People kept growing, no matter how old they were. What people called maturity was simply the process of becoming increasingly ruthless.
In childhood, people were generally innocent. They cried when they wanted to cry and laughed when they wanted to laugh.
In adolescence, they gradually moved from ignorance toward maturity. They grew wary of others, and their views on emotions and values began to take shape.
In young adulthood, their drive to build a career grew stronger, their minds matured, and they became more concerned with personal gain.
In old age, they felt increasingly lonely and longed for attention. They hoped to find a perfect environment suited to them.
Their outlook changed drastically with age.
Rex was not judging someone by appearance. It was simply a fact that an elderly man would value stability above all else. To him, maintaining the status quo was best, so his policies would generally focus on conciliation.
But that was precisely what Darrowshire did not need at the moment. Large numbers of Cult of the Damned members lurked there, leaving it beset by threats both within and without.
Such circumstances demanded someone in his prime to take charge, someone who would use firm measures to begin putting Darrowshire in order.
Thus, when Rex saw the elderly man coming to greet him, he instinctively took a dislike to him. Still, Rex was skilled at concealing his feelings, and none of that displeasure showed on his face.
The two walked into Darrowshire side by side. As they went, Rex asked the elderly man, "How have things been? What exactly has changed in Darrowshire lately?"
"The greatest change in Darrowshire is that it has become more prosperous. All of that is thanks to His Majesty and Your Highness." The elderly man immediately seized the opportunity to flatter