[ He relaxes slightly under Albedo's touch, and he's quiet as the other speaks. He can't take in everything, he can't stop blaming himself, he can't get the image of Unna's charred corpse out of his mind.
The question Albedo poses, however, gives him pause.
...
Noé nods. He saw it. ]
I did. It was when she smiled, just before her death.
[ One might argue that it is cruel to make someone recount that.
But isn't it a relief that there is a semblance of the real person in there? That it was something that could not be overwritten despite everything?
Perhaps that is the true miracle of it all. A miracle that supersedes a cold fact of reality. At this, he continues his administrations, gentle all the same. ]
...I see.
She must have been happy to have known that, in the end, she could not only be freed, but she was not alone.
[ They'll have no way to know for sure, given she couldn't speak in her final moments. But if her smile, her expression was anything to be believed – if he truly knew Unna as well as he thinks he did – then Albedo is correct. ]
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The question Albedo poses, however, gives him pause.
...
Noé nods. He saw it. ]
I did. It was when she smiled, just before her death.
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But isn't it a relief that there is a semblance of the real person in there? That it was something that could not be overwritten despite everything?
Perhaps that is the true miracle of it all. A miracle that supersedes a cold fact of reality. At this, he continues his administrations, gentle all the same. ]
...I see.
She must have been happy to have known that, in the end, she could not only be freed, but she was not alone.
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Maybe you're right.
[ They'll have no way to know for sure, given she couldn't speak in her final moments. But if her smile, her expression was anything to be believed – if he truly knew Unna as well as he thinks he did – then Albedo is correct. ]
I hope we were able to do that much for her.
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...I firmly believe that you had been able. Your actions and feelings must have undoubtedly reached her.
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Thank you, Albedo. I'm...I'm glad I haven't lost your faith.
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[ Albedo is certain about that; more than anything, of course. He lets the other continue to hold him in an embrace either way. ]
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I'll do my best to make sure you don't change your mind.
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I am certain I won't have cause for my mind to change. But, should it...I suppose I will be counting on you to regain it all over again.