Character Analysis
Most of what we hear about Lord Ryuu is from his enemies. It makes sense that the Downlanders despise the guy—he did start a war that killed most of their men, after all—but even his own son recognizes the limits of his dad's power. When Gyaar is trying to figure out what type of ruler he wants to be, we're told:
He looked across at Father's empty seat, knowing what Father would do, and knowing as surely that he, Gyaar, would turn from it: Father would choose no sides, he would strike at all who had been caught up in the conflict— innocent and guilty alike— and crush them, merciless, brutal. (12.102)
Oh, snap. Gyaar doesn't want to be his father—ruthless, brutal, selfish—but as he starts to rule, he begins to realize that not all his decisions are easy ones. He's forced to make choices that sometimes have a negative impact on people, and as this happens, his journey shows us that maybe Lord Ryuu just does what any ruler would in his position. So though we might want to hate the guy, the book shows us that most of the soldiers and lords behave in the same callous manner—and that making decisions is often more difficult than it seems.