Shawn's proposal-or rather, Varian Wrynn's proposal-was an offer from a ruler to the subjects who opposed him. In that ruler's eyes, it was an extraordinarily generous offer, one that required him to stoop remarkably low, because it sacrificed Varian Wrynn's interests in exchange for the allegiance of VanCleef and the Defias Brotherhood.
Many people would have accepted such an offer.
Territory, military authority, wealth, status, a pardon-from then on, VanCleef would become a lofty figure in power, with wealth and glory to his name. All the bitterness of the past would be erased, concealed beneath a glorious facade that looked so dazzling.
Who would refuse?
But was that really how it worked?
Could any amount of wealth, any height of status, truly erase the humiliation he had suffered?
A good man was wrongfully imprisoned. Twenty years later, people told him, "Sorry, we falsely accused you back then. We'll give you a million in compensation and issue a public announcement clearing your name. With that million, you can start a small business, marry a wife, and have two children. You won't have to worry about the rest of your life."
A good man was falsely accused of murder and sentenced to death. Ten years after his death, people told his relatives, "Sorry, we falsely accused him back then. We'll clear his name now and give you some compensation. Although he's dead, you could say he left you a sum of money. At least you won't have to worry about food and drink."
Yes, how wonderful it sounded, yet... how tragic!
A wrong was a wrong. No matter how thoroughly it was redressed later, it had already been committed.
If a broken leg could not be reattached, how could a broken heart be mended?
Those unbearable memories, those years of toil, all