Lady Halonin smiled at Shade.
"If you're truly that curious, then you can indeed hear a new story.
"You've already heard the beginning. A girl from a common family met a young nobleman, and they fell in love at first sight. It's a common trope in many romance novels. Quite a few young ladies dream of such a future, and back then, I never imagined the story would truly happen to me."
She set down her handbag and gestured for Shade to sit and talk. But seeing that he did not move, she did not insist.
"Though the beginning of the story was perfect, what followed did not develop into 'the prince and princess living happily ever after.' We faced enormous pressure. Not only did he have to endure pressure from his parents, but I also had to endure pressure from everyone around me.
"Everyone who knew me told me, openly or subtly, that I wasn't worthy of him. From family background to appearance, there wasn't a single thing about me that matched him. My friends even asked what exactly it was about me that had attracted him. Actually... I didn't know either."
The mature lady asked Shade:
"Can you understand what I'm talking about?"
"So you lost confidence in your love?"
"Yes. He still loved me, but I worried that one day he would suddenly 'come to his senses' and stop loving me. So, during that sorrowful and uncertain autumn, I found the Temple and met Mr. Snake. That Gentleman gave me one chance to make a wish."
Shade frowned slightly. This story had happened more than ten years ago, which meant that Mr. Snake had already been in contact with locals at least a decade ago. That was far beyond what he had expected.
"You wished for beauty?"