[ Marianne eventually musters the courage to look back up at Claude. There's no hint of fright or disgust in his expression as she had feared there might be, and for that, she's relieved. ]

I - I don't know. My parents didn't much talk about them, but my father told me it was better for us to isolate ourselves.

[ She can still remember him taking her by the shoulders and telling her solemnly about their family secret. He shared her anxious eyes and reserved demeanor and had wanted only to do his duty and live a quiet life in the countryside. That was, until... ]

Then...one day they disappeared. They were never found, so I always worry, what if...?

[ No notes, no bodies, leaving not a trace except the scar in their daughter's heart. She had prayed to the goddess every day and received no answers. How could she not fear the worst? ]