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"Not really a portrait, but like a family photo," Laura giggled. "See her there? That little baby? That's Fran… or well, you know her as Maria. Then there's Mom—she was always so pretty. And that man smiling… that's my father. He disappeared many years ago."
"And you are in the middle?" her master asked.
"Yes… I've kept this photo in my room. I caress it with my hands every day, trying to recall the good old times… when my family was together," Laura said. "Before everything went to hell with the tower… before my sister fell into a coma for twenty years, and before Mom left me after turning into a vampire to protect us…"
"Laura…" The Heavenly Demon could sense the storm of conflicted emotions and deep sorrow within her.
Yet these feelings were powerful sources of strength. The photo, ordinary and unremarkable on the surface, carried an immense well of her emotions.
"It's perfect. Bring it here."
"Really?! E-Even if it's not a fancy weapon?"
