It was true there was no way of knowing or choosing, but still! Ilia wasn't the kind to let her past bog her down. She had seen too much of that being in the army, and just being Ronyx's subordinate, but she couldn't help but think about it. The cruelty of Landel knew no boundaries.

"I appreciate it, Guy." She couldn't express it physically with a pat on the back or a squeeze of his hand, but she could try to smile. He was such a sweet man.

"I'm glad Claude and Anise have you around to take care of them." She chuckled, gaining a bit more of her good humor back. "I guess it might sound a little weird, but I kind of feel like they're my kids and I need to protect them from this place."