As he headed towards the Astrologers' Guild, Shen passed by the "Salamander" eatery and noticed Meido, a new member of the "Griffins," sitting at one of the outdoor tables. Rogdan and his companions had brought him there the previous evening. He was sitting with some stranger, who was complaining to him about his wife leaving him. "I'm telling you, brother, you're looking at this the wrong way," Meido said, pouring a drink for himself and his companion. "You should be glad you're free from those shackles!" "But how can I live without my darling now..." The man drained his glass. "I can't bear the thought of her being with someone else! By the way, are you sure you want to treat me? We don't even know each other that well..." "Ha-ha, don't worry about it! One of my close friends shared this money with me, and I can't think of a better way to use it than to help someone in need!" "... You're such a nice guy, M... M... What was your name again?" "Meido," the ascetic said with a wide smile. "So, listen, see that woman over there?" He gestured towards a woman sitting nearby. "Do you see the wedding ring on her finger? Well, that's just like a slave collar fastened around her neck." "But... what about love... loyalty..." "Those are just sweet words that the state, the church, and society use to lure people into a trap from which they can never escape without outside help," Meido shook his head. "Imagine she wants someone's warmth, but her husband isn't around. What should she do then? Or maybe she loves several people equally. Should she choose?" "Well... hic!..." The man wasn't eating anything and was getting drunk quickly. "Uh, we all have to sacrifice something..." "But that's just what they make you think. Do we really need some metal or certificates to love each other? It's all unnatural, brother. And do you know what's the worst thing?" "W... What?" "WHAT WILL PEOPLE SAY!" Meido raised his hands to the sky and said this phrase in a loud voice, which momentarily attracted several questioning glances. "That's what. It's the most powerful of society's curses, when your actions, and sometimes even your thoughts, are dictated by the fickle opinion of society. But hiding your emotions and desires behind thick masks is not how a person should live.