Chapter 204: Tradition(2)
Chapter 204: Tradition(2)
Traditions naturally evolve over time, but their "origins" remain constant.
Take wrestling, for example. It was originally a martial art developed by ancient legionnaires in heavy plate armor, designed specifically to kill one another. They would throw their opponents to the ground and drive a blade into the gaps of the armor or simply cripple them. Much like Muay Thai, martial arts intended to literally kill an opponent eventually evolved into sports as time passed.
Martial arts created for killing transform into sports as eras change and civilizations advance. Unless there is a war, there is rarely a need to use them for their original purpose.
Of course, that was the story of my previous life. This world was closer to the Middle Ages or the early modern period—a place where war could break out at any time or place. It would take more time for martial arts here to fully transition into sports.
However, traditions like the Holmgang needed to evolve into a sport regardless. If they didn't, the very foundation of the state could be shaken, just as it was during the recent Grand Chieftain crisis.
The solution was to transform the tradition into a sporting event.
"...Do you really think that's possible? Turning the Holmgang into a tournament held once a year?"
Leona asked back, her expression one of utter bewilderment at my suggestion. Her face clearly showed she thought the idea was preposterous.
It wasn't surprising that she reacted that way. The Holmgang wasn't just a simple tradition; it was a sacred duel that united the beastkin as one. Suggesting that such a tradition be turned into a mere tournament could be seen as trivializing its significance.
"It might sound a bit absurd, but honestly, it could be a great solution. It doesn't even have to be every year; once every three or four years wouldn't be bad either."
"I'm sorry, but that's not convincing at all. Did I not explain the Holmgang properly? It's not just a fight. It's a sacred duel overseen by Hirt, the Goddess of Nature herself. It's a match where both parties stake everything they have."
"Didn't you say earlier? That you hated that aspect of the Holmgang. Even the current Grand Chieftain lost her life because of it."
"Well, that's true, but..."
Leona furrowed her brows, deep in thought as if the idea hadn't quite clicked yet. Meanwhile, she stayed busy chewing the steak in her mouth.
In truth, her reaction was perfectly normal. I was a reincarnator who had come to this world from Earth, and Earth's civilization was far more advanced and developed than this one. Even things that seemed simple to me were bound to feel different to them. Changing a person's mindset is hard enough; changing a tradition that serves as a pillar of a nation is an entirely different beast.
But the world changes rapidly, and stagnant water must flow. If it doesn't, it only becomes obsolete and rots.
"To begin with, any attempt to change tradition will face immense backlash. If that's the case, it's better to move in a direction that spills as little blood as possible. You said the Holmgang is a sacred duel watched by the Goddess Hirt, right? Use that to your advantage. Announce that you're creating a new format of competition based on the origins of the Holmgang. Set specific criteria for applicants, and let the winner's voice be heard far and wide. Do you get the gist?"
"Hmm... Then what about the part where you can strip the opponent of all their rights?"
"That has to go. This is a nation now, not just a collection of tribes. You can't live like barbarians forever."
"Sigh... This is too hard..."
Leona clutched her head and groaned. It seemed her brain was hurting from trying to process so much information at once.
Wondering if my explanation had been too difficult, I turned my head to look at Mari. I immediately locked eyes with her; she was staring at me with an expression of pure fascination. Her bright blue eyes were filled with surprise and curiosity. Feeling a bit awkward, I spoke up.
"...Why are you looking at me like that?"
"It's just impressive. You really know so many things, Isaac."
She didn't hide her wonder, though there was a hint of subtle suspicion mixed in. Perhaps she really did think of me as someone from the future. Considering the jokes she occasionally made, it wasn't an entirely crazy thought.
I gave a bitter smile at Mari's look of suspicion and curiosity before turning back to Leona. She was still groaning, seemingly lost in deep contemplation.
After a few minutes passed, Leona took her hands off her head and looked at me.
"...Turning the Holmgang into a tournament format is a good idea. And to ensure there's enough time to prepare, a three or four-year interval like you suggested would be best."
It seemed she had truly made up her mind, as she repeated my words exactly. I felt as though I could see a deep resolve flickering in her golden eyes, which glowed like those of a predator.
Then, looking me straight in the eye, she pointed out a potential problem.
"But if we do that, the winner of the Holmgang will be predictable. It'll always be someone from the naturally powerful Tiger, Lion, or Bear clans. Wouldn't that make it meaningless?"
"Would it, though?"
"What makes you so confident?"
"You only need to look at my father to see why."
"Pfft."
When I replied without a second thought, I heard Mari let out a small giggle beside me. Leona, on the other hand, was blinking in stunned silence.
And for good reason—my father, despite being human, possessed martial prowess that ranked among the best in the world. Known as the "Red Lion," his reputation in the military was legendary and persisted to this day.
Even though humans were the weakest of all races, he had proudly joined the ranks of the strongest. It proved that innate limitations could be overcome at any time with enough talent and effort.
"As you said, those three clans would be strong favorites. But there is no such thing as an eternal victor in this world. Unexpected winners can always emerge."
The reason people go wild for the Olympics or the World Cup is precisely because of those unexpected variables. It's common for a country perceived as strong to be utterly dismantled by a smaller nation, often because they let their guard down and suffered a crushing defeat.
"Even if they use underhanded tactics, it doesn't matter. You can just say that since Goddess Hirt was watching, she must have been generous enough to allow it. You subtly weave that into the new 'origins' of the Holmgang."
