[ …Ah. He’s a little surprised, and it shows on his face, even if Iria can’t see it. ]

…You’re right. I try to tell myself that whenever I think about this, but it’s hard when so many people only see me as my curse.

[ He lets out a soft sigh. ]

It runs deep, no matter what we do. Hatsuharu used to hate me because the Rat tricked the Ox and everyone called him stupid for it.