guestservices | AUDIENCE FOR: Shinobu Kocho

In some ways, but no one specifically. The trees symbolize safety and protection more than anything else.

The ability to save and keep them from harm.

Would you call yourself a protector?

No. Wanting to protect and actually being able to protect - they don't go so easily hand-in-hand.

... That's true. Unfortunately, the world doesn't respond so easily to desire alone.

It doesn't. That's why I tried to work hard for what I could.

An admirable attitude to have.

Most things in life worth holding onto, you have to find a way to obtain them yourself.

I couldn't manage to do everything I wanted, but I did end up accomplishing my life goal, so I'm content enough with that.

... And what would that be?

Ensuring that the demon that killed my sister wouldn't be able to harm anyone else again.

[i hate you.]

I see. So, revenge and everyone else's future, in one goal?

[ please love me, jan. ]

Yes. It's not a future I can witness, but knowing it is the future is enough.

... If you're satisfied, then...

[a dip of their head]

With a mortal life, an end that you consider enough is as good as it gets, I guess.

My circumstances are a bit out of the norm, so I can't say everyone should think as I do. What would you consider good enough, Cetus-san?

I don't know. I don't really think about my end. [...] I guess I'm not optimistic enough to think that it'll necessarily be one I choose.

It is a bit of a morbid topic, isn't it? I apologize. I suppose it's a bit fresh on my mind.

[ because of her life (or deaths) and the whole mg thing. ]

Of course, I hope for everyone to live for as long as they can, but.... in case they can't, even if it's not something you get to choose, I hope it isn't full of regrets.