***********
The man paused, drawing in a shaky breath as he tried to steady himself. His shoulders trembled, and no matter how much he willed it to stop, the tears continued to fall. They streamed down his face—not out of fear of death, but from the overwhelming tide of emotion he could no longer suppress.
"At least…" he began, his voice thick with sorrow, yet oddly relieved. "At least before I die, I learned that you're alive… that you're not only alive but thriving… becoming someone truly worthy of recognition."
He let out a faint, unsteady laugh, though it carried no joy.
"People often talk about you," he continued. "They say you're nothing more than a spoiled, pampered noble lady… someone who doesn't care for anyone outside of her circle. But…" His expression softened, filled with quiet certainty. "Your family, your friends… and the one person who cherished you the most—they say otherwise."
He lowered his gaze for a moment before lifting it toward her again.