"You mean it's okay to use poison or hidden weapons?"
"Ah, no, those should be excluded. Even if there are many flaws at first, the significance lies in changing the tradition of the Holmgang itself."
"I suppose that sounds okay... but I'm still not entirely sure."
Leona crossed her arms, still looking puzzled as if she hadn't quite grasped the concept. However, unlike before, she didn't seem completely lost.
She closed her eyes and thought deeply for a moment before speaking in a hesitant voice.
"It would certainly be ideal if things went as you said. But the Holmgang is something people invoke when they've been insulted or have a grievance. Even the current Grand Chieftain was challenged for that reason. While Goddess Hirt would still be watching, wouldn't that mean individuals lose their way to voice their personal grievances? Is there a way to solve that?"
"Those things shouldn't be settled through personal combat; they should be taken to 'trial.' Settling things with brute force is what barbarians do. You said you have chieftains who hold authority similar to lords, right? From now on, people should ask those chieftains for a trial. And if they still fight? Throw them straight into jail."
"What if they have grievances against the government?"
"That's where the Holmgang comes in. But instead of an individual grievance, it should be a collective one. A group with a grievance selects a representative to raise their voice. In other words, the representative of a group doesn't necessarily have to be the strongest person."
An individual's voice is weak. But when individuals gather to form a group, that voice becomes incredibly powerful. There is no policy in the world that satisfies every single citizen. If someone is happy, it usually means someone else is working their fingers to the bone behind the scenes.
"Leona."
When I called her name in a serious tone, she stopped her pondering and met my eyes. I stared at her face for a moment before emphasizing a crucial point.
"Animus is a nation and a 'civilization' founded by Hik. If everything is settled by force, that civilization will eventually fracture."
"..."
"If you just brush things off by saying, 'Oh, it's a noble tradition passed down from our ancestors, so it can't be helped,' then your fate is already sealed. You have to change what needs to be changed."
Suppressing instinct is a difficult task for a beastkin. But if they have built a civilization, they must suppress it. Even Leona herself had defied the prejudice that beastkin were ignorant and proudly entered the Academy. If they fixed things one by one like this, they would eventually change.
"And what changes a civilization isn't strength, but wisdom. Since ancient times, it wasn't the strong kings but the wise ones who grew their nations into powers. Conversely, kingdoms ruled by incompetent rulers met far more gruesome ends than those ruled by tyrants. The representatives I mentioned earlier should be wise rather than just strong."
"To be wise... that's advice you don't hear often among beastkin."
Leona gave a bittersweet smile at my words. It made sense; since the beastkin had always tried to solve everything with strength, my advice must have felt foreign.
"Anyway, I get what you're saying. For now, turn the Holmgang into a tournament format, ban individual challenges, and if there are grievances, form a group and send a representative. Is that it? And because Goddess Hirt is watching, the winner's words are considered more righteous?"
"That's the idea. However, it might be better to avoid using it for purely political purposes. It could tarnish the meaning of the Holmgang."
"No. Actually, using it politically is better. If people attend because they have a grievance, what is that if not politics? If we frame it as a way for everyone—regardless of age, gender, or tribe—to raise their voices, it should be fine. The problem is whether they'll actually accept it... Sigh."
No matter how good the intention, it's all for naught if those at the top don't accept it. Leona seemed to realize this as she let out a dejected sigh.
However, there was a simpler way than one might think. Regardless of race, those in high positions shared a common trait.
Their pride was incredibly, stubbornly strong. Especially in an era where honor was paramount, poking at that pride would likely work.
"Why not just poke at their pride as you push for it? Ask them if they're scared, or if they're ignoring the suggestion because they're afraid they'll lose."
"Oh! That sounds plausible. I'm pretty confident in my ability to talk. I've never lost a verbal spat."
Gaining confidence from my words, Leona's ears perked up as she spoke with a bright face. Come to think of it, for a princess of a nation, she did have a bit of a foul mouth.
Now that the path was roughly laid out, I took a sip of my nearly cold soup and spoke.
"Then we're good, right? I explained it in a bit of a complicated way, but if you organize it slowly, it'll be fine. Just be prepared to face hardships and obstacles. It's going to be very difficult."
"Still, I'm grateful. If things work out well later, I'll make sure to reward you."
"I'll look forward to it. Can you give me a hint as to what the reward might be?"
"Hmm..."
Leona looked upward, chewing her steak as she thought deeply. Then, she spoke as if it were no big deal.
"If things go as you said, all of Animus will change... so, maybe becoming your wife?"
"Pfft—!"
"Cough! Cough!"
Not only did I spray my soup, but even Mari started coughing violently. Becoming my wife? What kind of nonsense was that?
However, Leona seemed genuinely confused by our reaction and asked, "Why are you so surprised? It's only because I have nothing but brothers above me; if there were another woman, it would have been her instead of me."
"Cough. No. No. It's not that... Are beastkin always like this? Cough."
"Like what?"
"Can you just... cough... openly say you'll become someone's wife?"
This question came from Mari, not me. I was too busy coughing after the soup went down the wrong pipe.
Leona blinked, mulling over Mari's question, then nodded and answered.
"Yes. Beastkin usually give their own children as a 'reward.' Isn't it the same for you humans? I've seen many cases in history where children were given as rewards."
"..."
"...Is it not?"
It was a moment where I once again realized the vast difference in common sense between the races.