(no subject)
CHAPTER 25: CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
ION: It's my first time coming to the Terran side of the Empire as well. I didn't think it would be like this; it's too diferent from the layout of our cities.
ESTHER: But ... this city looks very normal to me. Except for the strange order of day and night, it's very similar to Rome. At least it's easier to navigate than the areas where the nobles live. There are people and goods everywhere. And it's very lively. It seems just like the 'Outside.'
ION: Probably ... but there are still things that are different than they are 'Outside' ... have you noticed them?
ESTHER: Hmm ... now that I think about it, it doesn't seem like there are any bars here ... or drunks.
ION: That's right. Things that are bad for the health of Terrans, such as tobacco and liquor, are banned here in the Empire. And also--this building behind us. What do you think it's for?
ESTHER: Oh, the smell of ethanol--a ... hospital?
ION: Close, but not quite. It's a blood donation centre. It's a place for gathering our 'Water of Life' - in other words, blood.
ESTHER: Gathering blood?!
ION: Ah--it's not what you're thinking. People aren't forced to give blood. They're paid a lot of money for donating blood. It's a very good source of money for low-income families. You could say it's a type of welfare.
CHAPTER 26: WHO IS THAT GIRL
ION: Listen, girl. Don't do this again in the future. Doing a side job while hiding your identify is forbidden in the Empire! As a student, you should focus on your studies. Do your best to study and learn so you can be a contributing citizen of the Empire!
[...]
ESTHER: She's training for a Ph.D degree at only thirteen?! Th-that's amazing! Is everyone in the Empire like this?
SETH: Hmm ... it all depends on your talent, effort and personality. It's fair, and everyone has an equal chance at success. Unlike the outside, where you're limited by money and race. And it's not just education. Paying close attention to the talents of Terrans and giving them an opportunity is something the Empire focuses on. It's so that the Terrans and Methuselah can coexist.
ESTHER: Coexist ... but in the end, aren't the Terrans still inferior to the Methuselah? No matter how well they're treated, the Terrans are the ones who serve the Methuselah. Is that truly coexisting?
SETH: ...
SETH: Esther, look here. You were wrong about one thing. The masters of Terrans are not Methuselah. There is only one true master of the Terrans. And that is the Empress of the New Human Empire herself. They are the wealth of the Empress. To hurt them ... is essentially to hurt the Empress's property. And the Methuselah nobles ... they are the Empress's children, who will do her bidding. In other words, to the Empress ... Terrans and Methuselah are equal. In that sense, the two races are coexisting, aren't they?
CHAPTER 27: BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY
ESTHER: But ... Seth, this coexistence you speak of ... it only works if the absolute existence you mentioned is there. That's the Empress ... she'll be the only constant. If she passes away, or if she changes her mind ... in that moment, the coexistence in this country will crumble. Right?
SETH: Amazing. As expected, you're such a smart girl, Esther! Ahh, it's just as you say. It all depends on the Empress to preserve this state of coexistence. If something happened to her ... everything in this country would probably collapse along with her. Of course, the coexistence is no exception.