(Chapter 110 Logic Over Emotion)
A day later, Tempest's army had established their camp on a nearby hill, overlooking the charred remnants of the village below. His fleet had anchored along the shores, and tents were erected in orderly rows, a stark contrast to the devastation they had witnessed just a day prior. The sound of soldiers setting up equipment and the distant clinking of armor filled the air, but Tempest stood alone at the edge of the hill, isolated from the bustle of the camp.
In his hand, he held a cup of coffee, its warmth a small comfort in the cool morning breeze. His gaze was fixed on the distant village, or rather, what was left of it the smoldering ruins, collapsed buildings, and the dark clouds of smoke that still clung to the horizon. The once-thriving settlement was now little more than a graveyard, a testament to the brutality of the Abyss and the harsh cost of survival.
Tempest took a slow sip, the bitter taste grounding him in the present as his thoughts wandered. He had made the decision to bomb the village, an action he knew had saved many of his own men, but the price had been steep. Some Natlan warriors had resisted him to the end, some staying behind to defend their homes even as they were obliterated by his fleet's bombardment. Their resolve had been admirable, but ultimately futile.
Still, it wasn't guilt that weighed on his shoulders. Tempest rarely allowed himself the luxury of regret. Tough decisions had to be made, and sentimentality had no place in the face of annihilation. But there was a quiet frustration that gnawed at him, the battle had been a stark reminder of the Abyss's relentless nature and the uphill struggle ahead.
"There you are…"
Nahida's soft voice broke the silence as she approached Tempest, her presence gentle yet undeniable.
"Ah, good morning, Young Pasha."
Tempest replied, offering her a respectful nod without tearing his gaze from the horizon.
Nahida walked beside him, her eyes falling on the smoldering ruins of the village below. The sight of the destruction, the charred remains of homes, and the land they stood on caused her heart to sink. She folded her hands in front of her, the weight of the tragedy visible in her expression.
"Was this the best solution?"
She asked, her voice quiet but filled with sadness.
"Hm?"
Tempest responded, arching an eyebrow but keeping his eyes on the distant smoke.
"Perhaps. Maybe I could've formed an even bigger shield wall, sent more reinforcements, and dragged the evacuation out longer. But I'm not willing to sacrifice hundreds of my men for a village and people I barely know."
His tone was firm, devoid of regret, almost indifferent.
Nahida glanced at him, her brows knitting together in concern.
"Tempest… your lack of sentiment concerns me."
She said softly, her voice tinged with a mix of disappointment and worry.
He let out a short sigh, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.
"It's not my fault."
He said, shrugging slightly.
"I warned the Natlans to evacuate. But instead of doing so, they wasted precious time arguing with me, when the clock was ticking. Their pride… or perhaps stupidity? Frankly, it impresses me."
His words were cold, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
Nahida shook her head, her expression soft yet resolute.
"I don't think they were stupid, Tempest. They were fighting for their homes. Everything they built, their families, and their memories, were threatened. I admire them for standing up to protect it, even in the face of certain death. Wouldn't you do the same?"
Her eyes searched his, hoping to spark a flicker of understanding in him.
"I would."
Tempest said, his voice steady and unyielding.
"I would fight till my last breath to protect Fontaine and its people. And I believe my men would do the same. But the difference is... this is not Fontaine, Young Pasha."
He turned to face Nahida fully now, his eyes cold and resolute.
"It is not my duty to protect these people. If they give me what I want, maybe I will help. But as it stands, I won't fight for something that falls outside my homeland. I won't waste my soldiers' lives for strangers."
Nahida's expression softened as she studied him.
"I understand the weight of loyalty to your people, Tempest, I do."
She replied, her voice gentle but firm.
"But what about compassion? Sometimes, it's not about duty, it's about doing what's right because it's the right thing to do. These people... they may not be from Fontaine, but they are still people, still lives worth protecting."
She took a step closer, her small hands clasped in front of her.
"I understand loyalty to one's home, but compassion should transcend that. Power isn't just for conquest, Tempest. It's meant to uplift, to shelter. If we only protect what belongs to us, then what becomes of the world beyond our borders?"
Tempest sighed deeply, the weight of the conversation settling on his shoulders as he glanced at Nahida.
"This is exactly why I didn't want to bring you here."
He said, his voice softer but laced with frustration. He glanced at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"You're too… innocent, Young Pasha. You see the world through idealistic eyes, and that's admirable. But war doesn't work that way. Decisions have to be made, hard ones. I knew you would eventually oppose some of my actions, but I didn't think it would happen this soon."
Nahida met his gaze, unflinching, her expression resolute yet gentle.
"Innocent?"
She repeated softly.
"Maybe so. But I don't see that as a weakness, Tempest. Innocence doesn't mean blindness to reality, it means choosing to see the good even when the world insists on showing its worst."
She stepped closer, her small stature dwarfed by his, but her presence was commanding nonetheless.
"I understand that not every life can be saved and that hard choices have to be made. But just because something is difficult doesn't mean it should be done without empathy. Power without compassion will only leave destruction in its wake. I'm not naive enough to think every fight can be won, but I believe in protecting what is right, no matter where it is, or who it involves."
Her voice softened as she added.
