By Zephyria “However, the most important point here is that the genetic information of those from Bermuda has been found to be almost identical to that of existing humans. Although there may be detailed differences between each individual, when comparing the average model of the species itself, it means that it can be regarded as one species.
This fact was first revealed to the world about 30 years ago, when the concept of DNA was first discovered and the basis of genetic analysis was theoretically devised. And with that incident as a starting point, people’s perceptions of those from Bermuda gradually changed. They came to realize that they were not objects of rejection and conversion, but ‘humans’ like us.”
Hugo recalled the moment when he first set foot on Laina Rogia’s land. At that time, he was standing in a transitional period where the world’s perception and prejudice against those from Bermuda were wavering. He was secretly transferred to a special facility, held in the arms of Abraham, who was leading the fleet of Laina Rogia as a member of the military at the time, to avoid the gaze and confusion of society.
The situation was not clear because it was so early in his life, but he remembered spending time there and harboring hope every day that his treatment might change.
Of course, he never thought that he would rise to this position and live this kind of life.
“In other words, those from Bermuda are members of our society who must be respected, even though the origin of their birth, abilities, and lifespan are still unknown. In fact, we often encounter highly capable colleagues from Bermuda around us. However, they are also subjects of protection who are exposed to the threats of injustice and crime that have not yet been improved. This is because it is difficult to perfectly inspect the omissions and errors in the administrative system that occur in the process of being incorporated into the Empire with current technology.”
Loren’s lips, who had been listening all along, curled up bitterly. She lowered her eyes and her mouth hardened in the meantime, but Hugo could not miss the small snort that leaked out.
“In order to improve these realities and perceptions, efforts must be made from within our Council to accept those from Bermuda as true neighbors and colleagues. Although the importance of this is being highlighted as the social trend changes, practical education and reform measures are far behind their rate of advancement.
Therefore, the Council hereby declares that the essence and spirit of the league held every year is a place of harmony based on fairness and a gateway for those who have not had opportunities. The Council must encourage their participation and protect their activities based on open minds and hearts towards those from Bermuda. We must overcome the discord of the past and leap towards the possibilities of the future.
Through this league, we will not only determine victory or defeat, but also prove what true ‘solidarity’ and ‘coexistence’ are. And that first step comes from the attitude of respect and understanding that each individual takes.
Until the day when all the marginalized in this land become ‘us’ rather than others. The Council, as the fence of the people, the lamp of the Empire, and the scales of judgment, will always maintain justice and balance and stand at the forefront of change!”
The speaker’s voice passed through the Amplification Magic Circle and echoed throughout the stadium. The powerful voice, which ended like an oration, was followed by applause from the members. The sounds of friction between the palms were mixed together, splendidly decorating the end of the lecture.
Hugo, who had been clasping his hands, also applauded in relief that the uncomfortable time had somehow come to an end. However, Loren, who was sitting next to him, only stared at the center of the stadium with her arms on the armrests. There was no particular emotional reaction or change in expression.
Hugo glanced at his colleague next to him while repeating formal arm exercises. Just in time, Loren, who felt his gaze, also turned her head to Hugo. In the atmosphere of the heated stadium, the gaze between the two people who collided was somehow dry.
It was Loren who avoided his gaze first.
As if she had accepted it as unspoken pressure, she looked straight ahead again and applauded like everyone else. Rather, Hugo put his hands on his thighs at Loren’s actions.
Soon, until the event was completely over, the two did not exchange a word.
“Did you find something disturbing?”
Hugo, leaning against the window frame of the lounge, asked quietly while looking out the window. Loren, who was sitting on the sofa and taking sips of coffee, paused while tilting her cup.
When the subtle scent of coffee beans filled the not-so-large space, she silently placed the mug in her hand on the table. Then, she stared at the man’s profile, which looked particularly three-dimensional as it received the light from outside the window.
Loren, who slid her gaze along the shaded eyelids and bridge of his nose, turned her eyes to the coffee cup.
“There was no problem. Superficially.”
“So there was something.”
Hugo loosened his tie and turned his head. He put his tie on the armrest of the sofa and continued.
“I always said you’re free to speak your mind. We can move forward by improving the lacking parts.”
“Lacking, well. I know others wouldn’t see it that way.”
“You know what I’m talking about.”
