Für Elise [5]

I usually prided myself on maintaining my sense of rationality, no matter the situation. I had forcibly trained myself to do so.

After all, anyone who couldn't keep their composure in dire moments would inevitably slip up.

I had seen countless comrades die that way.

But now, as I stared at the photographs in front of me, I found myself unable to comprehend why.

Why did this stir something so uncontrollable within me?

All sorts of emotions bottled up began to surface. Guilt. Sorrow. Pity. And something else—something that made my heart ache in a way I couldn't fully explain.

But I understood the circumstances.

Vanitas Astrea had loved this woman. Those unfamiliar emotions lingered within me.

But…. there was something more. A burning sensation that seemed to clog my thoughts.

Where have I felt this before...?

Then it hit me.

"Ah."

It was anger.

A searing rage that clawed at my insides.