"And I'm not here to stop you, Tempest. I'm here because I believe you can be better than just a conqueror. You can be someone who changes the world for the better, not just for Fontaine, but for everyone. That's why I'm here."
The weight of her words lingered between them, a soft challenge wrapped in kindness.
"Even though your Father is long gone."
Nahida said softly, her voice filled with quiet wisdom.
"His teachings and influence still linger in you like a poison, Tempest. But you are not your Father. You know that better than anyone else."
She paused, studying his face as if searching for the man behind the cold mask he often wore.
"I've noticed something in you lately, something different. You've begun to show more emotion, more than before when you hadn't yet risen to become Duke. And that's a good thing, Tempest. You should show those emotions more, not just to those closest to you, but to others, too."
Tempest remained silent for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in as his gaze drifted toward the remnants of the ruined village below. The memories of his father, the towering figure who had shaped his entire worldview, were hard to shake.
"My Father…"
He muttered, his voice carrying the bitterness of years of resentment.
"No matter how much I despise him, his ideals and influence have been nailed into my head, like iron stakes driven into stone."
His jaw tightened, the distant memories of harsh lessons, strict expectations, and unyielding discipline flashing in his mind.
"He always believed that strength alone defined a leader. Emotions, compassion, those were weaknesses in his eyes."
Tempest clenched his fists at his sides, his knuckles white.
"I became Duke to surpass him, to be more than just his shadow. But his voice… it still echoes, pushing me toward a path I hate, one where power matters above all else."
"I remember that day so damn clearly, the words still echo in my mind."
Tempest said, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sorrow.
"I have personally experienced the rationalism of humanity. I know all too well what happens when emotions make someone unreasonable. No matter how much we believe we've modernized, no matter what social constructs we pledge to live by, humans continue to be foolish creatures. We think we're so advanced, yet when pushed to the brink, we still prioritize emotions over logic."
He paused, lost in the memories of his Father's stern teachings, particularly that fateful day when he first learned to play chess. The pieces on the board had represented far more than just a game, they were life lessons, strategies for navigating a world fraught with chaos and unpredictability.
"I can still hear him telling me to think three moves ahead, to always consider the consequences before acting. 'Feelings are distractions, Tempest. They cloud your judgment and lead you to ruin.'"
"Tempest."
Nahida interjected softly, concern lining her voice.
"Your father is gone. You don't have to cling to his ideals. You have the power to forge your own path, to create a new legacy that honors both your strength and your humanity."
"I know... but those damn words are true."
He replied, his expression hardening as he recalled the countless times those teachings had played out in reality.
"Emotions always get in the way. They lead to mistakes, miscalculations, and to tragedies like the one we just witnessed. I can't afford to let that happen again."
Nahida regarded him with gentle resolve, understanding the turmoil he faced.
"But tempers can also ignite change, Tempest. They can inspire loyalty, courage, and compassion. You've witnessed the depths of human folly, yes, but you've also seen the strength that comes from unity and love. Maybe it's time to embrace that side, too."
Tempest met her gaze, grappling with the internal struggle that raged within him.
"I will do what I see fit, Young Pasha."
Tempest declared, his tone resolute, leaving no room for further debate.
"And I expect you not to stop me. I'm getting those resources, one way or another."
Nahida let out a heavy sigh, her brows furrowing in concern as she searched for the right words.
"If only she were here to show a bit more compassion."
She murmured a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
"You and I both know that you would listen to her and follow her guidance without hesitation. She had a way of reaching your heart, of making you reconsider the weight of your choices."
Tempest paused, the mention of 'her' striking a chord deep within him.
"You're right."
He admitted, his voice softening.
"Lady Furina... If she were to tell me to be more, compassionate, I would, even though I probably would have a hard time doing so."
He glanced away, lost in thought, as memories of her warmth and insight flooded his mind.
"But this isn't about her."
Tempest continued, steel returning to his voice.
"This is about survival and the necessity of action. I can't afford to let sentimentality dictate my decisions, not when lives and resources are at stake. We have a goal, and I won't lose sight of it. If I need to act decisively, then that's what I'll do."
Nahida regarded him with a mixture of empathy and frustration, her eyes reflecting her inner conflict.
"I understand your need for action, Tempest. But remember that the choices you make today will shape not only your future but the futures of those around you. You're stronger than you think, and showing compassion doesn't make you weak. It can be a powerful force in itself."
"I appreciate your concern, Nahida."
He replied, his expression softening slightly.
"But I need to tread my own path. I'll carry the burden of my choices, and if it means taking drastic measures to secure what we need, then so be it."
He turned to face her fully, his resolve unwavering.
"Trust that I will do what's necessary, even if it means making the hard choices alone."
"Come now, let's return to the camp."
Tempest said softly, bending down to gently lift Nahida into his arms, cradling her as one might a child. The gesture was tender, a brief moment of lightness amidst the weight of their conversation.
Nahida looked up at him, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her eyes.
"I'm still going to advise you to do more than just the necessary actions, whether you like it or not."
She declared, her tone firm yet playful.
Tempest chuckled lightly, a warmth spreading through him at her persistence.
"I know you will, Young Pasha. And I'll try not to resort to violence."