Chapter 5: The Gap
As a loyal ally of the Wolf Clan and a renowned wise one among the Bimons, Queen Kristina’s opinions were always respected by all in the Bimon tribe. Even Carter Wolf, who was usually defiant and could argue endlessly with Sami Tagore, had to consider Kristina’s words carefully.
Seeing everyone, including Sami Tagore, pondering her words, Kristina knew they had been struck by her words. She didn’t want to miss this opportunity to change the minds of the Bimon leaders.
“Gentlemen, our Bimon clan far surpasses weak mortals in individual ability, and in terms of unity, we are even greater than those scheming mortals. Yet for thousands of years, we have been trapped on the barren Mogan Plateau, unable to move, at the mercy of those mortals we once looked down upon,” Kristina said slowly. “And the reason we can now sit in mortal cities is because of our alliance with them.”
“Have you ever wondered why? Is it because we Bimons are foolish? No. We can also understand the essence of human civilization. Although they excel at harnessing natural forces, we are gradually catching up. I believe none of these are the reasons why we are far behind in the civilized world.”
“Then what is the reason?” Sami Tagore and Carter Wolf asked in unison.
“We Bimons lack a tradition and system for learning and inheritance. Mortals have various systems and traditions to pass on the essence of their civilization—schools, churches, and even families are the main channels through which knowledge and experience from one generation to the next are transmitted. We lack this. We cannot blame our people, as for thousands of years they have relied on instinct and experience to survive. To change these habits and faster absorb the wisdom and civilization of mortals, we must strengthen communication with them, and living together is the best way. Mortals will never have bodies as strong as ours, but through learning and changing our habits, we can adopt their advanced and excellent ways of life and the fruits of their civilization accumulated over thousands of years. Thus, the gap between us will gradually narrow over time. This is my conclusion.”
Kristina’s words left everyone present in deep thought.
Learning and inheritance—these are rather profound terms. The Bimons have never thought about such things. Language is an innate instinct, as are survival skills. But how to improve and develop them has never crossed anyone’s mind. The magic regarded as top-secret among the Bimons is limited to a very small number of exceptionally talented individuals within their tribe; even the best among the five royal families may not enjoy such special treatment.
In contrast, among mortals, churches and schools in every country and city provide many with access to the fruits of civilization. Even in poor families, basic education allows people to acquire at least the most fundamental knowledge. This is precisely the biggest difference between mortals and Bimons.
The Bimons rely on instinct and experience, groping clumsily and extremely slowly through the dark world, while mortals can make the most of the knowledge and experience left by their predecessors, building upon their achievements to reach new heights. This contrast enables mortals, despite their weaker physiques, to hold a firm advantage across the continent among all races.
“Kristina, what you say makes some sense, but it doesn’t seem to have much direct relevance to the issue we’re discussing today, does it?” ModaBill, who rarely spoke, finally interjected. Her lazy tone remained the same even when discussing serious matters. “I don’t see anything wrong with Carter’s opinion. It’s only natural for us to take advantage of the mortals’ infighting.”
“What I mean is that we are at a critical moment of integrating into mortal society. We need to win their goodwill, even if it’s limited. This will allow our people to gradually adopt a civilized and advanced way of life—a necessary path for the growth of our Bimon Kingdom. Right now, the mortal territories under our control are already large enough. Starting another war now, before we’ve fully established ourselves here, could even lead to greater hostility among the mortals under our rule. While I have no doubt we can get what we want, shouldn’t you all consider whether we truly need that land right now?” Kristina countered.
Silence fell once again. Even Carter nodded in secret, acknowledging that Kristina’s words were highly persuasive. ModaBill was speechless, and Sami Tagore also gave a slight nod. Truly worthy of being the queen of the fox race—capable of identifying problems so acutely and finding solutions. It seems no one in the Bimon Kingdom can surpass her.
“Well, everyone, I think we’ve reached a conclusion: Kristina’s speech should have convinced us all. Our top priority is not to expand outward, but to guide our people to learn from the advanced lifestyles of mortals and improve the backward customs of our tribes. Only in this way can we adapt to this evolving world as quickly as possible,” decided Sami Tagore in somewhat somber tones. Yet he still struggled with how to handle relations with the Cilicians and their backers.
After the meeting of the five royal chiefs, Sami Tagore kept Kristina behind. He wanted to understand the future direction of the Bimon Kingdom. Northern Nicomedia was already under their control, and relations with the mortals within their territories were gradually improving, even becoming closer. Yet Sami Tagore still felt uneasy. That mysterious figure lurking in the shadows was like a thorn stuck in his heart; as long as it remained there, he wouldn’t find peace.
He needed this woman, whose intelligence surpassed that of anyone else in the Bimon Kingdom, to provide him with new ideas. Schneik had already supplied quite sufficient intelligence, but that mysterious figure remained shrouded in mystery. From various perspectives, it seemed likely that this mysterious figure came from the largest religious group among mortals—the Church of Light. But his motives and what he sought in return were unknown.