"Some things shouldn't be controlled," Osa said quietly, his voice carrying despite its low volume. "Some relationships work better through partnership."
"Partnership with spiritual entities?" King Aldric's eyebrows rose. "Young man, that's either naive idealism or dangerous precedent. Spirits don't share human interests or priorities. Treating them as equals is a recipe for chaos."
"Has the Northern Reaches experienced chaos from spiritual partnerships?" Radji asked innocently.
"The Northern Reaches doesn't engage in spiritual partnerships," King Aldric replied firmly. "We maintain clear hierarchies and boundaries. It's served us well for generations."
Scholar Miren had been taking notes throughout the conversation, his academic interest apparently piqued by the various domain approaches to spiritual management. "Fascinating how different regions have developed such divergent philosophies. I imagine the theoretical implications could fill volumes."
