Anduin's eyes fall once more to the table before them. To the wine that Lan Wangji has poured for him. He is right, of course. There is a chance that this is a terrible mistake. If he lets Rigarda live, if he hands her over to Macaluso. The cycle could continue to repeat itself. Taravast might continue its deal with the undead brotherhood, and while the citizens of this city will be saved, countless others may suffer in their stead.
He has considered this. He has considered so many possibilities. He has had several near-sleepless nights, and the question of whether he will survive the decision without regret has been on his mind for some time now, for the answer is... No. He will regret his decision either way. Short of doing nothing. And then surely the Merchant will find someone else in his stead more willing to follow through and step up to answer to his cause.
Anduin gazes into the wine for several long moments, before he answers, "I cannot know how the new leaders of the city will choose to act. They have thus far abhorred the actions of Bonaccorso, but I do not know their minds. I cannot understand where they will draw the line, for the sake of their city and their people. I can only have hope that they will do what is right and just, but."
He hesitates.
"In truth, I cannot know they will. But if I slay the woman, not only do I deprive them of the opportunity to make the decision for themselves, but I fear I will lose a part of myself as well. For a long time, I have prayed for peace and that is not the way that it is achieved."
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He has considered this. He has considered so many possibilities. He has had several near-sleepless nights, and the question of whether he will survive the decision without regret has been on his mind for some time now, for the answer is... No. He will regret his decision either way. Short of doing nothing. And then surely the Merchant will find someone else in his stead more willing to follow through and step up to answer to his cause.
Anduin gazes into the wine for several long moments, before he answers, "I cannot know how the new leaders of the city will choose to act. They have thus far abhorred the actions of Bonaccorso, but I do not know their minds. I cannot understand where they will draw the line, for the sake of their city and their people. I can only have hope that they will do what is right and just, but."
He hesitates.
"In truth, I cannot know they will. But if I slay the woman, not only do I deprive them of the opportunity to make the decision for themselves, but I fear I will lose a part of myself as well. For a long time, I have prayed for peace and that is not the way that it is achieved."