Bear School Astartes

Chapter 843: Chapter 826: A Compromise Plan

”Combining the fight against the plague with political propaganda is indeed an innovative idea.”

Socrates rubbed his chin with two fingers on his beard.

”Though it makes me a bit worried, whether the people drawn in by such political propaganda care about politics or the ’benefits’ attached to it. Do they truly care about the future of the city-state or only the immediate gains...”

”Will participating in political activities with such attitudes be beneficial for the long-term future of the city-state?”

Socrates’ foresight always comes with his sharp sarcasm.

Thus, everyone in Athens who invited him to banquets both desired his wisdom to help with their dilemmas and disliked the way he ruined the mood of the gatherings.

”Merging ideas, compromising, then making decisions that fit the situation, which everyone doesn’t outright reject...”

Lann spread his hands.

”That’s the limit of my capability.”

”People can’t keep living in an either-or way forever.”

”Yes, yes.” This time, Socrates didn’t habitually oppose.

Because he also knew that philosophy, when faced with practical problems, must submit to reality.

And Lann’s plan was the best available option thus far.

”So who should we let gain this political power?”

Suddenly, Aspasia, who had been pacing excitedly with her head down, spoke up.

”What do you mean?” Lann asked, puzzled. ”What happened to Pericles?”

”That’s the problem, Lann,” Socrates said deeply. ”Pericles has already contracted the plague and he’s not young anymore...”

”Although I’ve been doing my best to care for him,” Aspasia said, covering her forehead weakly. ”But now, he refuses to see me or accept proper care; he’s incessantly muttering about going to his beloved Parthenon Temple.”

”I think... he might have sensed... something himself?”

Aspasia cautiously expressed some ominous sentiment.

”Now, with public sentiment so roused outside, he no longer has the strength to defend himself; he’ll die without honor!”

So now, the political faction Pericles originally represented must quickly find a new spokesperson under Kleon’s relentless attack.

Pericles’ fame is too great for just anyone to take his place.

”I kind of understand.”

Lann spoke while shaking his head.

”But unfortunately, I’m not the person you want me to be. I don’t belong to Athens, nor am I an Athenian citizen. Conversely, there’s a very suitable candidate here.”

Following Lann’s gaze, everyone’s eyes gathered on one person.

Alcibiades, with a slightly made-up face, looked surprised.

”Me? Hey, don’t joke around!”

”I see you’re the one joking.” Lann tilted his head towards Alcibiades.

”Still pretending to be an aimless loafer with no ambition for politics, aren’t you afraid of wasting opportunities?”

Cassandra, standing beside Alcibiades, since the first time she met this young and handsome Athenian youth, saw a special expression on that playful face, which seemed always thinking intentfully below the belt.

It was a feeling akin to the tide receding slowly, revealing the true face of the rocks below.

Though just for an instant, the thoughtfulness and seriousness on Alcibiades’ face were genuine.

Alcibiades, a politician and military strategist who left an indelible mark in long history, especially when discussing the Peloponnesian War, his name is unavoidable.

Such a person without political ambition... Lann never believed it from the start.

The moment he met him and heard his name, he simply didn’t believe it.

To mask oneself with outrageous behavior when the time and strength aren’t mature, making arrangements in secret, isn’t a novel strategy either.

...Perhaps it’s fresh in this era but Lann saw through it right away.

Alcibiades didn’t actually appreciate the democratic system established by his foster father, Pericles.

He preferred to lead others with irrefutable authority.

However, analyzing from his usual unruly actions, Alcibiades is someone who enjoys adapting to his environment, usually referred to as: a smart person.

Since Athens is already a democratic system, he will adapt to it, perhaps only tweaking within the existing democracy to become that ideal ’leader’.

”Oh, you truly are a monster that stirs people’s desires, Lann.”

Socrates, beside him, mused while stroking his beard.

”Now, my student’s eyes conceal a fire of ambition that’s been ignited aside from the fire of fleshly desire.”

”Young people should have some ambition,” Lann retorted without turning his head, ”Maybe they’ll really accomplish something great?”

”Hmph.” Instead, Alcibiades spread his hands with his characteristic frivolous smile.

”Don’t speak as if you’ve seen it all clearly. I don’t even know I’m as frightening as you say.”

”Are you talking about me or not? I’m confused.”

Facing Alcibiades’ puzzled act, Lann shrugged.

”Anyway, you’ve heard our entire plan.”

”Whether to follow this plan and step onto the stage formally is your business.”

”The political election advantages Socrates summarized earlier, you possess them all.”

Lann counted on his fingers.

”You’re known throughout Athens, though your reputation isn’t good; it’s at least big enough for you. Plus, your appearance is outstanding.”

Alcibiades was already a renowned beautiful youth in Athens during childhood.

In Athenian customs, a young boy nearing adulthood will choose a mature male to teach them, acting as a teacher.

Because people at the time believed mature men were responsible, experienced, upper-class humans qualified to educate boys.

And during this process, mature men often ’had happenings’ with young boys they taught, considered ’romantic and natural’ societal norms.

When Alcibiades reached adulthood, many mature men in Athens sought to be his teacher, with a scene almost like a fervor.

In terms of appearance, Lann certainly surpassed Alcibiades, but with his long mingling in Athens, Lann instead held an advantage in community groundwork.

”In any case, the plan is here.”

Lann knocked on the big wooden table, producing a ’thump thump’ sound that seemed to reverberate straight into people’s minds.

Aspasia, beside him, watched Alcibiades’ expression become deeper.

This outstanding woman, hindered by gender, but unable to directly step onto the political stage, seemed thus to have more plans.