Catch-all: Estelle

[ercnerd]

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[ercnerd]

Because she was there.

It didn't matter who it was. I would've killed anyone once we crossed paths—even you.

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[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?

[ercnerd]

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.

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... What promise?

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. . . That Mari's safety would be ensured.

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Mari...

Could that be... your hostage?

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She is.

She doesn't like me much, but it's my duty to protect her.

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Can I ask... what kind of relationship you two have?

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[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.

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So that's who you'd cut down anyone for...

[Her expression softens a little.]

What is she like?

[ercnerd]

Mari is . . .

[The corner of his lips twitches.]

Honestly, she'd be just like Rita if she were louder.

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[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.

[ercnerd]

[His smile widens briefly. Mari is the future. He can't give up on her now.

Here, however, his eyes fall on Estelle.]

. . . It isn't Rita for you, is it?

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[Estelle's gaze falls away, avoiding his eyes. She hesitates...

... until the hesitation lasts long enough that the answer is probably obvious. She nods.]

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[He closes his eyes in thought, then reopens them.]

We'll get her back, Estelle. So don't lose heart, okay? For Rita's sake.

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[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.

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[That's the spirit. He hopes that purity of hers persists for the rest of the time they're here.]

Do you have any more questions? If not, you should head back and get something to eat. You shouldn't go to bed hungry.

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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...?

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[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.

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And the deal was... to kill someone, in exchange for a promise of her safety?

[ercnerd]

. . . I suppose it was.

Mari's safety was the reward. The shadow wanted to assist me toward it. Killing someone might've been the means for that end, unless there was an ulterior motive . . .

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[...]

Did you know who you'd be crossing paths with that night?

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No. I wasn't even thinking about crossing paths with someone until it happened.

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... I see...

Do you think the agreement's still valid now? Mari won't get hurt because you were caught... will she?

[ercnerd]

[Will she? He thinks about this for a while.]

. . . Sooner or later, I'll find out.