Bermuda

"However, the most important point here is that the genetic information of those from Bermuda has been revealed to have almost no difference from existing humanity. While detailed differences may exist between individuals, when comparing the average model of the race itself, it can be considered one race.

This fact was first made known to the world about 30 years ago, when the concept of DNA was first discovered and the foundation of genetic analysis was theoretically devised. And with that incident as the starting point, people's perception of those from Bermuda gradually began to change. They came to realize that they were not subjects of ostracism and reformation, but 'humans' just like us."

Hugo recalled the moment in the past when he first set foot on the land of Raina Logia. At that time, he had stood at a transitional period when the world's perception and prejudice toward those from Bermuda were wavering. Held in the arms of Abraham, who was leading Raina Logia's fleet as a military man at the time, he had been secretly moved to a special facility to avoid society's gaze and confusion.

Since it was from such an early age, the situation wasn't clear, but he remembered harboring hope every day while spending time there that his treatment might change.

Of course, he had never imagined that he would rise to this position and live the kind of life he did now.

"In other words, those from Bermuda are still unknown in terms of their origin of birth, abilities, and the limits of lifespan, but they are legitimate members of our society and subjects who should be respected. In fact, we often encounter colleagues from Bermuda with outstanding capabilities around us. However, they are also subjects of protection exposed to the threats of absurdities and crimes that have not yet been improved. This is because it is difficult to perfectly inspect the omissions and errors in the administrative system that occur during the process of incorporation as imperial citizens with current technology."

The corner of Loren's mouth, who had been listening all along, rose bitterly. Though she lowered her eyes and her lips had already hardened, Hugo couldn't miss the small sneer that escaped.

"To improve this reality and perception, efforts are needed within our Council to truly accept those from Bermuda as genuine neighbors and colleagues. While the importance of this has been receiving attention as social trends change, practical education and reform measures are woefully behind compared to the speed of advancement.

Therefore, we firmly establish that the essence and spirit of the annually held league is a venue for fair harmony and a gateway for those who had no opportunities. The Council must encourage their participation and protect their activities based on open thinking and hearts toward those from Bermuda. We must overcome past discord and leap toward future possibilities.

Through this league, we will not merely determine victory and defeat, but prove what true 'solidarity' and 'coexistence' mean. And that first step begins with the attitude of respect and understanding that each individual practices.

Until the day when all marginalized classes in this land become 'us' rather than others. The Council, as the fence for the people, the lamp of the empire, and the scales of judgment, will always maintain justice and balance and stand at the forefront of change!"

The speaker's voice echoed throughout the stadium as it passed through the amplification magic circle. The powerful voice, ending like an oration, drew applause from the members. The friction between palms mingled together, magnificently decorating the end of the lecture.

Hugo, who had been sitting with his fingers interlocked, also applauded in relief for the uncomfortable time that had somehow concluded. However, Loren, sitting in the adjacent seat, merely stared quietly at the center of the stadium with both arms resting on the armrests. There was no particular emotion or movement in her expression.

Hugo kept up the formal arm movements while glancing at his colleague beside him. Just then, Loren, who felt his gaze, turned her head toward Hugo as well. Between the two pairs of eyes that met in the heated atmosphere of the venue, there was somehow a dry feeling.

Loren was the first to avert her eyes.

As if she had taken it as silent pressure, she stared straight ahead again and applauded, just like everyone else. Hugo, instead, lowered both hands to his thighs at Loren's behavior.

Until the event was completely over, the two did not exchange a single word.

*****

"There seemed to be parts that bothered you?"

Hugo, leaning against the window frame in the break room, asked quietly while staring out the window. Loren, who had been sitting on the sofa «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» taking sips of coffee, paused with her cup tilted.

When the subtle aroma of coffee beans completely filled the not-so-spacious room, she silently placed the mug in her hand on the table. Then she stared at the man's profile, which looked particularly three-dimensional in the light from the window.

Loren, who had been letting her gaze slide along the shadowed eyelids and bridge of his nose, turned her eyes to the coffee cup.

"There were no problems. On the surface."

"Meaning there were some."

