“It’s troublesome if you’re engaged in such distractions during precious time.”

“Why was a kingdom established in Biss? The feudal system is a primitive political system, isn’t it?”

In response to unexpected words, Verde looked at Cassel with a puzzled expression. When Cassel, with a nonchalant face, answered.

“I don’t understand.”
“In ancient times, there was an agreement that humans were equal. Therefore, they abolished the caste system and provided equal opportunities to everyone. Why, then, did kings reappear in Biss? Even if ancient civilizations sank into the sea, the ideology should have remained.”

Verde Jajak blinked blankly, then burst into laughter.

“Although the context is different, that’s a good question.”

Verde Jajak spoke as if he couldn’t stand it and checked the book Cassel was reading.

He thought Cassel, the sophisticated heir of the Montla Marquis, who seemed to only enjoy leisure, was already interested in ancient philosophy.

“As you mentioned, towards the end of ancient times, the predominant idea was that everyone is equal. So, most countries did not have kings.”

“But?”

“However, throughout history, there has never been a time when humans were truly equal. Everyone received differentiation according to their worth.”

Cassel finally took his eyes off the book and looked at Verde Jajak. He seemed genuinely interested in his words.

“As discussed in ancient terms, a kingdom also emerged because there was a superior individual capable of establishing a country. The decline of that kingdom also occurred because the people were strong and intelligent enough not to be dominated. In this way, everything is determined by ability. Building a fence is also done by humans, and breaking that fence is also done by humans.”

“Then why did the idea that humans are equal emerge?”

“That’s because humans wished to sit in a position suitable for their abilities. It is unfair for someone to hold a high position due to their royal or noble status, even if they are incompetent, as it adversely affects everyone.”

Cassel hummed, pondering the teacher’s words.

Giving the boy some time to digest, Verde Jajak continued to answer his initial question patiently.

“So, the ancestors who reached Biss on foot were accepted. It means relying on the superior for survival. Monarchy is not a problem as long as it is strong and intelligent enough to subjugate those born not as kings but as those fit to become kings.”

Cassel thought Verde Jajak’s perspective was plausible. So, he nodded for a moment and spoke.

“If the dragons had not fallen asleep, the dynasties of Biss would have eventually fallen.”

“Well, history doesn’t just repeat itself; it evolves. The kings of Biss did not tolerate incompetence. We learned through ancient history that power could not be sustained by blood alone.”

In the end, what governs the world is not lineage but ability.

“Only those who have been filtered out have reached Tien Dabis. So, young master, you should continue to strive tirelessly without being ashamed of the name Montla.”

Humans determine their positions based on their abilities.

It’s the same regardless of where they were born. Whether born in the lowliest or noblest circumstances, they can rise or fall.

That’s why the heir of the wealthiest Montla in Tien Dabis studies relentlessly without pause.
Cassel pondered alone for a while, then grinned impolitely, stroking his chin.

“Even in Tienda, there are plenty of fools. If that’s what got filtered out, the lower continent must be even more dreadful.”

Cassel was a clever but arrogant boy.

So, Verde Jajak expressed his concerns in a worried tone, telling Cassel to watch his mouth. However, Cassel didn’t seem to remember those words. It probably wasn’t something that resonated with him, judging by the lack of memory.

Cassel looked at the people in this arena and recalled what Verde Jajak had taught him. Initially shocked at how humans treated each other, upon closer inspection, he found them undeserving of sympathy.

Humans find their place based on their abilities.

Even those who flowed into this slum were the ones suited for it.

Of course, being incompetent doesn’t justify receiving treatment below that of humans. At least, according to the common sense Cassel learned as a heir of Tien Dabis.

However, those who entered this arena were not only incompetent but also lazy, greedy, and hence, trapped themselves in a pit.

They were fools blinded by the chance of striking it rich.

Individuals who didn’t think about working properly and were mere scum selling their lives.

Full of vanity, they willingly fell into the trap, meaning they had to bear the consequences of their choices.

‘It’s their own choice, so they should take responsibility.’

Being incompetent doesn’t mean they end up slaughtered in this arena.

This is, to a certain extent, their choice. Therefore, each person has to bear their share of the burden.

With this belief, Cassel’s uneasy feeling gradually eased.

However, that tranquility didn’t last long.

That kid.

The little one who belonged to the Night Tribe, sitting inside the iron bars, came to mind.

He was a little one with a innocent face, sitting there looking at him with innocent eyes.

What about him?

Is being trapped in the iron bars really his responsibility?

Was that place really a suitable one for that kid?

Cassel couldn’t answer.

He halted his steps crossing the corridor.

Cassel stood still in the ruins of the castle, gazing at the sky outside the window.

The sky had turned a deep indigo.

When the moon tilts, the stars should be fully visible, but that day, due to the clouds covering the sky, the stars weren’t clearly visible.

Cassel quietly stared at the cloudy sky.

It felt as if a stone had been swallowed.