Shirahoshi could not understand.
Why was it that, even though the leaders of both sides had already decided to reconcile, the people below them were unwilling to agree?
"It's a very simple question, child."
Bright smiled. "Humans are very simple creatures. They often act only for their own interests."
"Of course, we cannot deny that there are also outstanding people among them who cast aside personal interests and strive for greater goals."
"But for the vast majority of people, they have only one motivation: benefit. Who would be willing to do something that brought them no benefit at all?"
Shirahoshi blinked blankly, unable to quite understand.
"I get it!"
Nana happily raised her right hand. "Brother Bright, you mean this war can bring these people benefits, so they don't want to stop, right?"
"Smart child."
Bright gave Nana an approving glance. "The more crucial reason is that, when many people can benefit from the same thing, they have already formed a group."
"If someone then wants to betray that group and do something that harms everyone's interests, then naturally, they will be attacked by everyone."
The reason someone could become king was not merely because he possessed blood born to rule, but because everyone acknowledged him and was willing to make him their king.
In essence, this was a kind of contract.
When a king could satisfy the interests of the powerful people within his country, he was king. When he could not, he could only be abandoned.
"So, do you understand now, Shirahoshi?"
Bright said, "When shared interests are violated, even their closest companions will suffer misfortune. Under such circumstances, do you still think the two sides can understand one another and coexist peacefully?"
The Little Princess fell silent.
Bright rubbed the Little Princess's head and said gently, "I'm