[ A leader should rely on their people— pretty words on paper but that's not how the world works. The Tsaritsa, for all that Tartaglia was loyal, only kept some of her other Harbingers on a leash because she was more useful to them alive than dead. True, it was a skill that she alone mastered considering the ragtag lot of them, but to think of her as guiding them— well, it makes it sound all very noble, doesn't it? A nobility and sense of justice that Ajax was forced to wash himself of years ago to be able to be where he is today.

That's living in a fantasy land! A delusion! And it's unbearably cute that Zhongli is such an idealist. In some ways, that makes him all the more endearing. ]

A leader without any followers— well, a fool or a lone wolf, depending on the situation.

But ah~ it looks like my loss, Mr. Zhongli. I'm devastated.

[ Ajax places a hand to his chest in mock dismay. A good fight was a good fight and certainly even more enjoyable since Ajax knew that there was another worthy one coming after that. ]

Looks like I'll need to pick up a few more tricks before I challenge you again! Can't have the other opponents in your tome looking down on me.