He finally spoke up, cutting off Norla's explanation.
He simply could not bear to watch any longer.
"What is wrong with you people?! What is wrong with you people?!!!"
A mixture of every kind of emotion—yet, above all, grief and indignation—burst from Goredolf in a roar.
"You can accept a predetermined lifespan with smiles on your faces!"
"You do not get angry, you do not resist, you do not even feel a shred of fear!"
"When—when freedom is humanity's very nature, and no matter how difficult things are, you should resist!"
"Just barely clinging to life. What kind of civilization is that?!"
Norla froze, his mouth hanging half-open as he looked at Goredolf, who had lowered his head and was trembling.
Gerda was completely terrified. She sat motionless where she was, her body stiff with helpless confusion.
Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash did not know what they should say either.
Or rather—
What Goredolf had said was, in truth, what they had wanted to say as well.
But in the end, out of pity for Gerda, they had not said it outright.
"You, you people... Forget it!"
Bang!!!
Goredolf suddenly slammed his fist against the console before him and turned away.
"The communications are getting unstable anyway. I'm going to sleep!"
Crackle—
The transmission was abruptly cut off.
"Director Goredolf..."
Fujimaru Ritsuka muttered to himself.
"Fou."
Fou lay sprawled atop Fujimaru Ritsuka's head, looking just as sad.
"Um..."
Gerda had yet to sort through what Norla had told her when Director Goredolf frightened her. Now, she had no idea what she was supposed to do.
Mash looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka. They both knew what the other was thinking, and Fujimaru Ritsuka nodded to her.
With a soft sigh, Mash walked over to Norla and Gerda.
"Miss Gerda, just as Mr. Norla