> "It's okay. I...will admit I know not why this experience was so traumatic for you and no one else, but it is perfectly understandable to be skeptical about claims of time travel."
> Give her a minute.
> "There you go."
> "You seemed to have finished."
> "My apologies, I was not trying to."
> Nod.> "Yes. Again, assuming your future self is not some sort of prankster."
> "Then you may take it for what it says."
> "Well, certainly, I cannot imagine too many people that would appreciated being spied on constantly."
> "Mmm. Well, based on my interactions with your future self, I can understand that you would have stronger feelings on the matter than most. Even if I do not know why."
> "It's fine. Sorry about leading you directly to Miss Kazami. I thought for sure her presence would give you pause."
> "I see."> Look back down at the cake, then back up at the girl.> "...The offer for some of the cake is still open."
> Give her the cake slice.
> "You are quite welcome, though I am merely the deliverer in this case. Miss Yakumo's familiar made them."
> "Indeed they are."> Pull the mask back out.> "I do still think you should keep this, by the way."
> Give it to her.> "After you...destroyed yourself, the second time around, that mask was kept and preserved for a thousand years. The Dragon Palace Messenger gave it to me after I explained the situation to her."