"The principle is simple. Don't ask me who I am. I can't be bothered to think about it myself."
Veliona tilted her head, her gaze flippant and arrogant.
"I don't like using my brain. I only enjoy having everything under my control."
"Friend or foe, if you appear in my sight, you're my toy."
"So don't panic."
"Your precious Seele is still pure and innocent."
"Put all the dirty work, all the bad things, on my head. They have absolutely nothing to do with her."
Bronya listened quietly without interrupting this confession.
She gradually came to understand the true nature of the personality before her.
She was a guardian deity clad in fangs.
"Those aren't 'bad things.'"
Bronya gently corrected her.
"That's how you protect her."
"Whether you were taking revenge on An Mei or making a deal with the serpent in the Sea of Quanta, you only ever had one thing in mind-Seele."
"She hates conflict and fears bloodshed."
"So you wield a blade for her and shield her from harm, wanting only to keep her away from all danger."
With her true feelings laid bare, Veliona's expression instantly stiffened.
How could someone as prickly as her possibly admit it?
"Don't flatter yourself."
Veliona snorted and turned her head away, but a suspicious blush crept over her ears.
"I'm not that noble."
"It's just that if she dies, I'll have to go down with her."
"Protecting her is nothing more than saving my own life."
"I'm just doing what I feel like. Blame the useless people around her for wearing her half to death. I couldn't help lending a hand. You ought to do some serious reflecting yourself."
Faced with this barrage of accusations.
Bronya offered no defense whatsoever. Instead, she solemnly agreed. "I will reflect on it. Thank