No. No, I'm not frightened of you, Marianne. I'm frightened of people who live their lives without regard for others, who will hurt others on purpose because they wish to, who will reach for a sword before even attempting to wag their tongue. I'm frightened of people who are purposefully cruel, or who will shun others on no basis -- like the fear of a perfectly innocent person on the basis of their birth.

[ He crosses his arms, leaning against the wall as he regards Marianne. To him, this sounds like a neurosis, one hammered in early on in life, a baseless fear, a fairy tale. But he can hear from Marianne's tone that this is nothing of the sort for her; this is a secret she's held as closely to her chest as he holds his own.

Out of fear. Still, she praises the Goddess, even though her and this wretched Crest system is the whole reason behind her suffering. It makes him sick. ]

Why would I be frightened of someone who feels the instinct to hurt, and decides to heal instead? [ He says decisively. ] I don't believe it. I don't believe that you will turn into some monster, nor do I believe that you're cursed. But if you do, Marianne... [ He reaches out, presses his fingers to her wrist, forcing her to look him in the eye. ]

I'll simply find a way to turn you back.