- "We're in pursuit of a fairy godmother"

- Prince Elliot making Hope an honored guest

- Brazenly reckless Prince Elliot writes a note (this was apparently kingly)

There exists the idea that the best leaders do not want to lead. Depending on what one actually means by that, there could be truth to it. Whenever such complex ideas are reduced to a single sentence, there is likely important nuance being left behind. In this case, I think the single sentence overlooks the importance of finding someone for a job who actually wants it.

One generally doesn't want a leader who is entirely selfish and seeks out power first and foremost to benefit themselves. These are the worst sorts of people to be given power, as they fundamentally cannot be trusted with it. They will abuse it however it suits them to as far as they think they can get away with.

When someone says they want someone in charge who doesn't want to be in charge, I imagine they mean someone who doesn't crave such selfish power for themselves.

There is, however, a very serious danger that comes packaged with a leader who doesn't want to lead: They don't want the job. People who don't want the jobs they're in do those jobs reluctantly out of feelings of obligation. However noble that might be, that is not ideal in terms of mental health and drive to do the job well.

It is, frankly, a recipe for a weak leader, though maybe not in the short term. The person who rises up in a crisis can ride on the power of the moment, and do great things regardless of whether they'd volunteer for such a role under normal circumstances. Ask that same person to keep it up for a decade, and they might not do so well.

Ultimately, I think the best person for any job wants to do it. Maybe not all of it. I want to write and tell stories, but that doesn't mean every aspect of it is fun for me. After all, I don't always want to draw or write everything I need to. Overall, however, I do want the job, and that keeps me going.

For a long term leader, I don't want the only available person who reluctantly stepped up. That person may well be a hero, but the additional strain on them wouldn't be good for anyone. I may not want someone rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of personal power, but I do want someone who feels satisfaction from the more positive aspects of leadership. I want someone who is happy to help their people, but it is also willing to make tough decisions. There is a certain amount of drive that is necessary to truly do any job right, and I want that in a leader.

Granted, I will accept and applaud anyone who steps up when it's necessary. I've been that person (though usually in situations far less mundane than running a kingdom). We're talking about what I would ideally want. An emergency situation in which someone steps up is naturally less than an ideal situation.

Point being, no, Prince Elliot. You don't make it out of this story without getting called out on this.

(Though, really, let's be fair, here. He's LITERALLY A PRINCE. This is starting with him being pushed. It's up to him if it ends that way.)