I almost let out a hesitant “Uh…” but quickly shut my mouth.

Even if my carefully constructed persona was crumbling and my true self was being laid bare, there were still some things I needed to protect. Even after losing my ability, I had been making an effort to maintain at least a minimal level of my established character.

One day, the entirety of my real self might be exposed. But I didn’t want that to happen all at once, in a single moment.

And starting a sentence with “Uh…” while addressing someone? That didn’t fit my character at all. Up until now, I had always spoken only after thinking things through.

“…May I ask how much you remember about me?”

I asked, holding onto a sliver of hope.

“…”