After the meeting ended, we took the train back to Madina, which is currently emptier than ever. The train was booked, so there was no one in sight. I sat by the window to observe the wonderful landscapes that are not found in Madina. If I had to mention one thing I like about this city, it would be its cultural and genetic diversity. There are all kinds of species there. However, if I had to mention one thing I dislike about this city, it would be its lack of its own identity. It just copies others, but ultimately, even copying others is a way of creating its own image. It follows a direction where if everyone fails, it fails, and if everyone succeeds, it succeeds. It is dependent on others, much like humans. In the end, they are just sheep following the herd; as long as they are in a group, it cannot be a mistake.
Hori was sitting across from me but looking in the opposite direction. She was contemplating the copper seats, the diversity of colors, and the complexity of the design with such interest, as if she had never seen a train before. Even I, an orphan without money, had already taken the train to work. Then, she turned her head for a moment to look me in the eyes, a gaze that seemed to plead to be saved, a gaze that seemed eternal but lasted only a few seconds. Then, she looked out the window to admire the beautiful landscapes. I don't know where she comes from, but it seems to me that she has endured the worst. Hori, enjoy these landscapes because...
Back in Madina, Hori was shocked after seeing the ochre city. In fact, all the buildings were intact but colored in a bright red that was nothing but the blood of the victims. Our problem is not the resources, but the non-existent people, and our asset...
[Hori! Follow me, I need to talk to you about Madina's secret weapon.]
[I'm coming.]
After she followed me into one of the randomly chosen buildings, grabbed a table and a cup of tea, we had a long discussion. When I say long discussion, generally, it was me who said everything; she just replied with "ok", "oh yes", "I understand"... At least she understood, which makes things much easier in the future. Now, let's face the problem of our kingdom, which is the people.
Hori had already left to investigate the city of Mendika, which is very close to us. While waiting for Hori, I took a comfortable enough room to be ready for the next day. It was morning, barely had I had time to open my eyes that I found Hori in front of me, in a red suit and dark blue tie, well, I think. I'm half asleep, but I manage to discern a folder full of papers with the inscription "TOP SECRET". Too cool, but I want to sleep. Then, for a moment, I feel the bed move, then the next moment, I was on the floor.
"Nice way to be woken up, but you know what's even nicer? It's not the breakfast in the early morning with fresh orange juice, nor Hori, but the information I had in this folder," actually, this monologue was said out loud. So, after receiving a slap that matched my red eyes to my face, we hit the road to Mendika. Geologically, it looks a lot like Madina and also has 5000 inhabitants like Madina once did, but the most important thing is that it was an ally of Madina, which explains King Sadik's shock after the death of Madinite King Mazin.
We went through the small streets to observe the city until we arrived in front of the huge palace of King Sadik. We were welcomed by the grand gate with a long red carpet. Barely arrived in the throne room, we were welcomed with great interest, then we were seated in front of the king. With joy, he began:
[What brings me the honor of your visit, King Zighko, ah the memories.]
[I have come to negotiate a mutual assistance agreement.]
[Interesting, and what does it consist of?]
Hori replied:
[We have done research and discovered that the true population of Mendika is 9,500 people instead of the announced 5,000. We have also delved into our research and discovered that between 4,000 and 4,500 people are not working, not counting retirees and prisoners. And also that without valid reason, Mendika builds several gigantic prisons each year and to top it all off, your city has the highest theft rate on the continent and apparently the chances of finding a job are around 0%. Can I deduce that 4,500 or more of your inhabitants are thieves, which explains why you have not declared them as inhabitants?]
After this long and endless explanation, Sadik took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, then in a helpless tone, replied:
[You must have searched hard to find all this and deduce a deduction, know that even some of my ministers are not as informed. But yes, you are right all the way. But how does this relate to your visit?]
It's my turn! :
[We ask that anyone who commits a theft in your territory be immediately transferred to Madina.]
[What! Are you serious? Didn't you imagine that a country made up of 100% thieves would fail?]
[Sir Sadik, by accepting, you will relieve Mendika of a heavy burden. I add that each person who commits a theft will also be transferred.]
[Yes, I see, indeed this will remove a heavy burden from Mendika. I see no reason why I should refuse. I wish you good luck with them and it has been a pleasure negotiating with you.]
After that, the transfer procedure had already begun, and from afar, you could see thousands of people being transferred in the direction of Madina. Seeing no interest in staying any longer, we also set off to return there.
Quote:
"Strokes of genius are so complicated to understand that adversity sees them as blunders."