During the break, Rista reluctantly went to find Mary.
As a member of the Inquisition, Mary gave Rista a completely different impression from Duanmu Huai. It was not merely a difference in personality. Compared to Duanmu Huai, Mary seemed to love life much more.
Duanmu Huai had almost no interest in the hobbies of ordinary people. Whether it was eating and drinking or writing and drawing, what interested him most was exterminating those alien creatures and listening to their pleasant screams before death—well, that was the behavior of a Demon King through and through.
By comparison, Mary's hobbies were closer to those of a normal person. She liked music and novels, and... just like now, when Rista found her, Mary was admiring the scenery with Kurokawa Akane on a hillside while having afternoon tea.
"I understand what you mean, Miss Rista."
Mary put down the teacup in her hand and stared at Rista.
"But I'm sorry, I don't think there is anything wrong with Mr. Duanmu's thinking. That dangerous ideology really would bring disaster to humanity."
"Is the idea of peacefully coexisting with other races really wrong?"
"It's wrong."
Rista was not surprised to hear that answer from Duanmu Huai, but hearing it from Mary left her extremely astonished.
"W-why?"
"I followed Mr. Duanmu to several worlds and witnessed humanity's crises several times. Several of them were caused by Xenomorphs."
As she spoke, Mary took a sip of tea.
"Moreover, this situation is unavoidable."
"Is it really unavoidable?"
"Of course."
Faced with Rista's unwilling questioning, Mary's answer was just as firm.
"Why?"
"The reason is very simple, Miss Rista. If humans and Xenomorphs encountered a disaster that would destroy them both, what do you think they would do?"
"Well... everyone would work together with one heart and overcome the crisis..."