In the air hung an atmosphere of palpable uncertainty, as everyone present grappled with the weighty decision that lay before them. The calm man who had addressed Karthikeya just moments ago, his demeanor unruffled and his steps resolute, made his way to the other side of the chamber without a second thought. His unwavering resolve was echoed by the priests and their families, the Brahmin landlords, and the Buddhist sects.
Witnessing this decisive action, the remaining individuals relinquished their internal struggles, acknowledging the futility of resistance against Karthikeya's authority. Their strength was insufficient, their circumstances ill-suited for a rebellion.
Satisfied with the unanimous decision, Karthikeya nodded in approval, his plans unfolding smoothly. His gaze swept across the Buddhist sect leaders and the temple lords, his voice resonating with gravity as he addressed them, "The privileges you enjoy are a testament to the kindness you have shown to your people. However, remember, the day you forsake these ideals and principles, your privileges shall swiftly vanish."
A chorus of understanding filled the chamber, accompanied by bows of gratitude.
"Now, stand aside," Karthikeya instructed, his tone stern yet fair. "The laws of this kingdom apply equally to all, including you. Keep this in mind as you proceed."
His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the unwavering principles that governed his kingdom. With the decision made and the future outlined, Karthikeya prepared to embark on the next phase of his grand plan.
"Now," Karthikeya announced, his voice carrying a hint of authority, "let me shed light on your future responsibilities."
A hush fell over the crowd as they leaned in attentively, eager to grasp the king's vision for their future.
"As you may have heard," Karthikeya continued, his eyes scanning the faces before him, "I intend to implement a revolutionary education system. Every individual born in this land shall be granted equal opportunities to pursue knowledge, regardless of their background or social standing."
A ripple of excitement swept through the gathering as the implications of Karthikeya's words sank in. The shackles of caste-based education would be shattered, replaced by a system that nurtured merit and fueled individual growth.
"Moreover," Karthikeya declared, his voice resonating with conviction, "the caste system, as it currently exists, shall no longer hold any sway. Instead, I shall reinstate the Varna system in its purest form, ensuring that individuals are assigned roles based on their inherent qualities and abilities."
A murmur of discontent arose from some corners of the room, their brows furrowed in apprehension. One of the lords, emboldened by the collective unease, ventured a question, his voice laced with hesitation, "Your Highness, is it not too hasty to implement such a radical transformation?"
Karthikeya's gaze fell upon the lord, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Drastic changes?" he scoffed, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "I believe you need to delve deeper into our history, my friend. This is not a change but a rectification, a restoration of our original system that has fallen prey to corruption. Someone must take the initiative to set things right, and I am that someone. My policies are not driven by procrastination; they are a testament to my commitment to act now rather than lament later."
His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of his unwavering resolve to reshape the kingdom's destiny. The murmurs gradually subsided.
The man, his voice barely above a whisper, attempted to interject, but Karthikeya's stern gaze silenced him. Turning to the assembled Brahmins, Karthikeya posed a challenging question, "Can anyone deny the truth of my words? Have not our revered gods themselves affirmed these principles through their divine declarations doens't the ancient scriptures affirm them ?"
A hush fell over the gathering, the Brahmins exchanging uneasy glances. The weight of Karthikeya's words hung heavy in the air, challenging their deeply ingrained beliefs.
Amidst the silence, an elderly man, his posture lean but his eyes gleaming with wisdom, stepped forward. "I concur with His Highness's words," the man began, his voice carrying a hint of deference. "However, I humbly request a moment of private conversation with His Highness."
Karthikeya's curiosity piqued, he acknowledged the man's request. "Certainly, Elder Aravinda Acharya. Please enlighten me with your thoughts."
The elderly man, a revered figure within the Brahmin community of Anuradhapuram, nodded in gratitude. "I would be honored to discuss this matter further with His Highness in private."
Karthikeya, sensing the importance of this conversation, gestured to the others present. "I request everyone to wait outside while I confer with Elder Aravinda Acharya."
The assembled Brahmins nodded in acquiescence, their bows slow and deliberate as they made their way towards the exit. Karthikeya observed Elder Aravinda conversing with a group of younger Brahmins, his words seemingly intended to reassure their troubled minds.
In a matter of moments, the once bustling court hall stood empty, save for Karthikeya and the elderly man. Stepping inside, Aravinda's gaze locked onto Karthikeya's with unwavering intensity.
"Your Highness," he began, his voice carrying the weight of years, "I trust that introductions are unnecessary. You are well aware of my identity."
Karthikeya nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. "Indeed, Elder Aravinda. Let us proceed without delay, as I have many pressing matters to attend to."
Aravinda's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing. "Your Highness, if you are not obligated to answer, I would inquire about your ultimate goal. What is it that you seek to achieve through these drastic measures?"
Karthikeya's demeanor shifted, his voice resonating with conviction as he outlined his vision. "I aspire to create a society devoid of discrimination, where individuals are treated with compassion and dignity. I envision a society illuminated by knowledge, driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the mysteries of the universe. I yearn for a society where equality reigns supreme, where rights and opportunities are bestowed upon all without prejudice. And finally, I dream of a society that preserves its cultural heritage while simultaneously embracing progress, fostering the advancement of its people and its lands."
"Does my answer satisfy your curiosity, Elder Aravinda?" Karthikeya inquired, his voice laced with a hint of eagerness.