He had tried very hard.
Iser was too resolute and altruistic to hate humanity overnight. He attempted many times to approach humans.
He was not trying to excuse himself by saying he had done enough. Yes, he did not want to grow conceited over merely that, but….
“…….”
He truly had been fine.
“Are you injured?”
“H-huaagh…! A-a merman…!!”
Being repaid with contempt and hatred after saving a life was sad, but he could endure it.
“I can treat you.”
“Don’t lie. How could I trust a merman?”
“But….”
“I’ll kill you if you touch me.”
“…….”
He was fine even when the consideration he had struggled to offer was trampled without thought.
“A merman? Isn’t that a Monster?”
“…….”
“They supposedly eat people. Wow, how horrifying.”
Even being condemned not for a crime he committed, but merely for existing, was bearable in its own way.
“…….”
“…….”
“Iser.”
His sister called him.
“Giovanni has been brought to trial.”
“…He is a renowned Priest of the Sun. Will he not be fine? They are allies.”
“He will receive the most severe punishment for being a traitor. You heard them call him a traitor to humanity.”
“But Teacher… saved many people.”
“What a ridiculous argument. When have humans ever cared about that?”
“I do not understand. Did no one defend him?”
“They condemn him even more because he hid merfolk. It is no different from what we witnessed that day.”
“Why did no one…?”
“Humans are fascinating creatures. You cannot imagine how capricious they are.”
“…Why…?”
“They once praised Gio’s character and ability, calling him a son of God. Now that he has shared that light with…