The golden-red sky had already grown faintly dim. Inside the room, the candlelight flickered and trembled from time to time, shaking a rustle of dust loose from the ceiling. After a long silence, Delphine finally spoke.
"You're right," she said softly. "I'm afraid—"
Missril gazed silently at the Chancellor's daughter, and Delphine gave a soft laugh. "Aren't you going to ask why?"
"I'm only worried about you," the Silver Dragon Lady said softly. "You clearly care about Mr. Brando, so why stay here alone?"
Delphine was silent for a moment, then turned to look out the window. The golden-red sky cast a thin glow across her face, while her purple eyes seemed to reflect a glimmering light.
"Because what I'm afraid of is honesty, Missril."
Delphine turned back and smiled gracefully.
"Honesty is like a sharp blade. It makes me afraid to take even one step forward—"
"That day, he nodded and smiled at me amid the crowd. That crown in his hand looked so much like a mockery of me."
"But all I wanted to tell him was that I only wanted to see what he would look like when his lies were exposed."
Crystal-clear tears fell from the Chancellor's daughter's face. She pressed her lips together, moistening them slightly. With her light makeup, she looked more dignified and beautiful than usual. "Why is he always so proud? Why would he rather walk down this path than bow his head to me? I wish I could stand in his way, but my pride keeps me from speaking—"
"Delphine," the Silver Dragon Lady said as she watched the girl in silence, "yes, you're never honest enough, but that is precisely what makes you unique. What you truly need to do is understand others. You should realize that Mr. Brando chose