novelzi Chapter 204: Tradition (2)
Chapter 204: Tradition (2)
Tradition, by its nature, tends to change as time passes. However, its ‘origin’ remains unchanged. For example, there’s ‘wrestling.’ Originally, wrestling was a martial art designed against soldiers in thick iron armor in ancient times to somehow kill each other.
They would overthrow their opponents, stab them in the gaps of the iron armor, or even make use of deadly techniques like Muay Thai. Over time, it evolved into a sport. Martial arts designed to kill people transformed into sports as eras changed and civilization advanced, as long as they are not used by the military.
Of course, that’s a story from my previous life, and this was a medieval era. In a place where war may break out anytime, it will take more time for martial arts to evolve into sports. However, traditions like the sacred duel must somehow evolve into sports. Otherwise, as in the recent Chieftain incident, the foundation of the nation could be shaken.
That’s precisely the transformation of tradition into sports.
“...Do you really think that will work? Changing the sacred duel into an annual competition?”
Leona responded with a somewhat bewildered expression to my proposal. Her face clearly showed her disbelief.
In fact, her reaction wasn’t entirely surprising. The sacred duel was not just a simple tradition, it was a sacred contest that brought the tribes together as one. The idea of changing such a tradition into a simple competition could appear to dilute its meaning.
“It might sound a bit strange, but honestly, it could be a good idea. Not holding it once a year but every 3 to 4 years wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Sorry, but what’s the convincing part? Did I not explain about the sacred duel? It’s not just a simple duel. It’s a sacred duel watched directly by the Goddess of Nature, Lady Harte. It’s a match where you stake everything on the line.”
“Didn’t you say earlier that you didn’t like that aspect of the sacred duel? The previous chieftain also lost his life because of that.”
“Well, that’s true, but...”
Leona, still struggling with what she couldn’t quite grasp, narrowed her brows while contemplating. At the same time, she mumbled around the steak in her mouth.
In truth, her reaction was normal, as I was a reincarnator who had crossed over from Earth to this world. And Earth’s civilization was far more advanced and developed than this world.
Even what seemed simple to me would inevitably appear different to them. Changing people’s minds is difficult enough, let alone changing the traditions that form the foundation of a nation.
But the world is changing rapidly, and stagnant water must flow. Otherwise, it will rot.
“From the start, trying to change tradition itself will face a lot of resistance and clashes. If that’s the case, it might be better to go in a direction that spills less blood. The sacred duel is watched by the Goddess Harte herself, right? Make a new format of competition centered around the sacred duel. Recruit candidates who meet certain criteria, and the winner can spread their opinions widely. Do you get the rough idea?”
“Um... so that means we can take away all the opponent’s authority?”
“That’s definitely something we should exclude. You’re not just a bunch of tribes anymore, but a nation, a country. You can’t live barbarically forever, right?”
“Sigh... It’s too difficult...”
Leona groaned while clutching her head. It seems like she’s experiencing a headache from trying to absorb a lot of knowledge at once. Worried that I might have explained things too complicatedly, I turned my head to look at Marie.
To my surprise, she was staring at me with a curious expression. Her bright blue eyes were filled with amazement and curiosity. I opened my mouth with a slightly perplexed feeling.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s fascinating. Isaac knows so much.”
She didn’t hide the look of wonder in her eyes. It almost seemed like there was a subtle hint of suspicion. Perhaps deep down, she actually believed that I might be a time traveler.
Considering the pranks she occasionally played on me, it wasn’t such a strange thought. I gave Marie a wry smile in response to her gaze filled with suspicion and curiosity, then turned my attention back to Leona. She seemed to be lost in deep thought, her face contorted with contemplation.
Several minutes passed like this. Leona removed her hands from her head and looked at me before asking.
“...Holding the sacred duel in a tournament format is a good idea. And for an adequate preparation period, it’s better to have a gap of 3 to 4 years as you suggested.”
It seemed like she was truly determined because Leona echoed my words exactly. There was a sense of deep commitment gleaming within her golden eyes, like a fierce resolve had settled in.
Then she looked straight at me and said about one issue.
Leona responded with a bitter smile upon hearing my words. Indeed, beastmen had relied on strength to solve problems until now, so there might be some resistance to change.
“Anyway, I understand your point. Let’s start by changing the format of the sacred duel competition to a tournament, and prohibit individual challenges. However, if there are objections, they can form groups and participate together. Does that sound good? Since Goddess Hart is watching, it’s better to consider the words of the winner, right?”
“That’s the idea. But it might be best to refrain from using it for political purposes. The meaning of the sacred duel could become diluted.”
“No, it’s better to use it politically instead. They attended to show their grievances, what else is this if not politics? It’s okay if it conveys the meaning of raising voices without distinction of age, gender, and nationality. Whether they will accept this is the question“
“...Ugh.”
Even with good intentions, it’s all in vain if they don’t accept it from above. Leona sighed in frustration, wondering if she knew about that part. But there’s a simpler way than you might think, a common trait among those in power regardless of their race.
Their pride was as strong as ever, especially in this era where honor is crucial. So, gently touching their pride should do the trick.
“What if we just delicately poke at their pride? ‘Are you scared or something’, wouldn’t they be offended and agree to your opinion?”
“Oh! That sounds reasonable. Even though I may seem reserved, I’m confident in speaking. I’ve never lost in a verbal battle before.”
Leona perked up and spoke with a bright expression, despite being a princess of a nation, she had a rather rough way of speaking. I felt like we were on the right track. After taking a bite of the almost cold soup, I began to speak.
“Does that work then? I explained it a bit complicatedly, but if we break it down slowly, it should be fine. Just be prepared for hardships and challenges. It won’t be easy.”
“Well, I’m grateful anyway. If things work out later, I’ll definitely reward you.”
“I’ll be looking forward to that. Can you give me a rough idea of what the reward might be?”
“Hmm...”
Leona seemed to think deeply, poking at her steak and looking up as if it were no big deal. Then, she opened her mouth.
“If it happens as you say, it means the entire Animus will change... I will become your wife?”
“Cough!”
“Cough! Cough!”
Me, and even Marie, couldn’t help but cough suddenly. The idea of suddenly becoming my wife was such an absurd statement.
However, Leona seemed unfazed by it and asked with a puzzled expression.
“Why are you so surprised? It’s just that there are no other men around, so it has to be me, right? If there were another woman, it would have been her, not me.”
“Cough. No. No. It’s not that... Can you really become someone’s wife so easily?”
This question wasn’t from me, but from Marie. I was still coughing due to Leona’s words.
Leona blinked her eyes, pondered Marie’s question, and then nodded, saying.
“Yeah, in the beastmen culture, when someone makes a ‘commitment,’ they often offer their own child. You humans do something similar, right? Throughout history, there have been many instances of offering one’s own child as a commitment, haven’t there?”
“... ...”
“... No?”
It was a moment when I realized the cultural differences between our races.
Translators note: