Following the conclusion of the Imperial Gala, great changes were afoot in the Clock Tower and, as a result, the entire Magus Association.
Though it was never overtly stated, the presence of Director Solon and Director Atlasia at the event made it clear to the politically affluent that the distance between the Empire and the Association had reduced considerably. There had been rumors circulating prior to the Gala, but, now that the Virtual World was being implented throughout every Departnt, there was no longer room for debate and speculation. The Association had thrown its lot in with the Empire, and, if they wanted to avoid being swept aside in the wake of the changing era, the affiliates of the Association would need to do the sa.
Just as the various Family Heads and Faculty mbers were wondering how they might benefit the most from these changes, the announcent that Companions would be distributed beca public knowledge. From this, it beca apparent that the Empire wasn’t even going to try negotiating with various affiliated families; you either acquiesced, receiving the exact sa benefits as everyone else or you resisted and received none. There was no room discussion, and, if you failed to adhere to the guidelines regarding the proper care of your Companion, it was imdiately taken from you.
Not only were the Companions surprisingly cute and powerful, but, without one, you were denied access to the Virtual World, and, on a larger scale, lost virtually all benefits distributed by the Empire. Thus, while it was obvious that the Companions were basically the eyes and ears of the Empire, they weren’t left with many options, as, with the collapse of the global economy and the gradual takeover of the Empire, it was either acquiesce or fall into obscurity.
At the very least, most of the students and faculty mbers either readily or begrudgingly accepted the Companions assigned to them. Though many were confiscated within a day, resulting in several students and faculty mbers either being suspended, expelled or fired, quite a number of students were happy to have the opportunity to be accompanied by the inordinately cute creatures.
The fact Companions served as powerful offensive and defensive guardians within the Spirit Tomb was more than enough to win over the vast majority of students. As for those who were expelled or fired, so were given the option of entering a probationary period while others, specifically those foolish enough to try and charm, enchant, or even dissect their Companions, were quickly dealt with by the Empire’s forces.
While many considered it extre, the Empire wasn’t shy about trying and subsequently executing those who violated the Common Law to a grievous extent. It didn’t matter how old your family was, how much authority they used to have, nor how much individual power you wielded. If you couldn’t live without committing acts of cruelty, exploiting others, or using your presud power to suppress everyone around you, the end result was almost always death.
In the future, Vahn intended to implent a less extre punishnt, but, due to the shifting of the Era, leniency couldn’t be afforded to those trying to reap benefits amidst the chaos. While those with more magnanimous intentions would be ignored, or even celebrated, he had absolutely no patience for the snakes slithering about in the darkness, mistakenly believing they would rise to prominence through subterfuge and secret dealings.
The existence of the Companions was an extre inconvenience for those with vile and malicious intentions, as, in accordance with the regulations regarding their care, they would accompany you virtually everywhere you went. Discarding them, sealing them away, manipulating their senses, or taking any action that interfered with the fulfillnt of their responsibilities would earn you an audit from the Empire’s forces. If it turned out you were directly engaged in criminal activities, your cris would be exposed, and, while only those directly involved would be held responsible, no leeway was afforded to those of qualifying age.
In accordance with the Common Law, children could be held accountable for their actions as early as the age of fourteen. While this didn’t officially make them adults, a status requiring a comprehensive physical and ntal evaluation, it was an age where their actions could no longer be attributed to childish innocence. While obvious exceptions would exist, they would be handled on a case-by-case basis using the data and profile that had been accumulated by Mother, the Artificial Intelligence that monitored and regulated the Companions.
Essentially, from the mont you were considered an adult, either through age or action, you were required to strictly observe the Common Law. Since these laws really only accounted for basic things, such as the protection of certain Phantasmal Species, the observation of rights for every species, and the admonishnt of vile and heinous acts, the Common Law was actually very easy to observe. You didn’t even have to be a good person, just not a terrible one...
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In spite of the relatively simple structure of the Common Law, Vahn found himself sitting across from Solon as the latter, with a fatigued expression on their face, complained about the backlash from the families still brave enough to file official complaints. Many of these ca from families with relatively decent principles, and, despite the fact they accepted the Companions into their ho, it didn’t stop them from complaining about the egregious actions of the Empire.
So long as there was any wiggle room at all within a policy, there would always be people who tried to take advantage of perceived loopholes to either put pressure on the governnt or elevate their own status. It didn’t matter if you had an endless amount of evidence to prove that punishnt was justified, ’righteous’ people would still feel compelled to criticize and even protest the severity of the thods used to enact the punishnt.
The general consensus of most people was that ’death’ was too egregious a punishnt for the vast majority of cris, regardless of how heinous they were. It didn’t seem to matter if the person being executed was a wicked individual who murdered, raped, blackmailed, kidnapped, and even tortured people without remorse. They would still argue that death was an extre and unjust punishnt, spewing various platitudes and excuses to try and justify their perspective.
It could be the result of his knowledge about transmigration and reincarnation, but, from Vahn’s perspective, death was a great rcy to those who had ruined countless lives for profit and pleasure. He didn’t believe in imprisonnt, as, not only did it require the allocation of personnel and excess resources, but, in the grand sche, locking people away didn’t ’fix’ them. Rather, it either broke or strengthened the convictions of people locked away, making them unable to adapt to life outside their prison or refining them into far more dangerous individuals. You rarely found absolution within confinent, as, if a prisoner actually reached that kind of ntal state, they wouldn’t even want to leave.
