☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- We weren't talking about that, only about the fact itself. I see that you are an expert in this matter as well. EdgeLord-kun," Ayano says with a smile, the first one in a long time. "You are the first person in this city that I've addressed with 'you' until recently. Isn't that funny? But after realizing some things in our conversation, I can no longer return to the usual pattern. Regarding your affairs, I'm sorry that things turned out this way; it's probably not the best outcome, even if it's not the worst. And yet, I'm somewhat interested... Did certain events from the past lead you to your current state, or was it a conscious choice? Not everyone has the spirit for something like this, that's the question.

— If I tell you about a difficult childhood, will it soften your perception of the actions you condemn me for? — Lord smiled and took Ayano's face in both hands, looking intently into her eyes; his touch was more gentle than rough. — How unusual. Every woman who has caught my eye in the past has evoked either a primal hunting instinct, indifference, or material interest in me, but with you, it's completely different. You're only a six out of ten, or, well, today—a seven, but right now, you look more attractive than any ten. I feel like I want to grab you and take your green soul. It can't be a curse or magic, because I always carry protection against the evil eye. So, what is it then? — He lets go. — Okay, I think you deserve an answer to your question. I highly value my free will and self-sufficiency, but I cannot deny that my character and perception of the world were shaped by certain events in my life. First and foremost, I came to the Ravenbridge family at the will of its then-head, my adoptive father. Before that, as a kid, I had to live on the streets, first stealing, and then engaging in more serious crimes to survive. Some might say that I should have been grateful for this stroke of luck, but for me, it only demonstrated the arbitrariness of life and the need to stand my ground against the difficulties it throws your way. On the one hand, much depends on luck—where, when, in what status, physical and financial condition you are born, who you subsequently meet, but on the other hand, if it weren't for my primal desire to survive, this stroke of luck in my life would not have happened. So, yes, it is quite possible to say that my current lifestyle is a continuation of the lifestyle of a homeless stray, embellished with wealth, status, and power. Another important event was the death of my friend, the only one who was truly close to me. Did you know that our great Phantom had another student? I don't think so, but he did. Now you feel sorry for the old man, but if you knew what hell he made us go through... For example, spending a day in a swamp up to our necks in mud without any way to get out, running marathons beyond our physical capabilities, fighting against him—he was at the peak of his strength, and we were just kids, and he showed no mercy, so I didn't feel any mercy for him yesterday either. Although, even though I was angry at the time about the way he treated me, over time, I feel nothing but gratitude for those days, because that sweat, blood, and tears opened up many opportunities in my life. So, my friend once fell and died during training in the mountains. It was a stupid death, and now no one even remembers him. I visit his grave once a year, as does our teacher. It is quite possible that if he had survived, my fate would have taken a slightly different path; unlike me, he was a good guy. He dreamed of becoming a "hero"—someone who protects people from criminals not for the sake of the state, but for the sake of justice and human happiness. I never had such noble intentions. So, have I satisfied your somewhat vague interest?