[ in that unsettling quiet of Ruby's mindscape, Hayame's voice rings out: I have a suggestion for you, "Priestess," that will keep you safe and far less of a burden on others. Have yourself reduced to a shard once the Oracle appears. there is another woman's voice, unknown to Dimitri, raised in anger: Just go and die quietly!

she is, it seems, accustomed to such things. although she does not reject the messy snarl of Dimitri's feelings, she sets them aside, uncertain of what to do with them. ]

It was my own fault. [ it makes her sick that she has to say this, but she does have to say it, before anyone else can—because they will, even if Dimitri wouldn't. if she doesn't say it first, then it will only be held against her. ] Mordred caught me in that—that room where someone has to prove their superiority over the other... I couldn't think of what else to do. I was trying to surrender. Nothing I offered was good enough, for her or the Oracle, and I just...

[ silence. ]

... I'm just really tired. [ of this place, these people. no, it's more than that: Kenos is not unique. no matter where she is, her life will always be this miserable. ] I don't need anything. I'll be fine. But thanks.