......

Hans...

...I honestly thought you would go with Karl and the others.

I would have loved some time alone with Nozomi...

Hehe. Well, I for one am happy that Hans chose to come with us.

You see, there are a few things I want to ask you, Hans.

I assume you are referring to our coexistence with the gods?

Yes.

I've come to understand that in this world as long as the people accept the domination of the gods...

...and those gods believe that the world is at peace...

...then no one is needlessly sacrificed.

Hmm...

Yes, as long as they deem the world to be at peace.

But my dear, do you really believe things here are so simple?

What do you mean?

The fact that we are being controlled means that we are forced to depend on those who control us.

Were the system to break, and we saw ourselves forced to depend on someone else...

...the entire world would be in crisis.

And if that's the case, would it not be better for us to be able to fend for ourselves?

I have to wonder if that means you're unhappy with the way things work here, Lord Grahdens.

Ho ho ho. I'm just a poor old man.

My dissatisfactions are of no immediate consequence.

Just a poor old man? I highly doubt that.

Is that right?

Either way, I do believe we should do our talking as we move along.

It would be rude of us to leave Asahi and the others waiting.