33 Ascended (1/2)
I stared at Rett kneeling before me with shock, I didn't fully understand the significance of his statement, but I knew one thing. This was a big deal, a great honor.
But not one that I would accept, I faced him with aversion in contrast with his show of humility. Despite his courteous proposition, I replied with disdain saying.
”No, are you kidding me? I was nearly killed by you, I'm lucky I only have a few broken bones and bruises. I only fought you to survive, I don't care about being the leader.”
Still kneeling Rett looked up with confusion. ”I don't think you understand, It's now your responsibility to become the chief. You don't have much choice in the matter.”
I shot a glance at Lili, but her eyes averted, finding the bleach white canvas tent walls.
She apparently only wants to discuss frivolous matters of her convenience instead of intervening in actually important debates, I made a mental note of this as I watched her continue to scan the blank cloth close to where she sat, her eyes lingered on the small rips and dirt stains that came with time and travel.
Details that only become obvious after noticing them, making you think. ”Has that always been there.” Whether or not this is what was on her mind, didn't matter. She still elected to prioritize an idle endeavor over the pressing matter that's in front of her. Which, honestly, fits her personality too well.
”Great, I'm on my own. Thanks a lot, Lili. Guess what, I'll be using vegetables for our meals from now on, I hope you like to have beans as your source of protein for a while.” I thought spiteful, believing my petty retribution to be sufficient.
It will be, she's way too captivated by meat, it's unhealthy. ”I'll make her eat salads and cooked vegetables until she's growing leaks from her ears.”
I think maniacally, already plotting my revenge. I don't know if I'll be stalwart if she pleads with puppy eyes. If I had a weakness, those would probably be it. I put my incoherent thoughts aside and composed myself to fit the more serious tone, then turned my attention back to Rett
”Look, I don't really care. I fought you, I won, I even spared your life.” That's kind of a loose statement, it's more like ”I blacked out before I had an opportunity to finish you off.”, but whatever.
He stood with a low growl in his throat and said. ”It doesn't matter what you or I want, the strongest rules this clan. If you defeat the chieftain, then you replace him. This is the law.”
”That's a stupid law,” I think. ”It's more counter-intuitive than anything.” I voice my concerns, trying to find a way around it.
”I'm not even a beastman! How can I lead a beastman tribe from the DEMON army if I'm a human, you see how this doesn't quite line up?”
Rett rubs his temples in frustration, hinting at a forming headache. ”I KNOW! You think I just thought, ”Hey, I'm the leader of the most renowned wolf-man tribe ever. I spent years of training and preparation to take my father's place once he died, how about I let this human who knows how to punch good rule instead?”
I nodded slowly, half-serious, half-mocking. ”Sure, that sounds abou...” He interrupted quickly, not seeming to have much of a sense of humor at the moment, shame.
”Our ancestor's followed the strongest of the tribe because only the strongest survived then. The clan became powerful, not by settling down and farming, but by fighting the strongest they could. If they were defeated, then they submitted and followed who defeated them, until they became strong enough to defeat them and lead themselves.”
That actually made a bit of sense, in a brutish savage way, which I guess does fit their culture. When they lived on the Itami Mountains only the strongest could survive its harsh environment, It makes sense that they would prioritize strength over everything. Although I don't understand why they would still follow these beliefs today.