Once you were born, it became my duty to protect you. That I failed in such a way... is unacceptable. However, I know there was nothing more I could have done. I can't justifiably blame myself for what happened.

[The words caught him by surprise. He hadn't expected such an... accepting answer.]

You really are too kind, Mitsuzane.

[Takatora continued petting Mitsuzane's hair, wary of continuing.]

I'm going to bring you back...