[ Though his expression is grim, there is an understanding that tempers it at the sight of the bracelet, an expression that looks to ill-suit him less. So he knows the blight of the brides, the shackle that tradition has affixed to them. Dusting his knees, Subaru rises and lets the hound be on its way when a whistle strikes the air. ]

I know. It's likely very few people would still go if they knew the truth.

[ He is not one of them, but. ]

To them, it's a curse with no rite or prayer to soothe it.

[ And deception so often walks hand in hand with desperation. ]