"How would I treat the history of the Lainer people?"
In the office, Roland repeated Jiduo'en's question and sat behind the broad, dark sandalwood desk, deep in thought.
Jiduo'en and Rosa both looked toward him, eager for an answer.
"Yes, how would I treat it?
If I disregarded the truth and rewrote it as I pleased, I couldn't answer to my conscience.
But if I blindly sympathized with Leiner, I'd be betraying my own side.
Let's be frank: rewriting history was a means by which Atrelin conquered Leiner in the first place. As someone who benefits from that, how could I do anything that harmed my own interests?"
At those words, Jiduo'en and Princess Rosa turned deathly pale.
They were both members of Atrelin's elite. How could they fail to understand Roland's reasoning?
"I... understand!"
Utterly dispirited, Jiduo'en took his leave in a daze.
As customary, Princess Rosa escorted him out, following the corridor through the Private Courtyard until they reached the outside.
Once they reached the entrance, Princess Rosa should have turned back.
But seeing Master Jiduo'en in that state, she could not help saying, "Mr. Roland isn't that kind of person!"
"Your Highness, what did you say?" Jiduo'en had not caught her words. He instinctively stopped and turned to ask.
Rosa's expression was resolute, a strange light shining in her eyes. "Mr. Roland volunteered to help us compile the encyclopedia. He isn't someone cold and heartless."
Jiduo'en gave a wry laugh. "What difference does that make? Didn't he say it himself? He's an Atrelin People man, after all. He can't help us."
"No, he already has!" Rosa said.
"Have you forgotten, Mr. Jiduo'en? The Serisians he portrayed in the Romance of Seris never backed down in the face of hardship, natural disasters, or man-made calamities!"
"Hm?" Jiduo'en paused,