. Since I don't know my parents, I can't really compare. I know they were good people.  But they were manipulated by evil subordinates.
Orion:
The Wisemen?
Arjun:
Oh, yes... If it had not been for them, I don't think any of this would have happened. Lord Raum's rise to power was merely a reaction to them.
Orion:
You believe that, huh...?
Arjun:
I know... I know you don't like Lord Raum. But he was the one who really made me think of the future.
Orion:
Really...?
Arjun:
I spent a long time in the care of Lord Raum... I got to know him well... He is... the closest thing to a father that I know.
Orion:
...
Arjun:
I don't think Lord Raum was a bad person. He just wanted the empire to prosper. That is my dream as well. I just need to make sure I use the power of an emperor correctly. Easier said than done but... with allies like you, I think I'll be able to accomplish that.
Orion:
Well, I'll help you out when I can, Arjun.
Arjun:
Thank you once again, Lord Orion.