He actually cares more for Ruff than he does for Thompson. That is because Ruff can't betray him.
Even though he cares a lot about Ruff, he is willing to lose him if the dog is ever used to coerce him. If he can do that to Ruff, then he can do more than that to Thompson.
He was cold and calculating before as a CEO, but that was concerning his business practices. It was never personal.
But he has changed now thanks to the lessons he learned from his mother about the world of Ethera. He has become detached from those around him.
He is now willing to give up his family and friends for himself. Only himself and his needs are of the highest priority.
He only Care about his goal now, not the means he would use to accomplish those goals. To him, everything is expendable as long as he gets to achieve his goal.
He sighed when he realized what he had become. But he didn't feel any regret for it.
"Ethera is not Earth. I am in a different place, so I should adapt. Only those who can adapt and grow will be able to survive."
Then he thought of something that made him chuckle inwardly. "I guess this is another reason why everyone likes me."
He has adapted to how things are done in Ethera, but he is still different from those who were raised in this world from childbirth.
For one, he doesn't behave like the child of a powerful family. He still behaves like someone with self-confidence, but that's because he was a CEO in his past life and because he has the Mountain Sitting Dao.
He doesn't act like someone who understands that he has control over the life and death of everyone around him.
He is not like the children of the family who can do anything to anyone else, such as raping someone's sister just because they know that the Dyson family is the highest authority in this part of the world.
He doesn't let the fact that the Dyson family set the rules in the area influence his actions. This has endeared him to the servants and less privileged since he hasn't ordered a servant to be killed yet.
But while it is true that he still considers life to be precious, that isn't going to stop him from trying to take advantage of others and even cause their deaths. It is something that he can do. But only when it is needed.
Arthur was thinking about this when Thompson stopped crying. He wiped away the tears on his face and smiled awkwardly.
Arthur chuckled and returned to watching the world outside the window.
They were stopped briefly at the gate of the compound for an inspection.
The gate was the only entrance into the large compound. It was the breach in the 10-meter-tall walls by which others could gain access to the compound.
The compound of the Dyson family is very big, but the walls encompass it. Anyone that wants to gain access to the compound will have to brace the spikes at the top of the wall, fly over the wall, or go through the gate.
The gate itself is also formidable. It has a large metal slab that is used to seal it. The metal slab is operated with a series of gears and pulleys that pull and push it into place.
There were guards with crossbows and spears patrolling the wall and the gate. They spent the day inspecting those who want to gain access to the family or leave it.
The guards also looked impressive in their shiny and heavy, metallic armor. They truly looked the part of the first line of defense of the family.
The sight of the large gate and its guards made him marvel. He said, "This looks like it was made for giants to pass through. It is already impressive, which makes me wonder what the gate of the inner court will be like."
The inspection was short. The guards let him through once they found out his identity.
He was allowed to pass through the gate into the city beyond it. This city is called Agate City because of the precious stone deposit that caused people to settle in this area.
The Agate city and the towns all around form the River State of the Turin kingdom. Each state in the kingdom is under the control of a cultivation family like the Dyson family.
So the Dyson family is in control of Agate City, the towns and villages around it. It is the kind of power and influence that only a vassal family can have.
Anyone that tries to overtake them must have the support of the sect above them, or they will be destroyed swiftly. This is something that has happened several times, yet the Dyson family has remained standing for more than 500 years.
He grumbled when he thought about it. "Their stability and prosperity is probably because of their oaths of fealty."
He is only complaining. He doesn't think the oath will be enough. He expects that the Dyson family will have incredible strength for them to remain unshakeable for so long.
But he also knows that no matter how strong they are, they must have the support of the sect, or they will be demoted quickly. It is why they try their best to help the children of the family gain admission to sects.
The sect that installed the Dyson family is the Stargazing sect. They are in control of the Turin kingdom.
They and the other sects in the region will hold the special regional sect examination every five years. That is the main method that people use to gain admission to a sect. It is also his main goal for now.
Their carriage passed through the paved streets that vehicles use to move through the city. These roads have been paved with large, smooth stones and cement. They were also neat and clean.