After talking with Mary, Rista had to admit that she had indeed been thinking too simply. At least for now, this matter was far more complicated than she had imagined. She could understand the Inquisition's course of action and purpose now—of course, whether she could accept it was another matter.
Before that, however, Rista still had one question. Why had Duanmu Huai acted as if he wanted to slaughter everyone in that territory, yet not launched an attack immediately?
"Because our people alone aren't enough to completely eliminate everyone in that territory."
Mary gave her an answer.
"For Duanmu Huai, he needs more people to fight for the Inquisition's ideals, and that Heretic territory... happens to be a very suitable one."
"Very suitable?"
Rista even wondered if there was something wrong with her ears. Mary had clearly said earlier that the territory's ideology was Heretical, unacceptable, so why was she now saying it was very suitable?
"There's a saying: without comparison, there can be no harm."
Mary spread her hands and made a gesture.
"I've already heard from Miss Kurokawa Akane that although that territory follows the principle of humans and Xenomorphs coexisting peacefully, the fate of humans in other territories hasn't changed at all. They're still regarded as slaves and food, exploited by the Xenomorphs."
"..."
"So, Miss Rista, put yourself in those people's shoes and think about it. They live precarious lives, oppressed, slaughtered, and constantly terrified by the Xenomorphs. Yet in the territory next to them, those humans can live peaceful, tranquil lives. If you were one of those people, what would you think?"
"I..."
Rista opened and closed her mouth, then immediately understood what Mary meant.
"I would hate them..."
"Exactly."
Mary closed her eyes and interlaced her fingers.
"If everyone were suffering, then so be