Azure sat cross-legged on the floor of the cabin, surrounded by stacks of ancient books, scrolls, and maps. The morning sun poured through the cracks in the wooden walls, illuminating his furrowed brow as he scrawled notes into his worn leather-bound journal.
The soul floated beside him, observing with an air of satisfaction. "You're surprisingly studious for someone your age. Most teenagers would've run off to explore the forest or complained about the workload by now."
"Most teenagers aren't preparing to become a duke," Azure replied without looking up. "And, let's be honest, Dad, it's not like I have a choice. If I don't know what I'm doing, I'll fail before I even start."
The soul chuckled softly. "Fair point. But remember, politics isn't just about memorizing rules and titles. It's about understanding people—what they want, what they fear, what they'll fight for."
Azure paused his writing and looked up. "That's the part I don't get. How do I lead people I've never met? They'll take one look at me and laugh. A random forest kid trying to tell them what to do? Yeah, that'll go well."
The soul drifted closer, its voice firm yet encouraging. "Leadership isn't about commanding respect instantly. It's about earning it. You have to show them that you're capable, that you care, and that you'll fight for their well-being. Start small—learn their needs, solve their problems, and build trust."
Azure sighed, leaning back against the wall. "Easier said than done. But I get it. So… where do I even begin?"
The soul gestured toward a map spread out on the floor. "The Forgotten Region is divided into several key territories. Each has its own challenges and leaders—nobles, merchants, guilds. Your first task is understanding how power flows between them. Start by studying the structure of governance."
Azure picked up a book titled The Art of Governance: Nobles, Councils, and the Crown. Flipping through its pages, he muttered, "This is going to take forever."
The soul chuckled. "That's why you have me. I've lived through it, remember? Ask me anything and after you are done with these, i shall summon more books for you~"
Learning from the Past
As the hours passed, the soul recounted stories of its time as a duke.
"One of the biggest lessons I learned," the soul began, "is that compromise is often more powerful than conquest. I once faced a rebellion from a group of merchants who refused to pay taxes. Rather than crushing them, I invited their leader to a meeting. We negotiated a lower tax rate in exchange for increased trade routes. That deal brought wealth to the entire region for decades."
Azure scribbled furiously in his journal. "So it's not just about enforcing rules. It's about finding common ground."
"Exactly," the soul replied. "But don't mistake compromise for weakness. There are times when you must stand firm. The key is knowing when to bend and when to hold your ground."
"What about allies?" Azure asked, glancing at another book titled The Politics of Alliances. "How do I find people I can trust?"
The soul's glow dimmed slightly, as if reflecting on painful memories. "Trust is a rare commodity in politics. Even those closest to you can have hidden agendas. Look for people who align with your goals, not just your title. Build relationships based on shared values, not convenience."
Azure nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "And what about enemies? How do I deal with them?"
The soul laughed, its tone tinged with both amusement and caution. "Enemies are inevitable, Azure. Some will oppose you out of principle, others out of envy or greed. The trick is to understand their motives. Sometimes, an enemy can be turned into an ally. Other times… well, let's just say you'll need to be strategic."
A Test of Strategy
Later that evening, the soul decided to test Azure's understanding.
"Alright, let's try a scenario," the soul said, conjuring an illusion of a map in the air. "You're the duke. A neighboring lord has started taxing your merchants unfairly, cutting into your region's economy. What do you do?"
Azure studied the map, his fingers tracing the trade routes. "First, I'd send an envoy to negotiate—offer to reduce tariffs on goods coming into our region if they agree to lower taxes on our merchants."
"And if they refuse?" the soul pressed.
"Then I'd rally my merchants and encourage them to form an alliance with the merchants in the neighboring region. Together, they could pressure the lord economically—boycott his markets, disrupt his trade routes."
The soul's glow brightened. "Good. You're thinking creatively. But remember, retaliation can escalate conflicts. Always weigh the costs of action versus inaction."
Azure smirked. "So, basically, politics is one big chess game."
"Exactly," the soul said. "And you're learning to play."
Closing Thoughts
As the night deepened, Azure leaned against the table, exhaustion creeping in. "This is harder than I thought. There's so much to consider—laws, alliances, trade, diplomacy. How did you manage all this?"
The soul's voice softened. "By surrounding myself with people who were smarter than me in areas I wasn't. A leader doesn't have to know everything, Azure. They just need to know how to bring the right people together."
Azure nodded, a faint smile on his face. "I guess I've got one advantage, then. I've got you."
The soul chuckled. "And I'll be here every step of the way. But remember, the decisions are yours to make. I'm just a guide."
Azure closed his journal, staring at the glowing embers in the hearth. "Alright. Tomorrow, we focus on alliances. If I'm going to take on this role, I need to know who I can work with."
The soul floated beside him, its presence warm and steady. "You're on the right path, Azure. Keep going."
As the fire crackled softly, Azure felt a spark of hope. The road ahead was daunting, but for the first time, he began to believe he might be ready to walk it.