Chapter 110: Shifting Conflict
Chapter 110: Shifting Conflict
When faced with intense internal conflicts that are difficult to resolve, there is a simple and effective solution, one that works in both reality and games.
Create an external conflict.
Lin Sai pondered for a moment, considering what external hostile targets could be found in the frontier town that could be utilized immediately.
First, the Dragon Beasts in the Black Mountain World were definitely out of the question.
Not only were they too powerful, but their existence also contradicted the idea of protecting the town's safety.
Using them as a source of conflict would not achieve the desired effect.
So, what about the present situation?
Not long ago, these beasts had launched an attack on the town's farmland, and today, they had assaulted the hunters, corrupting the Venom Spider.
Wasn't this the perfect external target to unite everyone?
If Andre could use his status as the lord to guide the town's will and unite them against the beasts threatening the town.
As this plan progressed smoothly...
Lin Sai dared not say that the town's people would offer unconditional support to Andre.
But at the very least, the radicals, whose fervor was intensifying, would not openly oppose Andre as they had earlier that morning, and they would not be able to cause further trouble in the short term.
Lin Sai's idea was simple.
The crisis currently facing the town would undoubtedly be better resolved if everyone united.
In times like these, unity among the people was far more important than any other factor.
"..."
"Lin Sai, you're a genius!"
When Lin Sai arrived at the Lord's Manor and shared this idea with Andre, the lord was so excited that he jumped out of his chair and paced around the study, self-reproachfully exclaiming:
"Why did I overlook this?"
"The solution to the problem was right in front of me!"
As the lord who had governed the town for a hundred years, Andre had cultivated a certain level of insight, even as a manager of the outpost.
He naturally understood the value of Lin Sai's suggestion.
However, in the past, as a warrior, when these beasts appeared, Andre followed his habitual line of thinking and focused on establishing sentinels to deal with them, ensuring a safe environment around the town.
In recent days, Andre had been busy with these tasks, and after losing the support of some of the Awakened, he found his endeavors a hundred times more challenging than usual.
Amidst his busy schedule, he hadn't even considered using these beasts as a common enemy to unite the town's divided people!
Lin Sai smiled modestly, "Uncle Andre, this idea just came to me suddenly, so I wanted to share it with you, even though it's not fully matured."
"If it can prevent the town's people from being so impulsive, that would be the best outcome."
Andre approached Lin Sai, looking directly at the student who had brought him such delight.
The joy and admiration in his eyes were undeniable:
"Lin Sai, this idea is incredibly useful to me!"
"If we can reestablish contact with the outside world, I will make every effort to ensure you become the next manager of the Hidden Frontier."
"That's not necessary," Lin Sai smiled sheepishly, "Uncle Andre, I still plan to return home."
"..."
Lin Sai's response caused Andre's joyful expression to turn into a frown.
He realized that the student he admired greatly before him also had a strong desire to leave the Hidden Frontier.
Recalling Somjin, who had opposed him earlier that morning, Andre, being a straightforward warrior, directly asked Lin Sai:
"Lin Sai, do you also want to side with them?"
"If that were the case, I wouldn't have shared this suggestion," Lin Sai explained, seeing the disappointment in Andre's eyes. "I've been to the Black Mountain with you, and I know how dangerous it is.
How could I possibly agree to them taking the town's people to their deaths?"
Upon hearing this, Andre's furrowed brows relaxed.
Before he could respond, Lindsay cut him off:
"But Uncle Andre, I also think we should take action now."
"Whether it's to withstand the harsh cold or find other ways to get through this crisis, we should put it on the agenda."
"..."
Andre didn't reply to Lindsay immediately.
He stared at his student standing tall before him, remaining silent for a long time before finally speaking:
"Lindsay, I understand your thoughts."
"I will never harm you, but in the future, being caught in the middle is not a good choice."
Lindsay understood the Conflict:
Because of the enclosed environment, the Hidden Frontier can now be considered a small society.
When a society has opposing mainstream opinions, it's best for individuals to set aside their unique views and join the mainstream side.
Because at this time, a third opinion emerges.
This behavior may not be adopted even if it presents better ideas, and it might even become a target for both sides to attack.
This situation doesn't sound wise.
But this irrationality is also a reality born from human reactions.
In response to Andre's guidance, Lindsay's answer remained firm:
"Uncle Andre, I still feel that I have some abilities, so I should do what I can."
Andre sighed:
"Of course, I want to do it too, but where is the path?"
"A seven-stage Dragon Beast isn't something that can be solved by recklessness and rashness."
After this reflection, Andre stopped mentioning things that could dampen morale.
He changed the topic and asked Lindsay:
"Tell me in detail about the plant cultivation."
Lindsay straightened up and began to explain her work:
"For now, I've selected three types of crops: winter wheat, cauliflower, and potatoes. Based on their characteristics, I've designed different cultivation processes, but since I don't have more wild plants, the progress will be challenging..."
Lindsay shared the challenges she faced in cultivating crops with Andre.
The lord had previously discussed similar issues with Finn, so he naturally understood Lindsay's meaning.
He asked Lindsay for plant samples and offered support in his own way:
"Lindsay, just focus on your cultivation work."
"As for the wild plants you mentioned, I'll send people to collect them."
This news was a huge boost for Lindsay!
"Great!"
"Uncle Andre, this will save me so much time!"
Lindsay immediately expressed her gratitude.
After a brief chat, the conversation came to an end.
As Lindsay bid farewell to Andre and stepped out of the study, she heard the warrior who had taught her martial arts encourage her with a drawn-out voice:
"Lindsay, you're a smart kid."
"If you think of something you can do, then go ahead and do it."
(End of Chapter)
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