While there were countless thods to rehabilitate people and set them onto a better path, doing so was setting a dangerous precedent as people would then argue that ’everyone’ should be given the sa opportunity. This would require an ever-increasing amount of infrastructure dedicated to just ’fixing’ people who, depending on the circumstances, might not even want to be fixed. Since this led to people being ’trapped’ within the system, sotis for decades at a ti, it simply wasn’t worth the allocation of resources. People might have infinite potential, but, unless they were willing to put in the effort to better themselves, investing resources into ’forcing’ them to be better was a fool’s errand.
Vahn didn’t delude himself into thinking his thought process was without fault, but, compared to the failings of the previous system, what he was trying to accomplish was objectively better. He knew his perspective would change with the passage of ti, but, with Ark, Mother, and Shadow coordinating with each other to draft policies, the final structure of society would depend on the needs of society itself. All he could do was bear the anger and contempt of countless people as he tirelessly worked to restore order and build a foundation for a better future...
With this in mind, Vahn stopped Solon, mid-complaint, saying, "Tell those people I have no interest in other factions budding within the Empire. They are entitled to believe what they will, but, from the mont they begin advocating for their version of justice, they beco enemies of the state. Unless they are willing to beco civil officials, exposing all of their secrets for public scrutiny, I have very little interest in what they want to say. This is an obvious ploy to increase their status and establish themselves as a voice that can oppose Imperial Policy...honestly, I’m offended they believe they have any right to question after ignoring the problems within the Association for centuries..."
Though not unexpected, Solon released a tired sigh when they heard Vahn’s response, as, in the end, they would be the ones dealing with the so-called righteous families. They knew full-well that Vahn’s views on the matter were accurate, but, due to the policies of the Empire, it wasn’t that easy to put pressure on groups openly adhering to the Common Law. Had it been a few months ago, it would have been a simple matter of threatening them into submission, but, after agreeing to adhere to the Common Law, Solon was limited in their ans.
Understanding he was basically shifting his problems onto Solon, Vahn adopted an apologetic smile, adding, "If you think there is soone more suited to the position of Director, feel free to nominate them. Preparations have already been made, so, once this fiasco with futuristic heroes is resolved, we can begin planting World Trees. When that ti cos, I imagine you won’t be as interested in your position as Director, so, before then, you should consider talking with Zelretch. If he is unwilling, Da Vinci has already expressed that she is willing to take on the responsibilities."
Hearing Vahn’s words, Solon beca visibly less tense, a small smile on their face as they nodded their head and answered, "I doubt that old bastard would be willing to beco the Director after I step down. I’ll talk to him, but, if Da Vinci is willing, the position will most likely fall to her. Honestly, I would have nominated soone like Luvia or her Grandmother, Olivia. Their family might be a bit eccentric, but, considering they are already involved with the majority of Magus Families, it would benefit them greatly to have the authority of the Director."
As he actually hadn’t considered Luvia as a potential replacent for Solon, Vahn was slightly taken aback by the suggestion. If he thought about it, Luvia was exceptionally qualified for the position as, compared to Da Vinci, she had an intrinsic understanding of politics. The latter, much like Solon, was an extre introvert and, though she would be able to manage her responsibilities with the support of Ark, Mother, and Shadow, Da Vinci would undoubtedly lant having to personally et with the various Family Heads.
Finding Solon’s suggestion surprisingly agreeable, Vahn found himself nodding in approval, a smile on his face as he stated, "I can’t imagine Luvia will refuse. Though her individual power might be a little lacking, her political prowess and business sense are unmatched. She should be able to handle future negotiations without any major issues, and, considering her family’s prestige, she would have an easier ti being accepted by the current affiliates...very well, that’s what we’ll go with. You did well to make such a suggestion, Solon."
Hearing Vahn’s praise, Solon’s expression turned dour as, seemingly against their will, it made them feel a little happy. This had beco a relatively common occurrence as of late, so, much like before, Solon snorted through their nose, muttering, "I only ntioned the obvious...I don’t need you, of all people, to acknowledge . If it prevents from having to constantly clean up after you, I would obviously look for soone suitable..."
Having grown accustod to Solon’s reactions, Vahn just nodded his head with a knowing smile on his face. Afterward, he rose from his chair and, after stretching his body for a bit, said, "I’ll discuss the matter with Da Vinci and Luvia. Odds are, Olivia will end up taking up the role of Association Director as Luvia intends to reveal her status as Keeper of the Imperial Seal in the future. There could be a few issues if she wanted to hold both titles, but, we’ll see what she decides. Either way, you should begin making preparations to transition to the European Supercolony. Unless they co out of hiding by tomorrow, I’ll most likely be dealing with the group of so-called Heroes in the evening. If things go well, you’ll be able to fulfill your dream by the week’s end..."
With his words finished, Vahn gave a casual wave to Solon before turning his back and vanishing from within the latter’s private garden. This left Solon sitting in their chair, nursing a cup of piping hot tea as they inclined their head toward the sky and muttered, "I’ve put my trust in you...don’t let down...you bastard..."
(A/N: Alternate Titles: ’The Empire ain’t playing o_o...’,’Luvia’s [Golden Rule:EX] is the MVP’,’Solon, the six-thousand-year-old Tsundere’)
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