Chapter 515: Michael
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 515: Michael
The room was quite simple, which made sense since he hadn't brought much with him. I could see his back as he sat reading a book in the rather spacious room.
He showed no sign of surprise, as if he had expected my visit. Seeing that he was anticipating me, I let a small smile form on my lips.
“You knew?”
“Of course. You must have many questions.”
“Cooperative, aren't you.”
“Naturally.”
I casually sank into one of the chairs, and Michael quietly took the seat opposite me. Perhaps because the atmosphere was a bit more relaxed than I'd anticipated, he let out a soft chuckle and spoke.
“You're being quite amicable.”
“The situation is different now. I'm simply repaying you for saying you trust me.”
“Is that really all it is?”
“What do you mean?”
It felt like some kind of riddle. When I questioned him, looking curious, he spoke cautiously.
“I'm asking if, perhaps unknowingly, you are feeling a sense of favor toward me.”
“................”
“Do you understand what I'm saying?”
“Interesting.”
I knew what he was talking about. He was being indirect, but I wasn't stupid enough to miss his meaning. I couldn't be sure if it was a basic racial trait or an ability embedded in their magic, but these 'pigeons' could inherently make others feel a sense of goodwill toward them. That was the tentative conclusion I'd reached.
“You are likely being influenced without realizing it. We were born that way. The longer you are in contact with us, the more you will be affected.”
“............”
What I wondered was why he was telling me this. In a way, he was openly revealing his race's secret. But thinking about it, it made a certain kind of sense. Just as we Green Skins evolved for combat through constant struggle, it wasn't unreasonable for them to evolve in this manner, considering their purpose.
Their appearances would grow more beautiful, and their ability to elicit goodwill would likely evolve as well. For instance, the Seraphim Seraphim, who holds a higher rank than him, would surely exude a much stronger inherent effect. The reason I exchanged a few words with her, when I could have simply ignored her, must have been because of this.
The other pigeons, including the one from Nazareth, were likely unaware of this ability. Their ranks certainly didn't seem very high.
“Is it alright for you to be telling me this?”
“I simply want to have a proper conversation.”
“I suppose you don't remember me asking if you were someone worth talking to.”
“Someone who is truly impossible to talk to would not say such a thing.”
“I appreciate you thinking so.”
There was no wavering in his eyes. In fact, his calm gaze was enough to make me laugh.
“I'm curious. Why are you telling me this? Why bother opening your mouth when you know it will be to your detriment? Isn't this the kind of statement that would blow away even the slightest bit of goodwill I had for you?”
“Goodwill obtained in such a way is meaningless. Wouldn't you agree?”
“You're right.”
It's a unique racial trait. Honestly, I might not have noticed it. I could only guess that the effect wasn't extreme—perhaps it just adds a slight hint of goodwill. But the heart is a treacherous thing. If I were to marry Seraphim, for example, I would constantly be within the range of her racial effect.
It wouldn't be a case of her controlling me at will like Daji, but depending on her actions, she might be able to exert a great deal of influence.
Now I understood why they were so intent on pushing her onto me, even though I knew nothing about this ability.
“So you're telling me not to form a bond with Seraphim.”
“That's not it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Personally, I hope that you and Seraphim do get together.”
“.............”
“Of course, it depends on the free will of you both. But now that you know what we possess, you should be able to keep yourself in check.”
“I don't understand.”
“This story might get a little long... Is that alright?”
“I don't mind.”
I began to watch Michael quietly. The man, who had remained expressionless, nodded and slowly began to speak.
“Change is needed.”
Of course, those words were hard to understand.
“Our race needs to change. I assume you've heard a little about us from the others, including the one from Nazareth. Am I right?”
“Roughly.”
“We exist to spread what we possess. It would be more accurate to call it proselytizing. We are a people who consider ourselves apostles of God, beings who act to bring joy to all living things through the rite of salvation and to set the world right.”
“Sounds nice.”
“Of course, it's not that we have any right to do so. Nor is it a task given to us by anyone else. We create our own standards and act according to them. What we consider 'setting things right' may not feel that way to others. But our race has lived this way for our entire existence—both where we came from and now, after falling to this continent.”
I could understand what he was saying. I nodded and voiced the thought on my mind.
“Do we meet your standards?”
“You do not.”
“Hmm...”
“Not many of us realize that this is wrong. As we viewed the world through a narrow lens, we became trapped in our own thoughts, which inevitably led to extreme outcomes. We began to act not for the sake of those rooted in this land, but for ourselves. Gradually, those who despised humans began to emerge.”
“............”
“The Fallen Prince.”
“.........”
“The diary of the Fallen Prince you mentioned probably represents our current state well.”
“Have you ever spoken with him?”
“No. However, I was fully aware that it was wrong.”
“Hmm...”
“With the two hands that tore apart his family and his people, I tore my own wings.”
