How many memories remain from my childhood, I wonder. When I think about hearts and memories, my thoughts always wander there. My memories from when I was very young are terribly vague.

“Ienzo, where are you? Answer me.”

I remember well, Even searching for me with his slightly shrill voice. Ansem the Wise was busy, so often it was Even who looked after me. I would get scolded for going on walks by myself all the time, but I think that came from a place of love. When it came to my studies, I would also be severely reprimanded any time I made simple mistakes in my calculations. At those times, it was Ansem who was kind to me. He would often buy me sea salt ice cream. That sweet-yet-salty ice cream was Ansem’s favourite, so I too would end up eating it quite often.

That reminds me, I have a feeling Even would often get angry with Ansem for that. He would say Ansem was spoiling me too much. Thinking back on it, he may have just been using me as an excuse to have ice cream.

Even now, the memories of my time in those radiant gardens are vividly clear. For this reason, my betrayal could never be excused. But that was a lie.

Now, for the sole purpose of atonement—I live on.