BXBX NOVEL Chapter 1058: Drawing A Line
Chapter 1058: Drawing A Line
logical approach.
"I didn\'t because there was no need to," Orion replied, shaking his head. "If you think it was the most logical thing to do, then you\'re right. But it wasn\'t Paradise\'s proper course of action then."
"What do you mean?" Evaline asked, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Is an unfathomable force like Paradise still driven by mere emotions?" She had pondered various reasons behind Paradise\'s actions yet couldn\'t reach a sensible conclusion.
"With the damage the nobles caused during their rebellion, it might seem like a simple solution to put them under this divine art," Orion explained, his tone calm. "But if that were the answer, I\'d have to subject every inhabitant of Trekking Flamingo Runaway City to the same art, making them forget their lost loved ones or that such a tragedy even occurred after Paradise took control."
"If I followed that path, wouldn\'t it mean that Paradise is going back on its word to this city? It would show the ordinary inhabitants that their lives are less valuable than those of the nobles and leaders and that the nobles are too irreplaceable for Paradise to touch."
He paused, letting his words settle before continuing, "Covering up the rebellion would have been a wasted effort because such a thing would surely happen again if given the slightest chance. Instead, wouldn\'t it be wiser to uproot the weeds and leave no seeds for future strife? To fell the old and rotten trees so that a new forest can grow on a foundation rooted in Paradise?"
Despite his faith in the One-winged Chains of Eternal Submission, he knew that other divine beings still hid within this desolate world, with strength and prowess unknown. He wasn\'t willing to take such risks for a city in constant motion.
Observing Evaline\'s contemplative expression, Orion added, "A true leader understands the scars of his people and wields their emotions as his sword and shield. The orders we received came directly from the supreme leader of Paradise. His actions always carry a deeper meaning, which I\'m sure you\'ve come to understand by now."
Evaline nodded. "Yes, I see it now. Paradise is not just manipulating the emotions of the inhabitants of Trekking Flamingo Runaway City but also laying a stable foundation that will ripple out to the other Runaway Cities. It\'s brilliant and compelling," she replied. "So, what\'s next?"
Orion nodded but then furrowed his brow at her follow-up question.
Noticing his silence, Evaline continued, "Apart from sparing me because I indirectly gave you the information needed to uncover this rebellion, you also did so because you require my skills—someone familiar with Trekking Flamingo Runaway City-to ensure that there are no variables threatening the growth of this foundation, right?"
"Would it be difficult for you to believe that I saved you simply because you are connected to someone instrumental in uncovering this rebellion?" Orion asked, his tone curious. Evaline\'s quick deduction and intelligence made him realize she truly deserved her title as one of the leaders of Trekking Flamingo Runaway City.
"A few moments ago, I might have thought that Paradise genuinely cared for the people under its wings, but after that realization, I can only say, \'Yes.\' Also, I doubt my responsibilities will end there," Evaline nodded.
A gnawing frown appeared on her lips as she remembered she was still under his control. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.
\'This will be the end of me,\' Evaline thought, sighing inwardly.
"Believe what you want to believe. In time, you\'ll see that as long as the Runaway Cities dutifully serve Paradise, they\'ll be cared for far more than ever. And even if I could make you think otherwise right now..." Orion replied, shaking his head, "There\'s no need or reason to do so."
Orion added, "What did you mean by your last words?"
Initially, Evaline was stunned by Orion\'s earlier words and was about to ask more about the divine art he had cast on her, but Orion\'s question shifted the direction of her thoughts.
"You don\'t need to act oblivious. I am one of the former leaders of the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City, a woman now under your control, both in body and soul. Aside from the reason you saved my life, there\'s no doubt that you might make me engage in all manner of spoken and unspoken carnal activities."
"Although I\'m not sure if I\'m your preference since not everyone is attracted to a race whose lower half resembles a magical beast, it\'s still an assumption I can\'t entirely overlook," Evaline replied, her fists clenched as she fought to maintain her composure, fully aware of the consequences of defying the warrior before her.
A realization dawned on Orion, prompting him to nod in response. "I see. Fortunately, my preferences do not prevent me from finding your features attractive. However, don\'t think I\'ll ever force you into engaging in such a thing."
"So you slaughter entire lineages from young to old, but forcing yourself on a woman whose every action is dictated by your will is where you draw the line? That\'s incredibly ironic and moralizing," Evaline retorted.
She wanted to bang her head against the wall. For the first time, she would do anything to keep her lips sealed and her words tucked in.
"I understand where you\'re coming from, and you\'re wrong. It\'s not about drawing a line but choosing which line to cross. Slaughtering entire lineages was necessary to prevent a greater crisis, but breaking someone\'s will to that extent? My principles won\'t allow me to stoop so low," Orion replied, shaking his head.
He wasn\'t annoyed by Evaline\'s responses; instead, he found them interesting, especially since he was the one who had issued the command.
"So you\'re the kind of person who finds satisfaction in having others grovel at your feet and plead with you to take them. I\'m sorry to tell you that it will never happen."