Emperor's Strategy, Ch.13

The essay for Chapter 13.

Beauty can be both a blessing and a curse, as demonstrated through the complex dynamics of an ancient mythical tribe whose members possessed an innate allure that could drive others to madness. One member of this legendary group managed to infiltrate high society, eventually bearing a child who inherited their supernatural charm. Through careful planning and the use of special medicine pills taken during autumn festivals, the mother successfully concealed their true heritage, protecting her offspring from those who would seek to destroy them upon discovering their true nature. Survival required constant vigilance, as history had shown that members of this mystical lineage were often treated as commodities, sold in black markets and abused by those who discovered their true nature. Their beauty was considered dangerous enough that most of their tribe had been systematically eliminated, with survivors forced into hiding or slavery, their very existence a curse that marked them for destruction or exploitation.

Within these circumstances lies a tale of manipulation, protection, and complex familial relationships strained by power dynamics and ancient secrets. While outwardly maintaining appearances of familial devotion, deep currents of hostility run beneath the surface of their interactions. One individual, confined to a wheelchair due to violence during political struggles, maintains a gentle demeanor that masks deeper motivations and knowledge of dangerous truths. Behind soft smiles and expressions of concern lies an understanding of the deadly heritage flowing through their young relative's veins. This knowledge becomes a double-edged sword - both a means of protection and a potential threat, as revealing such information could lead to devastating consequences. Through careful observation and research into ancient texts, they discovered the truth about their relative's heritage and the methods used to suppress their inherent nature, including the limited supply of special pills that would only last for two more years.

At the heart of this web of secrets lies a crucial revelation about the nature of their supernatural heritage and its potential resolution. Those born with this cursed beauty can only truly break free from their inherent nature through intimate relations, yet their young relative remains resistant to such solutions despite various attempts to arrange suitable partnerships. Only one person has captured their genuine interest, though their relationship remains platonic - a situation that causes great concern among those who understand the full implications of their heritage. Failure to address this issue could lead to their relative becoming merely an object of desire, as happened to others of their kind. Time grows short as their supply of concealing medicine dwindles, and numerous enemies both internal and external watch carefully for any sign of weakness. Despite appearing difficult and prideful on the surface, their relative maintains an underlying innocence that could prove dangerous if their true nature were ever revealed. Those tasked with their protection must navigate these treacherous waters carefully, balancing the need to preserve their ward's happiness with the crucial importance of ensuring their survival in a world that would destroy them if their true nature were ever discovered.

Beneath supernatural elements and political intrigue lies profound commentary on societal prejudices and fear of extraordinary beauty. Such extraordinary gifts often become burdens, forcing their bearers to hide their true nature behind carefully constructed facades. Power dynamics shift dramatically when beauty becomes weapon rather than mere aesthetic pleasure, creating complex webs of attraction, protection, and control. Those blessed - or cursed - with such power must constantly navigate between authenticity and survival, weighing personal desires against practical necessities in world quick to destroy what it cannot understand or control.