fate of emperor varis at the end

[YianKutku]

Gaius: As far as I can see the view on him is quite good on this forum. I would see him as one of the few that managed to change from a bad guy to someone that at least helps us in some way. He saw his mistakes and is now trying everything in his power to stop the Ascians. He has done some bad stuff and is fine with conquering (wondering if he still is after finding out all about the Ascians) but at the same time has shown to be honorable and has shown to have some morals too. He was against project meteor, is destroying black rose because its a horrible weapon and is also actively fighting against Asicans. He is a good written character with nuance.

Minor note: Gaius didn't object to Black Rose on moral grounds, ie he didn't think Black Rose was somehow "too terrible" to use. He objected to Black Rose on "pragmatic" grounds, in that he thinks Black Rose is too deadly and indiscriminate. Presumably if there was a formulation of Black Rose that had a definite non-100% casualty rate, he would be far less opposed to it.

The same applies for Meteor: his objections to it were entirely because it killed everyone, or at least had a very high probability of killing everyone.

Consider the following:
You are the leader of a technologically advanced Empire, the capital of which is inhabited primarily by a race of people that are severely biologically handicapped compared to virtually every other sapient organism on the planet. You've long used your technology to compensate for that weakness, but the tide is turning; your technology is no longer sufficient to maintain your position of dominance against a continually growing list of nations allied against you. Whatever you've done to provoke their ire, you still have to look out for your own above all else, yes?

Firstly, "long used your technology to compensate for that weakness" in the case of Garlemald means "for about 65 years". Previously, Garlemald used subterfuge and diplomacy (and coin to hire mercenaries) to survive, and expand their territories.

Secondly, based on Emet-Selch's words, as Solus he advocated for treating the conquered well, in order to assimilate them into the Empire. (Whether he truly believed that is uncertain for now, especially given that he doesn't even see anyone else as truly "alive", and we also know that his tenure as Emperor of Garlemald was primarily intended to sow chaos in the world.) The Garlean Empire has clearly failed at doing this, hence provoking the ire of not only the subjugated nations under their rule, but also other nations who are presented with the evidence of its misdeeds.

So in this hypothetical question of what I would do as leader of this Garlean Empire, the answer is fairly obvious: use the tools available to Garlemald for six hundred years prior to the development of this "superior technology", namely diplomacy and subterfuge. Apologize for brutalities done in the Empire's name. Negotiate concessions and compromises. Promote propaganda presenting life under Garlemald as better than life before, and back it up with evidence. And most certainly keep maniacs like Zenos away from any position of governing authority.

The execution (ie the "how") is deeply complex and ever-changing, but the basic concept (ie the "what") is entirely obvious from Solus's own stated policies. That this was not done proves that Garlemald simply has no intention of being a proper ruler to its people, and is instead lashing out like a spoiled child. Which was the criticism pointed at Yotsuyu for her actions against Domans.