"You didn't come here to discuss ancient history," Jaenor said.
Gwendolen smiled slightly.
"No, I didn't. I came to discuss the future. Specifically, what role you'll play in shaping it."
She paused their walk, turning to face him directly.
"You've become a significant force, Lord Arkwright. Divine beast, merged powers, capability to engage the Seven Sins in direct combat. That makes you valuable. The question is, valuable to whom? Whose interests will you serve?"
"My own," Jaenor said immediately.
"And the people I care about. I'm not interested in being anyone's tool or servant."
"I wouldn't expect you to be," Gwendolen said.
"But independence is a luxury that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as your power and influence grow. Eventually, you'll need allies, resources, and political backing that no individual—no matter how powerful—can provide alone."
She resumed walking, and Jaenor fell into step beside her.
