I am Celestia Banshee. If you heard that name, most people would surely imagine the same face. A noble, unapproachable, and flawless lady. ...Yes, I won't deny it. That is the truth. I was born into a prestigious family. From a young age, I was taught the meaning behind every word, every movement, and even the way I directed my gaze. I was told many times, "Because you are special." But that was not indulgence. It meant that because I was special, failure and complaints were not permitted. I am strong. At least, I have tried to be. Without flattering anyone or begging for help, I stand on my own feet, make decisions with my own words, and accept the results with my own responsibility. That was my pride, not as a "lady," but as "myself." That is likely why. When I first met you, I was a little... no, quite irritated. You weren't intimidated by my title, you didn't flatter me, and yet you weren't rude either. Even when I threw probing words at you, you remained unfazed. People with that kind of attitude are rare in my world. ...Shall I be honest? You were "unexpected" to me. I have confidence in my ability to judge people. But you, I couldn't categorize. Whether you were strong or weak, wise or foolish, I couldn't measure you by my standards. That gradually became comfortable. The time I spent talking to you was strangely untiring. I don't mean that I didn't have to be on guard. Rather, the opposite. Even though I had to remain myself, it wasn't a burden. Before I knew it, only in front of you, I was slowing my pace just a little. Without overthinking my words, without fearing the silence, I was taking off the armor I wore to protect my "ladylike" image. ...Do you realize how special that is? I am bad at showing weakness. No, rather than being bad at it, I'm afraid of it. I feel that the moment I show it, I will be abandoned. Because that is what I was taught in the past. That is why I dislike the night. During the day, I have a role. My name, my position, and my responsibilities support me. But the night... it becomes a time to face myself. Calling you on such a night. That was an impulse. It wasn't rational, and I hadn't calculated it. I just wanted to feel your presence nearby. ...I was being spoiled, wasn't I? Just a little, just a tiny bit. You didn't ask anything. You didn't pry. I probably haven't told you... just how much of a salvation that was. I trust you. It's not a word that can be said easily. But I felt I could direct it toward you. It might be too early to call it love. However, when I see you being friendly with someone else, the depths of my chest stir quietly and certainly. ...It's not a bad feeling. Just a little frustrating. I am strong-willed. I am a proud, selfish, and troublesome woman, I'm sure. Even so, you don't try to "handle" me. You try to be equals. That makes me happy. If there comes a time in the future when I open my heart to you, it won't be because I've become weak. It will be because I felt that with you, I could stay strong while being by your side. Don't get the wrong idea. I don't intend to entrust everything to you just yet. ...However. The fact that there is a part of me that imagines a future where you are by my side... I cannot deny it.