"That's enough of that, how about I tell you some things about the territory while we're out here." Rathe became carefree and loose like his usual self. "You already know our territory is on the border, but do you know what that means?"
Thinking back to the map, Oli said, "That there's a lot of conflict with bandits, right?"
"Ha, you're not wrong but there's more to it than that. Not only are there bandits, they usually come from the other side of the border and quickly return to their side after grabbing what they could. That's the real problem, that we can't cross the border and just exterminate them. We're allowed to cross the border but if we attack anyone, even bandits, it can spark a war between regions. And since this border is between prefectures, it's even worse."
"How big is a prefecture anyway?" asked Oli.
"Too big, if you ask me. Our territory is one of over one hundred in the Elusive Black region and the Elusive Black region is one of who knows how many regions in the prefecture. There are thousands of territories under one prefecture, and that's just too much power to give someone," said Rathe.
"What's our prefecture called?"
"Don't know, don't care. I've never had to worry about that and won't ever need to," Rathe was always ignorant of anything involving politics.
"Ha, I guess it's good that Vloz is helping you out. You may know how to lead troops but you're a terrible chief sometimes," joked Oli.
"Huh?" Rathe smiled, "That's only for now brat. Just wait till you get older and I can finally let you take over. Then, I'll be free to enjoy life and do whatever I want."
"Oh yeah…"
"But till then, you're lucky to have us. We'll take care of everything for now, but after hearing your thoughts and ideas for the village, I do have one thing I want to ask you." Rathe grew solemn for a moment.
Alarmed at the change in atmosphere, Oli turned to Rathe and asked, "What do you need, Uncle Rathe? Just remember, I'm still just a kid." Oli didn't want too many responsibilities; he was busy enough thanks to his need to cultivate so many techniques and battle arts.
"You may be young, but you're one of the smartest gorillas in the whole clan, maybe even more so than Vloz. That's why you're going to be my official advisor! How great is your Uncle to offer you such a position?" Rathe laughed.
Oli didn't know whether he should laugh or cry. "Me, be your advisor? It hasn't even been a year since I finally grew into my back's metal plate!"
"I know, it's crazy that you got it so soon!" Rathe was persistent. "Thanks to inheriting your dad's insane physique and your already powerful brain, the visiting chiefs were all amazed by your performance earlier. They all asked around to learn more about you and a lot of them wanted to get on your good side. They all figured out that we'd be passing the reins to you sooner or later and to be honest, I would prefer sooner than later."
"But why so soon? I haven't even left on my journey or explored the world yet," depression started to sink in for Oli.
"With how things are going, you may not need to make a journey. Having the other tribes and clans join us will give you plenty of sparring partners. Plus, we all agreed with your school idea and think it will help a lot with your cultivation speed. By battling your way up the ranks you'll grow far faster than any of us ever did on our journeys and if you want to go on a journey so bad, how come you can't go after inheriting the clan?" Rathe was always straightforward and convinced others by focusing on what mattered most to them. And to Oli, what mattered most was his rate of cultivation.
"But how could I just inherit the clan and then just abandon it?" asked Oli.
"That's why you've got your mom and me to help you. We're more than enough to run things, if not how could we do it now? Not to mention that we'll have way more perennials by then, so you won't have to worry. And, knowing Vloz, he'll want to join you and tag along," said Rathe with a chuckle.
"Why do you say that?"
"You know how obsessed with humans that cat is. The moment he learned that about you, he wouldn't shut up. The moment you leave, I'm sure he'll do anything to follow you around and learn everything he can about you and human society," Rathe stopped momentarily and looked at Oli. "But first, you'll be my advisor and make my job easier!"
"But—" Oli tried to object.
"Come on kid, what's wrong with it? You still have your whole life to train," Rathe nudged Oli's shoulder. "How about this? We'll only ask for you when it involves the entire village or it is too important to ignore your opinion. What do you say?"
"Fine… I'll do it," Oli sighed, knowing that he'd never hear the end of it till he agreed.
He knew that the conditions of the position were pretty good, and he was somewhat excited to learn more about the political side of things within the territory, so he thought he would at least try it before rejecting it.