Chapter 72: Ideology, and the Second Legacy
"No reason?" Regulus cut in and offered an argument: "Principal contradictions and secondary contradictions transform into each other. The principal and secondary aspects of a contradiction likewise shift.
Right now the principal contradiction may be pure-blood versus mixed-blood. But once that stage is reached, internal consolidation of power will become the new principal contradiction."
Orion's head snapped up. He stared at Regulus.
In those eyes — shock, doubt, and a complex tangle of emotions impossible to name.
His lips moved, about to speak, then he swallowed the words.
A long pause before he finally replied — voice low even in privacy: "Where did you read that book?"
This time it was Regulus who was caught off guard. He hadn't expected Orion to recognize the reference.
He'd quoted it unconsciously, feeling the theory was the most concise way to articulate his logic — but never imagining his father would understand.
"Just something I picked up." Regulus said vaguely. "Political philosophy. Some interesting perspectives."