The father and son duo continued their discussion while strolling in the garden.
"So, how are you planning to dismantle the conspiracy network in Veridia?" Elmsworth asked.
"We have chalked down all the merchants, nobles, and prominent personality who were actively participating in this conspiracy against the realm," Lorian explained his plan with determination, "we will arrest all of them on charge of treason, confiscate their ill-gotten funds and from them squeeze all the intel!"
Elmsworth chuckled, "On what charge? Just because their names have been written on some scrapbooks which were obtained dubiously, and can be claimed as forgery, to falsely accuse them? In a trial, this would hold no candle and would only bring us more shame and doubt!"
"But we are the rulers of this city!" Lorian was surprised, "why do we need to arrange even a trial? We can just give a verdict and that's all!"
Elmsworth ruffled his son's hair affectionately, "Well, technically, we can do it! We can walk the path of the ruthless autocrat and enforce our will. We don't need even a trial then. Just gather them all up, behead them with their family, and confiscate their property."
"Yes!" Lorian affirmed eagerly.
"Well, that will be a really, really bad thing for us in the long run," Elmsworth reminded his son, "No, I am not citing some frivolous ethical reason why we should not do it. I am saying it out of practical reason. See, Veridia is a trading city. Trade needs security and stability to flourish. If the word on the street is that the rulers of Veridia have become mad with power, and can kill anyone, and seize anyone's property with little to no excuses, Veridia's economy will collapse. And it is not just the economy; people will start fearing and hating us."
"But father" Lorian replied, "I think you want people to fear you, if I am not wrong!"
"Yes! Good question," Elmsworth nodded, "You see, a kid fears his parents, as well as a bandit. Are both the same? The kid fears his parents, but knows ultimately that his parents would not hurt him, and have his best interest in mind. But the kid's fear of the bandit is not the same, for he knows the bandit does not care for his well-being and would hurt him if he feels the need or urge!
Similarly, the people of Veridia fear me, which is needed to keep things in line. But they also trust me with fairness in judgment, treatment, and believe I always have their good in my mind. So, even if they fear me, they would never hate me, or think of rebelling against me. But when they start fearing me like a hungry beast who can kill them anytime they wish, the fear will be mixed with hatred. They will actively or passively long for my downfall. And in that scenario, they may actively seek other foreign powers to help them get rid of me."
"You mean treason?" Lorian was surprised, "so you feel people of Veridia are not loyal as I had always believed?"
"Oh no!" This time Elmsworth seemed a bit frustrated with the naiveté of his son, "You have to understand basic human nature. A human's first loyalty is towards himself or herself; the only exception is their children. You cannot just expect someone to blindly love his nation even at the expense of himself.
And anyway, what is Veridia without its people?
When you are demanding Veridians to be loyal to the realm, you don't mean them to be loyal to the Thornes- the rulers of Veridia; but to the real Veridia- the people of Veridia.
And thus their real loyalty will come first and foremost to the people of Veridia, and not the ruling house of Veridia.
As long as they know the Thornes have Veridia's best interest in mind, and whatever steps the Thornes take are ultimately for the greater good- that is, good for the people of Veridia and not for self-interest- they will be loyal to the Thornes.
Remember, the people will be loyal to the ruling house, as long as they believe the ruling house is loyal towards the realm. Got it?"
"Yes Father!" Lorian replied with enthusiasm.
"You see, my son. Veridia is not a big city-state, nor does it have a formidable army or connections. We are not truly unique. But still, we are respected, and we are considered the crown jewel of the seven cities.
You know why?
What sets us apart are our Wealth, Stability, and Reputation. Veridia is fertile, self-sufficient, and well-governed. We boast of our loyal subjects who support the Royal Family out of gratitude, respect, and love; and not outright fear. This stability has given us the prestige across the land. Our Wealth, Popularity, and Prestige have made us the greatest State on the East Coast, if not the whole continent. Never forget this, my Son!"
Lorian had realized the fault in his thought process. In his past life he used to believe the Kings in medieval times had uncontrolled power and literally held power over the life and death of his people. He had brought this false notion with himself in this world as well.
But today he realized how shallow his idea was. He also gained a new understanding and perspective on how to rule a kingdom; it was really a bit different than running a company, and yet so similar. His love and respect for his father increased manifold.
"So, please enlighten me Lord Father, how should we deal with it?" Lorian asked with genuine respect.
"Scan the list again. Jot down the names of all conspirators. Make two columns. In Column 1, write down the name of all conspirators, from most involved to least. In Column 2, write down the people from most to least powerful, in terms of influence, connection, or wealth. Then check the two columns and try to make a list of people whose involvement is less, but who are quite high in the second column of power and influence. And then find a handful of people who are very low in involvement, but very high in power and influence. You will approach them, and make them testify against the other culprits, in exchange for pardon and other perks as you negotiate! You get my point?"
"Yes father!" Lorian replied with staunch determination, for he felt the urge to prove himself in the eyes of his father.
And so began the next stage of dismantling the web of conspiracy that had engulfed Veridia.