Chapter 36: Chapter 36: The Wheel Turns
In the vast sea of sand, the primary concerns are the tribes and large groups of Eremites.
Tribes are based on blood relations, which, to a large extent, are less convenient than the structured units of Eremites.
However, the Eremites industry is highly competitive. Moreover, mercenaries are driven by profit, and few desert mercenaries adhere to contracts like Dehya does. For them, betrayal is as natural as eating and drinking.
It is generally difficult for a Eremites leader who lacks strong means and excellent strength to manage a large Eremites effectively.
Rama's primary adversaries were the tribes surrounding the Tanit, followed by the Eremites scattered across the desert.
At this time, the latter were much easier to deal with than the former.
In the past, the most powerful Eremites in the desert was "Deshret's Relic," a super-large group of Eremites. Many other brigades directly depended on "Deshret's Relic."
For a long time, the dominance of this super-large Eremites was unparalleled until they encountered one person.
Dehya's father, Kusayla, who formed the Eremites called "Dakan Al-Ahmar," was one of the many smaller brigades dependent on "Deshret's Relic." "Deshret's Relic" allowed them to operate under its name, but they had to regularly pay tribute in return.
One night, during a tribute trip, Kusayla inexplicably broke into the archive room of "Deshret's Relic" and burned all the records.
Mercenaries earn their living by risking their lives and were naturally reluctant to pay tribute to "Deshret's Relic."
The leader of "Deshret's Relic" controlled all mercenaries who voluntarily or involuntarily joined through something akin to a pledge. Kusayla's fire destroyed all the evidence of these pledges.
Those who had long wanted to break free from "Deshret's Relic" took this opportunity to leave.
Fearing a return to their miserable past, they instead suppressed the development of "Deshret's Relic."
As a result, by the time of Dehya's legendary mission, this super organization, which had long stood above other Eremites, was on the verge of collapse.
The most ridiculous part was the choice of "Deshret's Relic's" leader, Michal, in the end.
Do you want to kill me for revenge? I'll kill myself first; don't even think about it.
Honestly, it was quite meaningless.
Rama couldn't understand how such a character had led "Deshret's Relic" to greatness. With their resources at the time, they should have had many opportunities to change this outcome.
Perhaps it's best to attribute the fall to the loss of support and the principles of righteousness. As an outsider, one can't fully grasp what happened.
Maybe more people wanted "TDeshret's Relic" to disappear during this process.
For instance, the "Corps of Thirty," the Akademiya, or the Fatui could have interfered, a large number of Eremites clearly didn't align with their interests.
However, at this time, "Deshret's Relic" still retained significant strength, unlike their weakened state later.
But for Rama, it made little difference.
The troubles they faced wouldn't end anytime soon, but the war Rama wanted to incite was different.
Tanit Tribe.
"I am pleased to see you, elders."
Rama sat at the head of the tent. "We will distribute more food, but can you still consume it?"
He hadn't made significant moves against the tribe's upper echelon because it wasn't necessary.
This was far from the time to divide interests.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
They had discussed how to address Rama. The highest authority in the Tanit tribe was the "Matriarch," which obviously didn't suit Rama.
So they chose the simplest and most desired title.
"We are always ready to wield our blades for your cause!"
Rama supported his chin with his hands.
This title seemed to hold some value.
He didn't believe the tribe's elders had fully pledged their loyalty, but disloyalty and betrayal are different matters.
Loyalty takes time and stakes to secure.
These elderly elders had all held power before and found it difficult to wholeheartedly devote loyalty to anyone.
But they wouldn't betray either.
Because Rama could kill them, and because Rama could lead them to share the wealth of the entire desert.
"In the last war, I handled all the battles myself, so in the end, none of the tribe's warriors ascended."
"But they had no objections because they still gained despite doing nothing."
"The reward system is based on contribution and the needs of the many, a relatively sound logic. I can disregard resources and distribute them to the tribe—or the future kingdom—after victory."
"But someone will eventually ascend. If they want to rise, merit in battle is the quickest path. I can't keep them from ascending."
Rama's expression was calm. "Elders, you may not always have the right to sit here. When someone ascends, someone else must step down. I need you to show value to bestow appropriate power."
Reckoning was inevitable, and Rama didn't even bother to conceal his intentions.
The tribe was no longer essential to him, but without him, the Tanit was just a tribe.
"Of course, Your Majesty. We must bear responsibility to have the right to receive the scepter from your hands."
Babel spoke respectfully.
She was Rama's greatest supporter.
It's a simple principle: the tribe's elders and the middle-to-upper echelons of a kingdom might seem to have lower status, but they actually gain more.
Moreover, in a situation where resistance is futile, making a profit is good enough.
Do they think resisting would change Rama's mind?
This man forced people to compromise when he had nothing, and now that his power was greater, his methods would only be more ruthless and straightforward.
Babel's concession was anticipated by the elders.
People are inherently biased. No matter how you look at it, Babel was Rama's foster mother. They had conflicts but no substantial confrontations.
Status brings privileges, so she had no reason to be stubborn.
It was just a conflict.
Power struggles are normal; positions are limited. When Rama ascended, didn't he seize power from them?
Yet Rama didn't aim to eliminate everyone.
It wasn't worth it.
The elders didn't even bother to discuss it.
Rama wasn't presenting a proposal; he was merely informing them of the results of his deliberation.
Since it was an announcement, it was clear he didn't care about their resistance.
"Indeed, it should be so," another elder agreed. "Young warriors naturally aspire to become the kingdom's upper nobility. We can't stop them from rising."
In the realm of competition, they already held the advantage.
If they still hesitated, they couldn't complain about being eliminated.
"Next, let's target this tribe for clearance."
Rama hung up a topographical map and pinned a knife at a specific location.
After one victory, they had grown accustomed to this path to sudden wealth.
Even if Rama didn't mention it, they would naturally lean towards war.
Once the wheels of war start turning, it's hard to stop them for one person.
Rama could do it, but he was the biggest supporter and beneficiary of war.
He wouldn't stop it.
(End of the chapter)