It was a rather impressive story. Knowing the tale of the Fallen Throne, I couldn't help but feel its impact even more.
“In a word, it's extremism. We began to ostracize anything that wasn't our religion and refused to acknowledge anything different from us. We wanted the things we disliked to disappear from our sight, and we started to believe that our thoughts, our feelings, our decisions were the most perfect. We had the intellect to think that way, and the power to act on it.”
“I see. So, for you, my existence is...”
“An equal. No, more than that. I can't say your methods are righteous—I've seen for myself what lies beneath this Temple City—but you must have your reasons. Your intellect and your power are a match for ours. The same is true for the humans living here and the countless followers you command.”
“Do the others who came here all think as you do?”
“They do not.”
“And yet you ask me to join with Seraphim.”
“We are a people who hold proselytizing and salvation as our most precious values, and this is especially true for those of high rank like the Seraphim Seraphim. They likely see you as a bridge. You are revered as a god here, and your followers consider the women you take as your mates to be sacred as well.”
“In other words...”
“You're right. Seraphim intends to stand by your side and turn the arrow of their faith. It won't be easy, of course. The belief your followers hold is firm. But they won't care how long it takes. They will obtain what they desire, even if it's in the next generation—your child with her—or the generation after that.”
My questions were answered. And quite simply, at that.
“Interesting.”
“However, the opportunity remains the same. That is why I hope you and Seraphim join together. The ability to exchange cultures means you can sow your values among our people. We must respect diversity. This binary way of thinking will be our ruin. It may take time, but I believe you can do it. As you said before, I want you to attack our values with your own.”
“Are you telling me to gamble on whether we devour or are devoured? We could be completely consumed.”
“Being devoured would be better than continuing down our current path.”
He paused for a moment. I had assumed their reason for seeking an alliance was simply that they'd met an enemy they couldn't handle. I had to admit the situation was far more complex than I'd thought. He was urging me to wage a religious and cultural war, one without swords and shields.
“It is dangerous for a single idea to move an entire race. I want you to become another option—an alternative that all the future children of Agape can choose.”
“You want quite a lot. Frankly, it's a burden. Is there anything you can give me?”
“Everything.”
“If I told you to die...”
Before I could even finish, a sword began to materialize in his hand. It wasn't to attack me, of course. He was bringing the blade to his own stomach. I immediately whipped my tail around and knocked the sword away. It felt heavier than I'd expected. It seemed Choi Eunju hadn't been exaggerating when she said she'd had a tough time.
“I wasn't actually telling you to die.”
“................”
He nodded, his face still expressionless. To be honest, it was a problem I couldn't help but ponder.
“You're trying to use me.”
“I won't deny it. I just thought it wouldn't be a losing proposition for you, either.”
“And... you're also a little foolish.”
“.........”
“I've heard you out. I understand what you want, and I appreciate you telling me what your people truly desire. However... it seems you haven't considered that I might make a completely different choice. Did it not occur to you that I could lead my army right now to wipe out your city and everyone you love? Regardless of your intentions, your people tried to use me as a bridge. You admitted it yourself. We never cared much for justifications, but you've just handed me an excellent one. Hah.”
“I have been slothful for a very long time.”
“........”
“Even as I watched my race change, I merely observed in silence. Whenever things shifted, I trusted in our people and did not intervene. I did the same even when I felt we were heading down a dark path. I chose nothing. Despite having many opportunities to bring about change, I simply watched them pass by.”
“And so?”
“That is why I am acting now. I know it's a gamble. You could very well lead your army and invade our city. But.”
“But?”
“I believe I've told you. I trust you.”
“Bullshit.”
At my profanity, the man pressed his lips tightly together, his expression still blank. It was truly hard to comprehend, trusting someone he'd barely met. If this guy had ever crossed paths with Lee Wanyong, he would have been exploited for all he was worth and then discarded.
“I have a question.”
“Of course.”
“Are there others who think like you?”
“None.”
I could have predicted that. What a hopeless fellow. I let out a short sigh before speaking again. It was a change of subject.
“Do you have children?”
“A daughter.”
“Hah. Have you ever given her a gift?”
“Of course.”
“What kind of things does she like?”
“My daughter loves to sing. I once gave her an artifact that enhances her voice.”
“Is that so.”
His expression remained unchanged at my sudden nonsense. He simply watched me with an anxious look, as if worried about something. He must have thought I was dodging the question by changing the subject. But after a moment, the words that came from his lips were rather unexpected.
“It is not good to be with me for a long time.”
He was considering his own influence on me.
“Are you talking about that stupid passive effect?”
“Yes.”
“Puhahaha. There's no reason for you to worry about that. The choice is mine to make.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. More importantly...”
“..........”
“Do you drink?”
He didn't answer. However, I had the feeling that the corners of his mouth moved, just ever so slightly.