It didn't sound like a particularly stable system, but enough systems were inherently flawed in one way or another. The kingdom had held together, which was more than some realms could boast when flying under a lack of singular voice or council for a decade.

He kept that to himself. Taiki, he thought, would only see a failing where there'd been none by an individual. A whole system had stumbled under its own incredible imbalance.

"The better leaders know when to fight, and when to hold off. Fighting can be necessary, but it's not the only way, and shouldn't be the preferred one." He shrugged, feeling it was better to not have people be bloodthirsty in the first place. Better to avoid killing than to see it out.

"How'd he manage that with that siege?"