We usually describe people like Rama with two words: unsolvable problem.
You can curse his cruelty and treachery, but you simply can't do anything about him.
Rama might admit to being cruel, but not treacherous.
His actions are quite open and aboveboard, striving to overpower with sheer force.
You can say he doesn't reason well, but calling his actions treacherous is something even Nahida wouldn't agree with.
"It's true, his actions are quite straightforward and his reasons for acting are simple," the Dendro Archon chuckled.
"You can just mock me as a reckless desert brute," Rama raised an eyebrow, "After all, that fool thinks the same of me."
The courtesy in words might be the last thing the Fatui can muster.
Looking at La Signora's methods and Tartaglia's final choices, you can see the Fatui's overall tactics and style.
They're pretty trashy.
But they win. If they win, you can't say they have a problem.
After all, at least their actions involve conflicts between nations, and such conflicts have nothing to do with reason.
The greatest principle in the history of war is having a justified cause, even though most wars are actually fought for interests. But in name, you need a good slogan.
Beyond the principle of a justified cause, there is no reason; it's all about the might making right.
"Let's give our desert traitors a little surprise."
Rama clapped his hands, and the war machines below opened their scarlet mechanical eyes.
He never doubted the issue of victory.
The technological upgrade can often bring about a crushing disparity; the Corps of Thirty... at best is an official force of Sumeru, at worst, just a large gilded mercenary band.
"There's one troublesome aspect: when we initiate war, we use the banner of vengeance."
Rama suddenly remembered something, "Hatred, interests, these are the driving forces of war."
The departing god paused their dispersing movement.
"But what you want is peaceful coexistence between the desert and the rainforest, or at least relative peace."
"And I believe, what they want is enslavement, conquest, and destruction."
When hatred reaches a certain limit, simple slaughter can't solve the problem.
Compared to simple death, the painful survival of the enemy might be the ultimate pursuit for more vengeful people.
Nahida nodded, "I can't fully empathize with these hatreds, but if you say so, I certainly believe you."
When judging the overall direction, Nahida trusts Rama more than herself.
"They harbor hatred, and you bring the opportunity for victory, so they don't want peace."
Nahida began to ponder the solution.
Thinking about post-victory matters before winning might be a bit dangerous.
"So we need to introduce new hatred." Rama thought for a moment, "I've considered various ways to alleviate hatred, like targeting the Six Sages of the Akademiya and shifting a significant portion of the hatred by killing them."
"But that's not enough."
"What can suppress hatred is only people's pursuit of a better life."
Nahida seriously considered Rama's suggestion.
"First, make their lives good enough, then let them know that tracing back the hatred comes at a great cost, which might make them lose the good life they already have."
"Persuasion can't alleviate hatred, but fear and aspiration can."
Fear of losing what they've gained.
Desire to get something better.
These emotions are far more effective than any persuasion.
This is also why, even though hatred is plainly recorded in books, after peace, it is quickly shelved.
The idea of warmongering...
Yes, I know the frontier is bitter, and I know foreign tribes often harass the nation's borders.
But I'm not at the frontier.
You want to take my money to kill foreign tribes far away, who won't affect my life at all, I don't quite agree.
Such statements do have an audience, and it's something that has already happened.
"So that's how it's solved..." Nahida easily understood Rama's words.
"Make the desert people tired of war while introducing foreign enemies, forcing them to reconcile with the rainforest people."
The god's eyes lit up, "And with me, although some have noticed the abnormality between the Akademiya and me, possibly deducing that I'm not strong."
"But in the eyes of the people of Sumeru, I am still the Dendro Archon."
The desert also acknowledges the Dendro Archon.
For so many years, the saying "The death of the Scarlet King, the near destruction of our civilization... it's all because of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata" has been quite popular.
The desert people interpret their miserable lives as—because the Scarlet King died.
Because we don't have the guidance of a great god, we are in this state.
Then, who killed the Scarlet King back then, who destroyed the civilization of the desert?
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
Yes, yes, you say it is, then it is.
But they've been propagating this for so many years, and no one really dares to go to the Akademiya for revenge.
If not for the Traveler revealing the Lesser Lord Kusanali's weakness and imprisonment by the Six Sages, showing that they were actually all in cahoots, Rama really wouldn't believe they have the guts to rebel against divine rule.
Not everyone can be like Sangonomiya Kokomi, rebelling as soon as they say so.
If it weren't for the Shogun's silence, a casual strike from her would have ended everything.
In a world ruled by the divine for thousands of years, people's reverence for divine authority is something Rama might not fully understand, but he acknowledges this fear.
Nahida's eyes shone, "As long as I come forward to declare your rule legitimate, and you show some submission, expressing respect and awe for divine power, they will cease their disturbances because of my past rule in the rainforest."
Carrot, the thousand-year rule, alternating governance between the rainforest and the desert. I, representing the Seven Archons, acknowledge that it's the desert's turn to rule Sumeru.
Stick, those leading you to rebel fear divine power, and I stand with the rainforest. You should stop making trouble because I'm very strong.
I acknowledge your rule, so give me some face, okay?
Okay.
"Well said." Rama clapped, "I don't mind cooperating with you, but what leverage do you have to keep me compliant?"
He looked at the god with interest.
Nahida's expression stiffened.
Rama is a money-grubber.
Give him benefits, and he can pretend to fear divine power.
But... I have nothing left!
"You can't keep betting on one gamble all the time." Rama patted Nahida's head, "Having no money yet always wanting to spend, that's not a good habit."
(End of Chapter)