"Mr. Snake granted my wish."
The baron's gaze passed over the three people by the fire, looking from the mountaintop toward the stars and Moon. This night was drawing to a close:
"But it gave me no spell or magical artifact. It merely said that my wish would surely come true. I knew no wish came without a price, so I asked Mr. Snake what price I would have to pay."
"It asked you to find a chance to devour Valentine Halonin?"
Doctor Schneider asked. The baron shook his head.
"No. At the time, it told me that the price was learning the truth. Mr. Snake told me the truth behind my crippled legs, letting me know that all of this had happened because of the wish she made."
"At the time, I was very happy, because I learned that she truly loved me just as deeply. After leaving that dream, I rejoiced at having been granted eternal love, and the price I had paid seemed so insignificant."
"But you all know what happened afterward. She left me and vanished without a trace. I didn't know why. I could only pray every day for her return, but after she left, she never appeared again."
"So I dreamed of the temple a second time and met Mr. Snake. Mr. Snake told me that my first wish was still in effect—she had left because she loved me. So I made a second wish. I didn't merely want her to love me; I wanted her to remain by my side forever."
Shade glanced at the woman's soul, who had not said a word and was merely watching the mountain ranges beyond the peak.
"And this time, what was the method of fulfillment and the price?"
"Mr. Snake said she would return ten years