"...that's it?"
The Pope let out a groan, his calm expression slightly warped.
"For that reason, you cast me away?"
"Yes."
Maria answered without hesitation, as she leaned back with a gentle smile, now hiding more terrible secrets.
"Saria has once mentioned to me."
She sighed. "That I am the type to cast aside less for the many."
A glint of sharpness crossed her eyes as she locked on the Pope with a slanted gaze.
"I inherited the trait perfectly from you once, Father."
She confessed, her tone gentle. "I truly believe it was my calling once, until a fateful day arrived."
She took a deep, deep breath.
Somberness slipped into her crestfallen face, yet in the midst of it was a slight blush.
"It took... it took a long time..."
Her hands gripped into a prayer gesture. "But I finally encounter someone truly precious to me."
In being cast aside by her Father, Maria was more alive than she could ever be.
For she has finally found her life's purpose.
