"So the story is about an Orc father and son living in a human city."
"More or less."
"But why not humans?" Centuries of life had given Tadel a depth of wisdom. "...Does this have something to do with their conflict with the Orcs?"
"Mm-hmm."
"There's no need... They aren't reckless. Their disputes with the Orcs will stay within bounds."
"But the conflict between Elves and Orcs is a fact."
Annan's tone grew serious. "Whether it's this group or the next, all Elves are prejudiced against Orcs. Or have a fixed idea of them, at least. The same goes for every race..."
This was what Annan was trying to change. In Free City, humans and the other races got along well enough because he kept a lid on things, their numbers were small, and their interests had yet to clash. Outside, it was another story. As more people of other races came to Free City, disputes would inevitably arise.
Annan wouldn't deny that he made Magic Films to earn money, but beneath that, he also wanted to change the way things were...
Tadel could see it. "That's a difficult road... Many beings and organizations countless times more powerful than you or Free City have tried. They all failed..."
"Because they went about it the wrong way."
Free City's success had given Annan confidence. He was no longer the boy who had been too shy to speak while selling firewood with Martin. "Orcs and Elves fight each other bloody. So do humans and Dwarves, Dwarves and Orcs, Elves and Dwarves... You can't ignore all that bloodshed and force them to set aside their hatred."
"Making someone shake hands with the person who killed their family only drives the conflict beneath the surface. The answer isn't to force them to forgive each