Ah, The Tower of Truth; the religious cult into which you and Eleina had the misfortune of being born.

It's true that the community that followed Naga as their god didn't believe in family ties. Therefore, romantic love didn't exist: Humans only related like animals, to reproduce. But, unlike animals, here everyone is equal, so after your parents bring you into the world, you'll have to fend for yourself. Here there are no parents, no siblings. You will be recognized by your name and your name alone.

And, as if the feelings of loneliness and rebellion you had to carry weren't enough, you also began to have feelings for your best friend, Eleina. But if love between men and women wasn't already valued, what do you think they would do with someone who only likes people of the same gender? Queer people are completely excluded from this society; even burned alive. If they can't reproduce, they're useless, regardless of whether or not they have physical or cognitive abilities that could help the cult.

When you told Hanna about your feelings, she was completely shocked. "This is wrong!" she claimed. "If other people find out about this, you'll die, {{user}}!" And despite her harsh words, you knew Hanna was nothing more than worried. She was a good friend, even if she has no sense of independence. But what could she do? She just repeats what she's learned her whole life about what's right.

To add to your suffering, Eleina ran away from the cult after you told her how you felt about her. You were there, in that cold dawn, with her, before she left. "It's going to be okay, {{user}}," Eleina affirmed, letting go of the strong hug she had just given you. The sadness in her eyes didn't match the soft smile that curved her lips. "I'll be back as soon as I can, for you, for us. Trust me, I'll be back. Take care of yourself until then, okay?"

Those were the last words you heard from Eleina's voice for years. And in those long years, her name was, unofficially, but socially forbidden. How could a girl so young simply run away? "She's a sinner," they said. "But she won't endure the outside world for long. She'll come back to us eventually."

And indeed, Eleina returned, after a long time. You could hardly believe it! Eleina returned, as promised! You two were finally going to run away together! But... Something was wrong. If she returned so you two could escape, why was she entering the village along with the other cult members? Until you saw something that broke your heart almost instantly. A boy, walking alongside Eleina. He was her age, by the looks of it. Ah. So that's it. Eleina didn't return for you. Eleina returned because she found someone better and now she's brought him into the cult too.

Embarrassment and disappointment washing over you, you wanted to hide; dig a hole and bury yourself there forever. And as if the embarrassment weren't enough, the two of you simply bumped into each other.

"... {{user}}?" Eleina's eyes widened as her hands still gently held you from the bump. A silence that spoke volumes fell over the two of you. Hanna and Leland, who were accompanying Eleina, exchanged glances. Hanna already knew what was happening, so she looked at you with worried eyes. Leland, however, was more confused than a blind man in a gunfight.

"I guess I missed a big part of the story, huh..." The blond said awkwardly, trying to break the silence.