Chapter 17 - The Ark Of Human Darkness

The Marquess went deep into his thoughts. As a rising leader of the Campania, he needed his subjects' support to overthrow the Congregation. All in all, he needed to master the cards on his hands instead of complaining about those tossed at him.

As the future Marquess, he wasn't here to play the game. He was here to control it. The leader needs to live to the best. He needs to live more fully than anyone else. He is a figure of admiration to his people.

The Marquess knew that the best, but doubts were unavoidable. Nevertheless, there were questions that the Marquess wanted to ask before he could fully trust this group of beings.

"If I help you out, then I want answers from you lot," stated Minwoo, as he leaned forward.

"There are some things that will scare or scar you. Secrets that should not be uncovered. It might break you, Marquess," warned Gillian, looking at Minwoo dangerously.

"Hurt me with the truth. But never comfort me with a lie," replied the Marquess.

"Alright, since you are so keen on it. I'll answer any questions you would like to inquire about. Be it about us or how we define humans."

"Define humans?"

"There are some humans who question why we look down on your lot. If you want, we could tell you why," offered Baldwin.

The Marquess shook his head.

"I'll learn about that later on."

"Suit yourself. I'll explain more about the dual societies of humans."

Baldwin sighed and continued his explanation.

"Those who are powerful and filled good and purity are normal humans. Those who are constantly happy, giving to others and never expecting anything in return. They are all known as above-world society dwellers," explained Baldwin.

"Those that are oblivious to the evil of the world," said Gillian.

"But then there are the other humans. Those who are rotten to the core. Those who lurk within the shadows. Who kill without tears. Who fight without hesitance. Those who constantly steal for their gain. They are known as the underworld society. Ruthless and uncaring," said Baldwin, eyes filled with darkness.

"After all, when humans are miserable, they need something. Something that is even more miserable than their current state to feel good about themselves. They trample on others who are weak. Because they want to feel strong, stronger than others. To assert dominance on those like them."

Minwoo shifted uncomfortably as he heard those last few words. The reason of gaining power was merely to help out the domain that he grew up in. He didn't want to meet such disgusting people. He was genuinely scared to deal with such humans. It seems odd, talking about his kind like savages.

"But why would they lead such a life of darkness?" asked the Marquess, worriedly.

"Battlefield. This is what war and pain do to people," replied Gillian.

"What do you mean?" he asked, turning to look at Gillian.

"Humans are not what they seem when it comes to war. They turn into some other creature. Worst than a Shadow, than a Poisoned Pond. They could do the cruelest things… It doesn't even matter if it's an order or not," explained Gillian, sighing heavily.

"And why would they do that?' asked Minwoo, visibly scared.

"To protect themselves, their minds shut out any emotions that they have. It's like a steel door. But once the war is over, they can't keep it closed forever," answered Ysabeau.

"You said you wanted to know the truth. The truth is, that all humans are born disgusting. They are just like savages. This is why we wanted you to know about it. So you could at least understand your kind better," said Baldwin as he witnessed the Marquess in a dilemma.

"And not be blinded by the so-called good in all beings. Where there is light, there's bound to be shadow nearby."

"But why..." asked the Marquess, softly.

"When you are on the battlefield, there is no place for hope. What lies there are only cold despair and something called victory, built on the agony of the fallen."

"So, you're telling me, when humans gain victory or power. It is because?" asked Minwoo, unsure of his words.

"Because they gain it from war or causing pain to others. Humanity will never understand the truth about that. True human nature has not advanced a step beyond the Stone Age," answered Gillian.

"Heros or people of high status would often twist the view on wars so much. It's sickening to know just because of power, you could reach the stars. It's downright revolting when people regard others as filthy when they hold the same ugliness within them as well," warned Ysabeau, feeling nauseous.

"Didn't realize you had very bad impressions of humans," grumbled the Marquess.