Kindness

Marshall Graves knew only the bare minimum of what he was getting into when offered the role of CFO of Kyrios Industries. He only knew what was oft-rumored about the strange, eccentric founder - Ioannis Kyrios - but given the compensation he was offered, he would have been a fool not to accept it.

Yet here he was, clipboard in hand, somehow busy managing the operations of a food pantry the founder has set up. He eyes the white-haired man curiously, watching as he fills bowls of boiled oats, vegetables and other freshly prepared meals. His pristine but understated black robe, casts a rather mundane air about him, his warm demeanor and smile greeting every recipient. Graves turned away, his attention drawn to an influx of more crates of food, but a nagging curiosity lingers.

Ioannis hands a warm bowl of food to an elderly human woman, leaning forward with a soft smile.

"Here you are, ma'am. Please, take your time and enjoy. If you need aught else, just let us know."

The woman murmurs her thanks and moves on. Graves steals glances occasionally at Ioannis. This was the man who was responsible for the industrial revolution of Stonehall, whose traces could be felt all over the veritable city. But to be working at a food pantry in his spare time? He could understand if this was some manner of investment or PR stunt.

It's admirable, but rather unbecoming of the CEO of Kyrios Industries, wasn't it?

The orc man watches on as Ioannis steps forward, raising his voice gently to address the crowd.

"Thank you all for coming today. I know times are difficult, but I want you to know that my team and I are here to help. Not because we are better, or because we pity you, but because we all share the same struggles."

His gaze sweeps over the crowd, momentarily landing on Graves' before moving on.

"I was once in need, as many of you are now. I was lucky enough to be helped by others who believed in the power of community, of innovation, of hope. And though I am still working on it, I want nothing more than to share what I have learned—and what I have been given—with all of you. Together, we can build a better future."

The crowd murmurs their appreciation, some clapping softly. Graves turns away, but that feeling persists. Perhaps it isn't wise, but he is not one to leave things unsaid - even if it jeopardizes his new standing with his boss.

---

In the quiet of a modest backroom filled with pantry supplies and papers, Ioannis sits at a small table, reviewing notes as he sips a warm mug of tea. Marshall Graves enters, carrying his clipboard, his gait purposeful as he clears his throat.
"You know, I can't help but wonder..."
The founder looks up, eyebrows raised at the orc man.
"Why humor this... side of yours? I am aware of your philanthropic endeavors, but... is this not too much?"
Ioannis' gaze sharpens, but his tone is measured and even.
"And why would that curiosity trouble you, Graves?"
The orc hesitates, then shrugs in an attempt to mask his unease. Despite how small and humble he seemed earlier, his gaze sends tension down Graves' spine as he shuffles awkwardly.
Here goes. With a sharp intake of breath, Graves continues.
"I assure you, it's nothing more than a simple question. I'm the newest member of the board, after all. Just trying to understand your perspective."
He leans forward slightly, eyes determined.
"Kyrios Industries has wealth and opportunity at its fingertips. Cementing our reach even further would inevitably help these people, whether they realize it or not."
Though the founder's expression softens, his eye glints with a quiet intensity that unsettles Graves.
"And you believe monopolizing Stonehall would achieve that?"
Graves frowns, his voice growing firmer.
"You wield an immeasurable influence over this city, sir. With the right moves, you could move even mountains. Not to question your breadth of experience, but perhaps you simply need the right, guiding hand to steer that influence more effectively. And I believe that I..."
Ioannis' gaze deepens, his unchanging stare causing Graves to falter at the last moment.
"A guiding hand, you say? And what guidance would you offer?"
"Vulnerability is a weakness. To achieve true power, you must exercise your will."
A silence settles in the room, neither men saying a word. Ioannis tilts his head slightly before a soft laugh escapes his lips. He looks away for a moment, his eyes tracing his hand.
"Is that what you see, Graves? Weakness?"
Graves dares not to look directly at Ioannis, but some morbid curiosity forces him to. When their eyes meet, he sees a shift in the man's face. The same polite smile remains, but his eyes are now cold and impassive. Graves stiffens, his confidence shaken.
"I thought better of you."
Kyrios rises from his seat, turning his back to Graves as he paces towards the door. He continues in a measured, almost detached tone.
"You think that what I do here is weakness. That my humility, my kindness, is a weakness. It is not. I choose to wield kindness as my weapon."
Graves opens his mouth to respond, but no words come out. Ioannis continues, voice calm but firm with a slight disbelieving tilt.
"I have no desire to dominate. To rule over Stonehall? Such lofty ambitions are for tyrants and thieves. What I seek... is a reprieve. A sanctuary for those let down by their own body. A world where innovation becomes the gift that keeps giving, pushing us all to lead better lives."
He pauses, looking back.
"A world of order."
Graves' shoulders dropped as he instinctively scrambles to follow.
"I... I meant no offense, sir. I only..."
Ioannis raises a hand, silencing him.
"Here, I am planting the seeds of that order. To do so, one must level the field, invite others to exchange perspectives, and bestow upon them what should be rightfully theirs. Soon, these people will see the sense in my vision—and they will join as allies willingly."
Fear and awe strikes the orc highborn.
"Of course, there will be those that disagree. But in time, with faith and effort, their eyes will open. That, Graves, is my purpose. My offering to Muria and beyond."
The man begins to walk away but pauses at the door, turning back to Graves with an unnervingly serene expression.
"If there is one grievous error in your otherwise misguided advice, it is this: kindness is not a weakness. Flesh is."
For a moment, Graves swears he sees something in Ioannis' eyes - a great, towering machine with limbs that span the entire land. A golden, resplendent glow that blankets as far as the eyes can see. A promise of safety, unity and order.
Mercy and kindness in the face of life.