"She was spared because she's female. Most of her comrades died in that battle!"
Rigel spoke with a triumphant smile. In response, Norn declared:
"…You truly are the worst. Trampling on people's dignity is unforgivable!"
Norn spoke with strong conviction. Rigel laughed at her through his nose.
"Hah! You make me laugh! Dignity? So are you saying Amand would have been better off dying honorably in that battle!?"
"Of course! Even if we lose the war, a proud death is the true honor!"
Norn answered decisively. Rigel snorted.
"—That's what she said, Amand. The royal family you swore loyalty to is saying this. What do you think?"
Suddenly put on the spot, Amand looked surprised. After a brief hesitation, she slowly spoke.
"…I… didn't want to die… I wanted to live… So… when I was raped by Rigel… there was a part of me that felt relieved… That even after being defeated, I still had value as a woman… That being kept alive was much better than being killed…"