Hugo turned his head while loosening his tie. He continued speaking while casually draping his tie over the sofa armrest.

"I've always said to speak your opinions freely. We can only move forward by improving inadequate parts."

"Inadequate, well. You know others won't see it that way."

"You know what I'm talking about."

Hugo only spoke that far and didn't continue. Loren, who had been biting the tip of her tightly closed lips, swept back her wine-colored hair as if tired.

Her uncharacteristically furrowed brow showed discomfort with the situation. Whenever mentions of 'Bermuda' appeared in educational or lecture settings, Commander Agrizendro was always with the 2nd Battalion Commander.

Knowing what he wanted to do, Loren sighed and opened her mouth.

"I should be grateful they didn't call us mutants from the mating of monsters and humans, or freaks. While citing things that aren't facts as if they were reasonable theories, they avoided responsibility for the fundamental causes of the persecution those from Bermuda face. Technical limitations that occur during the process of incorporation as imperial citizens are the biggest reason for the current situation?"

Loren continued in a calm but slightly quickened tone, as if spilling out emotions she'd been suppressing.

"The problem is the upper levels of each institution that have no intention of improving that point, and the empire's system that exploits the situation. Every year, those from Bermuda enter the empire, but we don't even know their exact numbers. They say it's to remove the label of being from Bermuda and let them live as imperial citizens, but that only makes the vulnerable class more vulnerable. No one except those involved will know where and how they'll be processed. Did you want me to say such things in that setting?"

A somewhat cynical question returned. Hugo stared at his counterpart with sunken eyes.

It wasn't a cold or chilly gaze. Rather, it was a profound, complex expression that seemed to sympathize with her—and, conversely, be comforted.

After a long silence, he opened his mouth.

"My thoughts weren't organized, but thanks to you, they've become clear."

"......."

"I'll convey the message in advance so that we can present a more careful speaker next time, reflecting that opinion. Of course, anonymity will be guaranteed."

He added, withdrawing his gaze.

"Thank you for being honest, Loren."

Loren stared intently at him as he refused to make eye contact, then leaned back against the sofa. With her gaze narrowly fixed on the man's profile, she murmured:

"Commander, your lying has actually regressed."

"...What do you mean?"

"I mean I don't understand why you're asking more persistently today. You would have known the speaker's problems best."

She also loosened her stuffy tie. The two ties sprawled on the sofa, melting limply in the sunlight.

"While you usually stayed by my side without saying anything, why did you encourage me to speak with my own mouth today?"

Her blue eyes took on a mysterious color in the light. A gentle breeze from outside lightly stirred her navy-blue hair.

"Rather than just enduring and hiding, sometimes it's refreshing to let things out. You have a similar personality to mine. I thought you sometimes needed someone beside you to prod you. Otherwise, things like your own feelings get pushed aside forever when faced with reality."

"......."

"Still, doesn't it feel refreshing now that you've spoken?"

Hugo looked back with a faint smile. Loren only moved her lips at his very different way of comforting.

"...I've been thinking about it for a few months, but you've really changed a lot."

"Is that so."

"Usually, at our age, it's difficult for already solidified habits or ways of thinking to change from some stimulus."

Loren hooked her finger around the coffee cup she'd put down.

"But recently, quite a lot has changed about you. That change even invaded the principles you had set. Was it around the peninsula expedition... when you started looking unstable."

"...I suppose it seemed that way."

"The one who stimulated you from the side—was it that guy after all?"

To Loren, who suddenly asked so directly, Hugo answered with silence this time.

Loren went on as if she hadn't expected an answer.

"Since the topic came up, I'll say this: I know that for the past few days you've been looking for his name in the league participant list. Leonardo Blaine—as someone from Bermuda, I both supported and resented him. But now I only hope he enjoys a comfortable life in a quiet daily routine. But you seem to want him to come out into the world."

"......."

"As a subordinate and colleague, I'll refrain from speaking, but as your friend, I'll say one thing. Hugo, unlike you, who have endured gazes from birth, he has no obligation to be exposed to the public. If I were him, I'd find the world's attention burdensome. That's probably why his name hasn't appeared on the list until today, the application deadline."