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[She takes that invitation and enters properly, stopping where she can face him properly... though she can't help but look very sadly at him.]
I really didn't want to think it would be you...
... Are you willing to talk about it?
I really didn't want to think it would be you...
... Are you willing to talk about it?
[She's hesitant, but...]
Why did you kill her?
Why did you kill her?
[That doesn't get her to flinch. She still just looks really sad.]
So it wasn't about Flayn... but then, what was it? Why would you kill anyone like that?
So it wasn't about Flayn... but then, what was it? Why would you kill anyone like that?
I've always thought that life is too precious to be wasted. I still believe that.
But there's also a part of me that won't think twice about cutting someone down when I'm angry. That part of me rose to the surface that night . . . and today. All because I was approached by a shadow with a promise.
But there's also a part of me that won't think twice about cutting someone down when I'm angry. That part of me rose to the surface that night . . . and today. All because I was approached by a shadow with a promise.
Can I ask... what kind of relationship you two have?
[The question gives him pause. He considers the answer for a fleeting moment.]
We're not especially close. She's the sole surviving heir of a lost kingdom my immortal brothers once served. I found her after they died, and took it upon myself to protect her from those who'd use her celestial blood.
We're not especially close. She's the sole surviving heir of a lost kingdom my immortal brothers once served. I found her after they died, and took it upon myself to protect her from those who'd use her celestial blood.
So that's who you'd cut down anyone for...
[Her expression softens a little.]
What is she like?
[Her expression softens a little.]
What is she like?
[Estelle can't help it. She laughs, just a little. And at the same time, she has to wipe a tear from her eye. It's as if several conflicting emotions just happened to come out at once.]
She must be a wonderful person.
She must be a wonderful person.
[Estelle's gaze falls away, avoiding his eyes. She hesitates...
... until the hesitation lasts long enough that the answer is probably obvious. She nods.]
... until the hesitation lasts long enough that the answer is probably obvious. She nods.]
[She's still a little misty-eyed, and she quickly rubs her eyes, then manages a smile. His words seem to have brought out some renewed energy in her.]
I... I won't! I promise.
I... I won't! I promise.
I won't, don't worry.
But... actually, there is something more I wanted to ask.
When did the shadow approach you? And... what did it say? Is Mari still going to be okay, after...?
But... actually, there is something more I wanted to ask.
When did the shadow approach you? And... what did it say? Is Mari still going to be okay, after...?
[He opens his mouth to deflect, as per usual—only to stop short once he sucks a breath in to give those words voice.]
. . . I don't know. I had the feeling that I'd lose out on our ridiculous agreement if I confessed before the verdict. But I was approached early in the week, and that's when it extended its deal.
. . . I don't know. I had the feeling that I'd lose out on our ridiculous agreement if I confessed before the verdict. But I was approached early in the week, and that's when it extended its deal.
And the deal was... to kill someone, in exchange for a promise of her safety?
[...]
Did you know who you'd be crossing paths with that night?
Did you know who you'd be crossing paths with that night?
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