Hugo only said that much and didn’t continue. Loren, who had been gently biting the end of her tightly closed lips, swept back her wine-colored hair as if she was tired.
Her slightly furrowed brow, unlike usual, was expressing discomfort with the situation. Whenever the mention of ‘Bermuda’ appeared in education or lectures, Legion Commander Agrizendro was always with the 2nd Division Commander.
Knowing what he wanted to do, Loren sighed and opened her mouth.
“A mutant created by the mating of demon beasts and humans, I should be glad they didn’t call them Deformed species. While citing things that are not true as reasonable theories, they avoided responsibility for the fundamental cause of the oppression of those from Bermuda. That the biggest reason for the current situation is the technical limitations that occur in the process of being incorporated into the Empire?”
Loren continued in a calm but slightly faster tone, as if bursting out with pent-up emotions.
“The problem is rather the upper echelons of each institution who have no intention of improving that point, and the Empire’s system that exploits the situation. Every year, those from Bermuda enter the Empire, but we don’t even know their exact numbers. They say it’s to remove the label of being from Bermuda and allow them to live as citizens of the Empire, but that only makes the vulnerable even more vulnerable. No one but those involved will know where and how they will be processed. Did you want me to say even this kind of story in that place?”
A somewhat cynical question came back. Hugo stared at the other person with sunken eyes.
It wasn’t a cold or chilly look. Rather, it was a profound and complex expression that sympathized with the other person and seemed to be comforted in return.
After a long silence, he opened his mouth.
“I hadn’t organized my thoughts, but thanks to you, it’s become clear. Reflecting that opinion, I’ll tell them in advance so that we can put forward a more cautious speaker next time. Of course, anonymity is guaranteed.”
He added, averting his gaze.
“Thank you for being honest, Loren.”
Loren stared intently at the other person who was not making eye contact, then leaned back on the back of the sofa. Her narrowly opened gaze was fixed on the man’s profile as she murmured.
“Commander, your lies have rather regressed.”
“…What do you mean?”
“What’s the reason for asking so persistently today? You would know the problems with the speaker best.”
She also loosened her stuffy tie. Two ties lying on the sofa were melting limply in the sunlight.
“I mean, you usually stay by my side without saying anything, but today, why are you encouraging me to say it with my own mouth?”
Her blue eyes were dyed in a mysterious color as they received the light. A gentle breeze from outside gently shook her navy blue hair.
“Sometimes, it’s more refreshing to spit things out than to just hold them in and hide them. You and I have similar personalities. I thought that sometimes someone needs to stimulate you from the side. Otherwise, your own feelings will be pushed to the back forever by reality.”
“……”
“Still, doesn’t it feel good to say it?”
Hugo smiled faintly and looked back. Loren could only move her lips at his somewhat different way of comforting her. Apart from the feeling of gratitude, her longtime friend sometimes showed unfamiliar aspects.
It was a problem that it was not yet clear whether it was positive or the opposite. However, at this point, the latter was more likely.
“…I’ve been thinking about it for a few months, but you’ve changed a lot.”
“Is that so.”
“Usually, by our age, it’s difficult for already hardened habits or ways of thinking to change due to some stimulus.”
Loren put her finger on the coffee cup she had put down.
“But lately, a lot has changed about you. That change has even invaded the principles you set. Was it around the time of the Peninsula Expedition…? That’s when you started to look unstable.”
One of Hugo’s eyebrows went up.
“I looked that way, huh.”
“The one who stimulated you from the side, was it him?”
Hugo responded with silence this time to Loren, who suddenly asked directly.
Loren replied as if she didn’t expect an answer.
“Since the topic came up, I’ll say this, I know you’ve been looking for his name on the list of league participants for the past few days. Leonardo Blaine, as someone from Bermuda, I both cheered for him and resented him.”
Her blue eyes became even darker. But she still didn’t open her mouth. The fact that Leonardo’s story suddenly came up was secondary, it meant that she was going to listen to what he had to say.
Loren, who took a beat, continued.
“But now, I just hope he enjoys a comfortable life in a quiet daily life. But you seem to want him to come out into the world.”
“……”
“I’ll hold back as a subordinate and colleague, but as your friend, I’ll say one thing. Hugo, unlike you, who has endured the gaze from birth, he has no obligation to be exposed to the public. If I were him, I would be burdened by the attention of the world. That’s why his name isn’t on the list until today, the deadline for league participation applications.”