CHAPTER 1036: CHAPTER 1036: IT IS INSTINCT

There are rumors of Ferdinand being a literal warfreak, but it was not out of the pleasure of being on the battlefield.

It was because back then, he was looking for a way to die. For someone who could kill him. But things are different now.

"That’s a relief then.

Neither the Great Temple nor I is into it either.

We humans have nothing to gain from it. And even if we do gain something from it, it far outweighs the losses.

It’s not something I would choose, no matter the benefits," Pope Elsevier sighed, emotional and mental exhaustion clear in his eyes from years of carrying the memories of the past all alone for humanity.

Arabella’s heart ached for him. She could feel that he was close to breaking, or rather, he was already severely broken inside, but kept a warm smile on his face in front of other people, and a courageous strength, arrogance, and authority in front of the long-lived races to keep up appearances.

Pope Elsevier received a lot of thanks and respect for helping people from various kingdoms, even across continents, but has someone ever thanked him for this long undertaking of being the Overseer and Protector of humans?

"I admire Your Holiness.

You are so strong and determined. You have the will and resolve of steel to have taken this long, torturous, arduous, and lonely path continuously, all alone for so long.

I don’t know if someone ever said this to you.

I’d like to say it as someone who knew at least a bit of Your Holiness’ great sacrifice for humanity, thank you very much for all of your efforts.

If everyone knew about this, I’m sure tons of people would thank you wholeheartedly and feel sad for everything you’ve been through for our sake," Arabella said from the bottom of her heart.

She somehow felt like this was the right time to say this to the Pope. Like this was something he needed to hear.

His thoughts had been filled with self-blame and self-loathing like she and Alwin did.

She wanted him to know that there are people like her who felt truly grateful for his efforts and sacrifices and feel bad that he had to do this all alone.

"Hahaha! You describe this journey exactly as it is!

It is indeed long, torturous, and arduous. And very, very lonely.

I finally felt what it was like for the long-lived races.

This is both my punishment and redemption.

Are you still thankful even after knowing I made the poison and invented the anti-magic weapons used in the Great War?" Pope Elsevier reminded her of his involvement.

"Your Holiness was betrayed and stolen from.

It wasn’t your fault to have the aptitude and mind to be able to create something useful for our kind.

With how it was back then, it was reasonable why you made such things.

But it was used beyond your intended purpose.

Ferdinand and the others understood this as well, which is why they trust Your Holiness enough with matters like this one here in Crux," Arabella pointed out.

"I wish this were indeed the case, but too many lives were lost," the Pope smiled bittersweetly at her words.

"It may be easier for me to say because I did not see exactly how many people died.

But I have heard about it, and I still believe it’s not your fault.

If it were, then whoever created the first sword and knife is also at fault for all the wars that have happened in the past and the present.

Why is humanity’s greed and mistakes your responsibility alone?

Their decision is not yours to atone for.

Yet still, you worked all this time for it.

I believe you have already done more than enough," Arabella said.

Somehow, these words resonated with her as well and brought tears to her eyes.

"Oh my, please don’t cry.

They’ll think I made you cry," Pope Elsevier offered his handkerchief.

"Right... I’m sorry, and thank you," Arabella said and quickly dried her tears.

"I’m the one who’s grateful.

As someone who has learned of the past transgressions of humanity, and my part in it, I am grateful to hear you say all these, even to the point of tears.

I have also been reflecting on all these for so long.

And now that my body is close to breaking, I have finally concluded that I have done my best all these years.

Now I only want to train my successors and retire peacefully doing whatever I please.

Hearing you say all these assures me I made the right decision.

I think I’ll be able to sleep soundly tonight.

Thank you, Empress Arabella.

I hope you keep this up and also remember to forgive and accept humanity despite our greed and ugliness," Pope Elsevier said.

Arabella understood the Pope was asking her to be an ally of humanity even as a mate of someone from the long-lived races, and even if humanity betrays her expectations.

"I will do my best to always choose what’s best for everyone, Your Holiness.

However, I am also selfish and in the end, I might choose only what serves me best," Arabella did not want to make a promise she won’t be able to keep, so she replied honestly.

"That’s alright.

It’s exactly what you should do.

Because you’ll find out someday that it is in our instinct to protect our own kind.

Humans betray each other quite a lot, but against greater adversity, we unite.

If you find humanity in such a predicament, you’ll still end up helping as best you can, even when you are let down.

But I do hope you don’t get disappointed too much.

After all, I can see you are dedicated to your roles as well.

This is the fate of people like us who are in a position of responsibility.

Still, I wish you could also live your life able to have moments of peace and joy," the Pope said.

It was clear in his eyes that he had experienced even more betrayals and disappointments while he was the Pope and Overseer of humans.