[ Monika remained silent for a moment. He seemed genuinely saddened by the turn events had taken... Regardless of what his personal biases and lack of caution had done, that was good enough for her. The problem was that it wouldn't be good enough for Maribelle... Or would it?

She hadn't seen this side of him. If she did, mayhaps things would change... But she probably wouldn't, either because she'd refuse to see him or because he would get defensive when faced with her barrage of accusations. In her opinion, what the two of them needed was some time together where they could speak sincerely and without aggressiveness.

Easier said than done. ]

I wasn't sure, but now— I can tell you're sincere.

[ She smiled at him once again and closed an eye. ]

If I happen to cross her path, I'll try to slip in a good word or two about you. [A pause.] And, um... Well, I can probably arrange a meeting should you want to see her. She'll hate me for a few weeks if I trick her into meeting you, but that's nothing I can't handle ahaha! And I think that would be worth it.