Chapter Twenty-Six: Untitled

Virak opened the first chapter of "On Equality": Recognizing Inequality.

[In today’s society, no matter the perspective, there is no foundation other than the creed of equality. Yet this does not prevent us from acknowledging that inequality still predominates. (Note 1)]

[Inequality is an eternal characteristic of human society, but the "contract" between rulers and the ruled must be reconsidered. Governments should not merely protect the wealth and rights of a privileged few but must focus on the rights and equality of every individual. (Note 2)]

[A philosopher from Pluman once said that the present, born of the past, nurtures a great future. Francis and I both agree that only by understanding the past can we change the present and influence the future. Thus, when discussing what equality truly is, we must first trace back and recognize what inequality means… (Note 3)]

Compared to the other books in Chris’s bedroom, this one was not particularly obscure. It frequently cited classical references but strove to explain the true meaning of equality in clear, accessible language, while sharply criticizing the ailments of the Bressi Republic and the world at large.

After concentrating fully on the first chapter, Virak exhaled deeply, rubbed his tired eyes, and glanced at the time—two hours had already slipped by. He was surprised it had taken so long to finish a relatively short chapter.

Upon finishing, he found himself unsettled. Some questions were answered, yet others sparked even greater doubts. He wasn’t sure if he had gained clarity or become more confused.

In any case, today’s study of "On Equality" would end here. Since he had to go out tomorrow night, Virak resolved to prepare thoroughly by strictly following the priorities he had set for absorbing information.

Suppressing his growing curiosity, he put the book away and took out his list. That morning, he had already filtered the first batch of members who met the criteria and needed further understanding. Now he had to refine that selection, categorizing these individuals by rank to determine the depth of knowledge required for each.

With this task completed, less than half an hour remained before dinner. Virak chose to rest, planning to continue his work after the meal.

For Virak, rest merely meant ceasing to intake new information; his mind would still churn over and memorize what he had already absorbed.

The second round of filtering yielded seventeen individuals. These seventeen had deep theoretical ties to Virak within the rebel organization. Within the limits of his capacity, Virak aimed to learn everything about them.

This was no easy feat, as the list contained only their photos, names, official identities, and positions within the rebellion.

Virak had to rely heavily on improvisation.

“Ah…” Virak moved to the window, trying to empty his mind and relax for a moment.

The tangled complexities of the situation and the relentless challenges tested Virak every second. He had to navigate the treacherous waters of powerful conglomerates and the rebel faction armed only with the dim yet shining two months of experience from his twenty-six years.

“What a gamble,” Virak murmured with a wry smile.

He knew he was undertaking an almost impossible task, but this endeavor gave his life a greater sense of meaning. Even if he were to die now, history would record him with four words: The Jester.

That would suffice.

A knock sounded at the door. The servant called Virak down for dinner.

Having barely emptied his mind at the window for a minute, Virak shrugged helplessly, turned, and headed downstairs.

Carmen and Melra had returned, accompanied by Fletcher, who stood nearby.

“Father, Mother, Sister, Julia,” Virak greeted the Thomas family as he sat down to eat.

“Chris,” Carmen spoke to Virak for the first time before the meal.

“Father,” Virak replied.

“Your illness is nearly recovered. Prepare to return to work in the coming days,” Carmen said.

Virak concealed his joy, responding calmly, “Understood, Father.”

In this life, he could move freely half a month earlier than before, thanks to his rapid learning progress, having already met the requirements.

“Father, how are things progressing?” Kellerman asked Carmen during the meal.

Virak feigned indifference as he ate but focused intently on Carmen.

“I have arranged for enhanced security at the estate. From now on, you will have bodyguards accompanying you on your outings,” Carmen said.

Matters involving Chris and the rebel organization were too sensitive. Though the Thomas family had extensive connections, they dared not seek direct assistance and instead focused on bolstering security to guard against the rebels.

This was good news.

Initially, Virak had worried that Carmen might act beyond control after Dumps’s assassination and the theft of documents. Now it seemed his actions remained within Carmen’s tolerance.

After dinner, Fletcher merely advised Virak to continue studying well before departing.

Due to the recent upheavals drawing much attention, and because Virak had been successfully imitating Chris, Fletcher’s control over him had relaxed considerably.

Finally having weathered the most difficult period, the sky cleared after the storm, and Virak’s spirits lifted. That evening, he began reviewing the plans Chris had written before his death.

Chris’s plan for the rebel organization’s next phase was one of cautious patience.

He was self-aware, knowing that with their current strength, confronting the entire nation was like smashing eggs against a rock. Open, aggressive rebellion, like Francis’s brazen defiance of Bressi, would only provoke harsher suppression.

The best course was to slowly spread their ideology to more people, starting from Lazer, expanding throughout Bressi, and eventually reaching the entire world.

Once they gained widespread recognition, they could then attempt to influence and change the state with confidence.

It was a long process, but also the most hopeful path.

Virak agreed with Chris’s strategy and saw no need to insert his own crude opinions. When meeting members of the rebel organization, he would present this as the core guiding principle for future development.

—

Note 1: This passage quotes directly from Pierre Leroux’s original text, "On Equality."

Note 2: This passage quotes directly from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s "The Social Contract."

Note 3: “The present, born of the past, nurtures a great future.” — Leibniz