"Michel!" A teasing grin plays upon Himeno's lips. "A shotgun wedding? I never would have guessed it!"

Two decades of a passionless fire burning seems as if it would leave little behind in the bitterness and ashes. Michel, like many others, found himself tethered by obligation before the true flames could illuminate the way to happiness.

Himeno can't say that she is so different. But her flames are fed by desperate obsession, and she'd be lucky to have another five years, let alone twenty.

"To happier seasons, and fulfilling loves!" She raises her own glass in turn, wanting to believe.