314 Don’t Compromise
Selma Payne’s POV:
Sociologists often compared the differences in behavior between children and adults; they all believed that young people were always braver than older people.
ƒ𝓇ℯ𝑒𝒘𝐞𝚋𝓃𝚘𝚟e𝚕. 𝒄𝗼𝐦
In fact, this was not necessarily courage. The aggressiveness of young people might come from the fearlessness born from ignorance, and the cowardice of older people might be the caution condensed from experience. Being overly fearless made one stupid, and being overly cautious would make one appear timid.
I believed I’d misunderstood Rhode. He was not running away. On the contrary, because of his experience as Beta, he was more careful about the impact of the election on all parties. A compromise was always the most impressive lesson in politics. It was hard to say whether his subconscious decision to quit was because unspoken rules bound him.
In response, my anger dissipated, leaving only deep helplessness and heartache.
Must time be so ruthless in taking away the last trace of a person’s youthful spirit? Rhode was still a young man. Was it really good for him to encourage him to fight for it?
I suddenly wasn’t sure. Facing Rhode’s dilemma, I suddenly realized I was no different from those who secretly pressured him. I only saw the good and bad of utility and ignored Rhode’s wishes. I only saw him as a coward and didn’t see how much he struggled and suffered.
At the end of the day, I hoped that Rhode could become an Alpha, not without selfish motives. I wanted the Shadow Pack to become my force, so I ordered Rhode around arrogantly.
“I’m sorry, Rhode.” I lowered my head guiltily and leaned on his shoulder like I did when I was young. “I took everything for granted. It’s your freedom to run or not. I shouldn’t have made such a conclusion. If you want to withdraw, we’ll apply tomorrow morning, okay?”
“Selma…”
“I shouldn’t have accused you like that. I’m the one in the wrong. My identity as a Princess has made me too frivolous. I’m delusional to think I can control everything, and I’m trying to guess other people’s minds from a narrow perspective. I said you can’t take responsibility, but I’m the one who can’t be a leader with my arrogance.”
“Don’t say that. You wanted to cheer me up.”
“That’s right. I wanted to cheer you up, but I forgot what you need. Don’t worry, Rhode. I will support all your decisions. As you said, even if you can’t become an Alpha, being a Beta can still help the pack shine. We’re still young, and there are plenty of opportunities to make a name for ourselves.”
Rhode rubbed my hair like he did when I was a kid. He laughed and said, “I was the one who gave up initially. What has changed now? I don’t intend to withdraw, Selma. I’ve decided to try to participate in the election.”
“But weren’t you?”
“Yes, I have many concerns about you, me, and the pack. But just like you said, these are all responsibilities that I should bear. A person who only knows how to retreat can’t even be a good assistant. As for those rumors, if you don’t mind, why would I overstep my boundaries?
“I’ve thought it through. I’m not the only one by your side. You also have Sir Aldrich, your attendants, and that Miss Sorcery Apprentice. If you have to avoid suspicion with everyone close to you, you’ll be too isolated and helpless in the political field. Since there will be voices of opposition no matter what you do, it’s better to do what you want to do and say what whoever wants to say!”
Rhode’s change was so sudden that I couldn’t react in time.
Looking at my stunned expression, Rhode suddenly ruffled my hair like he did when I was young. He smiled and said, “No matter if you’re a little girl or a Princess, you’ll always be my little sister. An older brother should protect his younger sister. How could a younger sister worry for her older brother? Don’t worry, and do what you want to do, Selma. I can’t be of much help, but I will always support you, just like how you always support me. ”
After settling the election, I thought of Emma before I left. I asked Rhode, “I heard you’ve been getting along well with my attendants these days. They are born into noble families and rarely see the outside world. It would be great if you could be their guide.”
Hearing me mention my attendants, Rhode’s face turned slightly red. “It’s just a little help. It’s nothing. It’s my honor to show the young ladies around.”
Looking at his bashful expression, I roughly understood that Emma’s love wasn’t unrequited!
“Alright, I hope you two get along well. Good night, Rhode.”
Emma had already left when he returned to his room with light steps, leaving only Aldrich in the bedroom.
“What are you doing? Why are you so happy?”
I told him about my conversation with Rhode and asked him if he heard anything about Emma and him. Emma was my attendant, and I was Rhode’s younger sister. It was not appropriate for Rhode to tell me about this. However, he had a good relationship with Aldrich, so he might reveal a thing or two.
It was a pity that Aldrich didn’t know anything about this, but I was still very happy because this showed that Rhode truly respected Emma and didn’t discuss a girl with just about anybody.
