The realistic and heavy topic made the breathing in the room faint.
"So, when people realized this idea was wavering, they cleverly came up with another theory: 'Karma always comes full circle, retribution is never delayed.'"
"They firmly believed that evil people would go to hell after death and be punished by the gods, suffering in their next reincarnation."
"Good people, on the other hand, would be reborn into good families and live a happy life."
"But..."
Rhode's hand, which was rubbing Laila's, stopped. He looked directly at Finn, who was listening intently. Laila seemed to sense Rhode's complex emotions and placed her small hand on his.
Between the small hand and the large hand, warmth was exchanged.
"If a good person who suffered greatly in their previous life endures suffering again in their reincarnation, what excuse should be found then?"
The curve of his lips was filled with sarcasm, and his dark eyes were full of mockery.
"If good people aren't rewarded, and evil people aren't punished, will anyone continue to be good? I want to hear your answer, Finn."
Finn frowned deeply, took a deep breath, and scratched his head in annoyance.
"Oh, you're the one who joined the Justice Familia, yet you come to question my justice with such a question that clearly has no right answer...."
"I think only by becoming strong enough to bear everything will one not place their hopes on others."
"However, I personally prefer an ending where 'justice is rewarded.'"
Rhode didn't let Finn off just like that, continuing to press with a sharp gaze.
"What if someone is born weak, unable to become strong or escape, and their spirit becomes addicted to Divine Wine due to temptation?"
"After realizing they can't continue to sink and refusing to drink the Divine Wine, they are then ostracized and exploited. After experiencing all of this, can you still demand that she maintain noble justice and persevere in becoming strong?"
Finn pondered for a long time this time, but ultimately responded firmly to Rhode's scrutinizing gaze.
"If such individuals truly exist, then saving them and giving them a reason to live is the meaning of our existence!"
"Since I have already given my answer... then you should tell me who that person is, or rather, whose reincarnation they are..."
Rhode's lips curved slightly.
"Did you guess?"
Finn spread his hands with a wry smile.
"To avoid me suddenly being unable to accept it, and to prevent me from separating past and present lives, you gradually led me to make a promise."
"Even if I were more obtuse, I should have realized by now."
Finn looked at Rhode with complex eyes.
"Are you really a newcomer...? I do regret not recruiting you into the Loki Familia that day."
Gareth also let out a long breath, feeling a bit of a tingling sensation on his scalp.
After so many years together, this was the first time he had seen such a monster who led Finn by the nose from beginning to end...
"It's a good thing you joined the Astrea Familia."
Everyone's hearts echoed with agreement.
If such a person went down the wrong path, just imagining it would drive everyone crazy.
Finn and Gareth both cast grateful glances at Riveria, but Riveria herself frowned, tilting her head in confusion.
"Why are you all looking at me like that...? Even without me, Rhode wouldn't go astray, right?"
Like a parent with inexplicable trust in their child, she looked at Rhode with full confidence, but Rhode quietly shifted his gaze.
"!!!"
"W-wait, Rhode, what's with you looking away?!"
After a period of commotion, they finally returned to the main topic after Finn's persuasion.
Finn took a sip of tea, trying to prepare himself mentally.
"So, the person is..."
"Liliruca Erde, a Pallum from the Soma Familia."
By this point, Rhode had no need to conceal anything.
The emphasized mention of 'Pallum' made the two people present's hearts skip a beat, and coupled with Rhode's earlier groundwork about reincarnation, it couldn't help but make a ridiculous thought arise in their minds.
No way...
"How could you get to know another Pallum behind my back? When we get back, I'll definitely interrogate you thoroughly."
Laila first sighed with feigned resentment, then asked jokingly.
"But, to make you so concerned, whose reincarnation is she among the important figures of the Fianna Knights?"
She was initially a bit careless and dismissive, until she heard that name.
Rhode spoke indifferently.
"Fianna."
"Pfft—"
"Huh?!"
"Ah???!"