"Peppermint, please." Anton was familiar with the kedenese version of the herb, either way, and he preferred sharpness to sweet. He absorbed the story silently, and then nodded. "May I assume that Lady Valdis is the reason you awoke beneath the mask?"

He understood the need to reaffirm life. It was a feeling Anton had experienced before, especially when he was younger. As far as he was concerned it was no reason to be ashamed, especially since Vergil had had the wherewithal to do so against someone who could defend themselves.