Esperia couldn't help but smile weakly at the remark spoken by Alisa. It was true that her appearance had changed remarkably ever since the incident. "Mhmm, I'm not sure how I look anymore. In all honesty: I did try to look in a mirror to ensure I'm presentable, but I don't have any reflection. But I swear I only been feeding on my girlfriend and donated blood bags! And even then I try to keep it to a minimal."
As if to explain her words she pulled out a small carton box that had a straw attached to it. A small magic seal could be seen on the lid of the box, seemingly to keep it sealed. "Uguu... to hear you say that doesn't make me happy."
It was fortunate that Alisa at least was willing to hear her out, the words that followed earning a playful giggle from Esperia. "Indeed! I bet they are simply jealous of the fact Priscilla only awoohs for me!"
Still, Esperia's smile wavered slightly as Alisa started to express her opinion on her former pupil's choices. She thought carefully on the matter, nodding her head lightly.
"I agree, slavery shouldn't be condoned, nor the tolerance for evil." It was true, despite the fact that the Sentinel Syndicate was the closest in terms of accomplishing what she desired, it went about it the wrong way.
"But at the very least they tried to contain that evil, keep it to a minimum. Just take a look at the situation within Fiore Ali: The Rune Knights, the very people who are supposed to protect the peace within the kingdom are suffering from corruption within. People abusing their power and authority and there is none who is trying to stop them."
She paused for a bit, her smile fading away entirely as she continued. "What about the light guilds? Where was Blue Pegasus when Penumbral Guard got annihilated, or Fairy Tail got massacred. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming you for I experienced first-hand that we can't protect or save everyone. You're the Guild Master of Blue Pegasus, the people of Hargeon rely on you, but what about the people beyond the city? What about those that are outside your circle of loved ones?"
She went quiet for a moment, and if Alisa looked closely she would notice a thin trail of blood leaking down from the corner of Esperia's eyes. "When the Eternal Nightmare conquered Fia's hometown without any resistance I felt something... a sadness that I couldn't ignore. Even as others turn a blind eye toward the festering evil of such people, I couldn't... I wouldn't."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I want to protect those dear to me, to help those that rely on me. But at the same time I can't remain ignorant to those who are too weak to help themselves. Whether it's corrupt Rune Knights harassing people or dark guilds running amock, someone has to remind them that evil has no place here. They should be terrified of getting noticed, rather than being able to run around without anyone trying to oppose them"
Esperia shook her head as she continued. "I believe with my departure from the syndicate it will be dissolving afterwards. But it doesn't change the fact that the threat of the darkness is still there, right?" She opened her eyes and looked right into Alisa's own expression. "After I get judged for my crimes, well as long as they don't try to chop off my head... I want to try to put a stop to this... to this era where the darkness festers and evil is able to act unrestrained. I will hunt them down, but by myself I am not strong enough to stop them all."
And then it came: "Ali, will you please help me put an end to this evil? I know that raiding Eternal Nightmare will put you and the people of Blue Pegasus at risk, just like it would do the same to me but surely you're not willing to let them continue this either, right?"
She raised a finger to her own lips and smiled weakly at her. "At the very least my bounty should be a nice incentive to help you arm your guild for the task. Last I checked the wanted posters got over 3 million, but the portrait didn't do me justice, and the title was lackluster~"