The three by the fire all knew something about souls, so they understood just how much resolve Valentin Halonin had needed to inflict such self-destruction upon her own soul. This destiny had already fused with her. If she had been unwilling to do this, Shade would never have obtained it.
"This is for you."
The weak, transparent soul trembled as she tossed the cracked ring to Shade:
"This is neither thanks nor an apology. I am trading this for the rose. Fool. Yes, how fitting. Fool."
Thus, Shade now possessed the Rings of Fate of Resurrection Death and the Fool at the same time. Those gains alone had made this night fruitful enough.
The weakened soul could no longer speak easily. Her faint soul-color seemed as though a gust of wind might scatter it. The Baron in the wheelchair looked at her, but she merely gazed at the ice-colored rose in her hand.
The Baron said to Shade:
"I have nothing to give you. I do not know much about Mr. Snake or its secrets either. But I know how much trouble I brought upon you. Now that death has arrived, there is no point in saying any of that anymore.
"All I can offer is my apology. I do not regret the choices I made in life, but I am sorry for using you."
The Baron had not actually done much wrong. Though he had also made a deal with Mr. Snake, he had not harmed anyone. Therefore, although Shade did not particularly approve of his views on love, he was somewhat friendlier toward him:
"After you die, I will tell The Church your story. The Church will handle your estate. Did you leave a will or make arrangements for what comes after? For the sake of this Ring