Strange, Subaru is sure that he heard of a similar story once. Hokuto liked telling him strange stories like that. She had said that they are called fairy tales, that people think they are not true even if some might be true. Subaru remembers that Hokuto once said that she wanted to be Sleeping Beauty, that she wanted a gallant prince to come and set her free from her eternal slumber. Subaru always thought that Hokuto was more than beautiful enough to be Sleeping Beauty, but he wondered if she had forgotten that she is not exactly a peaceful sleeper. He used to get bruises when they used to share a bed.

Subaru lets Belle finish her story without interrupting, it would be impolite. Her story is hard to believe, but most people don't believe in onmyoujis either. There are so many true things that people don't believe in these days. Besides, Belle does not look like she is a liar or a lunatic, even if Subaru has learned it well that looks are very deceiving. "So... this love of your life," he starts hesitantly, "he saved you from this monster?"

Belle might be crazy, or she might be telling a truth that is harder to swallow than other truths, which are usually more true. In any case, Subaru is glad she told him a story. Stories are always nice. He is not having the best of times, but he is in a reasonably good mood as he notices a waitress coming their way with a tray of food. He sits up in his chair expectantly, trying not to seem to eager at the same time. Muttering a "thank you" to the waitress, he turns back to Belle, "you can continue, if you want."