[At least the 'emotion' of thoughtfulness is vague, at best. It's not explosive like anger, with its flurry of red and rise in tempo. It's not arid like sadness, with its trenches of mud and listless stumbling. Though, the grasses begin to straighten noticeably with Zhang Liao's new statement.

That's... a very useful answer. She'll take note of it.

(It's suffocating, to have your every thought be dedicated to one single cause. You don't just have to deceive the people around you-- you have to deceive yourself. Deceive yourself into thinking that this is the best possible way, deceive yourself into thinking that this will all be worth something. Because Diao Chan can't possibly deceive herself into thinking that some people deserve to be manipulated, or that she's a monster-- that's an insult, to everyone.)

That train of thought, which comes and goes in one burst, almost goes unnoticed by the world. Except the air around the both of them thins noticeably for a split second, and may just make Diao Chan cough for a moment.]

I see... I still do not believe you are unworthy of kindness. You must have endured many indescribable hardships by both Master Lu Bu's side and as under Cao Cao. Much more than I may imagine.