"As for the Sarkaz… that part's even simpler."
Amiya smiled with gentle confidence. "Mr. Lucian, you haven't used the word 'demon' a single time when referring to the Sarkaz."
Lucian blinked. He hadn't even noticed it himself.
Unlike calling her a harmless "little bunny" or calling them Sankta, the word demon carried real historical prejudice—disdain and fear baked right into its meaning.
Amiya continued, "Dr. Kal'tsit told me a great deal. For Laterano, the birth of the Holy Son was considered a miracle—a living sign that their Faith was real."
"Depending on the Holy Son's will, a closed-off religious nation turning into a war machine wouldn't be surprising at all. With the Holy Son at its center, Laterano could unify itself with a fervor far beyond the Ursus Empire. That zeal could sweep across Terra."
"But instead, you hid yourself away in Lungmen. You opened a small but delicious soy milk shop. You helped the Infected without asking for anything in return. And you quietly used your blood to help them find Alleviation."
Amiya's smile brightened. "Your actions are far stronger proof of who you are than any official certification from Laterano."
"As a pharmaceutical organization dedicated to fighting Oripathy, refusing the chance to work with you would be a betrayal of Rhodes Island's very purpose."
Lucian drew a slow breath and fell silent.
Amiya's eloquence was beyond anything he had expected.
And those large, luminous rabbit eyes of hers had a strange conviction behind them—one that pulled him in before he realized it.
In truth, the mere fact that she knew how troublesome his identity was—and still insisted on meeting him personally—was already tremendous goodwill.
Lucian said, impressed, "Looks like it wasn't just me learning about Rhodes Island through Blaze. Rhodes Island learned about me through her too. She's single-minded to a fault, but she acted as a good bridge this time."
Amiya beamed. "Yes. Blaze is one of Rhodes Island's most reliable veteran Operators. I trust what she sees and what she thinks. That's why I wanted to meet you no matter what."
Lucian didn't know how many times he had admired this rabbit already.
She was so young, clearly still innocent in many ways—and yet she carried a steady, reassuring strength.
He could finally see why someone her age could become the leader of an organization.
But goodwill alone wasn't enough. Humans rarely understood each other easily.
Lucian's expression grew serious. "Even if I'm willing to get along with Rhodes Island… what about the Sarkaz? Someone who knows as much as you do can't possibly be unaware of what I've done."
Sankta legions had intervened in Kazdel's civil war before, massacring many Sarkaz as they pushed through.
Mostima's fall had allowed Lucian to learn the truth—and forced a halt to the atrocities… but that didn't change what had already happened.
His blood could heal Oripathy—and could also be used as a weapon to slaughter the Infected.
Even if he hadn't personally swung a blade, he didn't think he had any right to call himself innocent.
If Sarkaz who knew the truth came seeking revenge, he would understand completely.
But that didn't mean he intended to let himself be killed. Understanding was one thing—inevitability another. Better to keep distance from the start.
Amiya understood that too. She clearly knew the story.
With a solemn expression, she said, "I don't know the full truth. Dr. Kal'tsit won't tell me much. So I can't say I sympathize with the Sankta or the Sarkaz more."
Lucian said nothing.
"But I can promise you this," Amiya continued, placing a hand over her chest. "I will do everything in my power to prevent any reckless conflict."
Her voice gained strength, her will crystallizing into words.
"Hatred brings nothing in return. Rhodes Island fights against injustice in all its forms. Whether it is discrimination against the Infected, or the Infected lashing out at ordinary people—both tragedies must be stopped."
"I already know you're a good person, Mr. Lucian. You are not someone who would massacre a race. And if misunderstanding brings sorrow, I will do everything I can to ease it. Whether it's with Sarkaz within Rhodes Island or outsiders in the future—I will do my absolute best. I won't let tragedy spread any further."
"…Too naïve," Lucian said quietly.
Amiya's words were admirable.
But when it came to knots that couldn't be untangled, she was too idealistic.
Lucian had long given up on the idea that any Sarkaz who knew the truth would ever understand him. If someone tried to kill him, he wouldn't even blame them.
But he wasn't planning to die. If it came to it, he would kill to survive.
And setting personal grudges aside—there was the ancient hatred between Sankta and Sarkaz. Even if a few individuals could coexist peacefully, he couldn't imagine how the races could ever fully reconcile.
Even if he used the Holy Son's authority to force an order on the Sankta, it would never change their hearts.
Hatred suppressed by force would eventually explode—only worse.
It was because he couldn't find a solution that he had run to Lungmen.
So Amiya's "we can resolve it" speech was painfully childish to him.
Her ears drooped uneasily. "So… it won't work? I genuinely want to resolve these conflicts. 'Rhodes Island' isn't just the name of this ship. It was meant to be a safe haven where everyone could coexist in peace… That's what the person who named it said…"
Lucian rested his chin on his palm. "Too idealistic. Too sentimental. Whoever said that was definitely a woman—and a real saintly type."
"…I think Mr. Lucian, the Holy Son, is pretty much the same," Amiya muttered under her breath.
Luckily, Lucian didn't hear her. Otherwise her long ears might've been in danger.
Still—idealistic or sentimental—it was the only path they had.
Lucian stretched lazily and grinned. "Fine. I'll work with Rhodes Island."
"Is that so…? That's unfortunate, but if you ever—wait. What? Mr. Lucian, what did you say?"
Amiya blinked, stunned. Her ears shot upright.
Lucian placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair. "Drop the 'Mr. Lucian.' Sounds weird. You call Blaze by her name, so call me the same. Or call me big brother if you want. I've got a little bunny sister back in Lungmen—next time I'll introduce you two."
"Ah—no—nooo! Please don't rub my head! I won't grow taller! " she whimpered."
The combination of maturity and cuteness was dangerously endearing. Lucian almost didn't want to let go.
While Amiya flailed, Lucian added:
"Amiya, my safety is your responsibility now. If I die, a lot of things will get troublesome. If I stay alive, Rhodes Island will benefit too. This isn't sentiment—it's business."
"You'll use me, and I'll use Rhodes Island. Do you accept?"
"...…Yes!"
Amiya grabbed his hands with both of hers.
Her rabbit eyes blazed—pure, shining, unwavering.
"I accept this deal! Please let me use you to fulfill Rhodes Island's mission, Lucian!"
"Good. That's the spirit." Lucian nodded, satisfied.
Then he doubled down with no mercy, ruffling her head even harder, turning her hair into chaos.
"I've wanted to say this for a while—stop pretending to be an adult, you little brat! I was being polite earlier. Kids should just call me big brother!"
"Aaaaah! " she whimpered. But I'm Rhodes Island's leader! I have to look dignified—ahh! Don't pick me up!"
This little bunny was far too adorable. Her future looked promising—and Lucian could clearly still tease her plenty.