She took a deep breath and lingered for a while.
"Actually... I knew that Master Sunless and the Lord of Shadows were the same person for a while now. I trusted that he had no ill intentions toward you, and he asked me to keep his secret until he found an opportunity to tell you himself. That was why I kept quiet. But, honestly... I wanted you to enjoy yourself, as well. I knew that you would go into the Changing Star of the Immortal Flame mode as soon as you learned that he was a powerful Saint. You tend to forget that you are a human, too, Neph. And humans need repose, sometimes."
Cassie paused, the light smile disappearing from her lips.
"There were some other reasons, as well, but there is no point in talking about it. In any case, he promised me that he would tell you before the war, and now, he did. So, that secret is in the open."
Cassie remained silent for a while, and then sighed.
"So, you need to make a decision now."
Nephis looked at her somberly.
Eventually, she asked in a quiet tone:
"But how do I decide what to do? You know that I am... not good with these things. Feelings, bonds, and distractions."
Cassie couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, I know... the fact that you used the word "distractions" is proof enough. But, actually, it is very simple. I'll help you make the right decision."
Nephis looked at her with subtle hope.
Cassie spoke softly:
"Follow my lead. Close your eyes. Now, imagine meeting Master Sunless tomorrow... and telling him that whatever there is between you two cannot continue, and you are ending it immediately. That you will be nothing but colleagues in the future, fighting side by side as allies. And nothing more."
Nephis followed her advice. Cassie could not see, but she felt her friend's shoulder slump a little.
She smiled.
"How does it feel?"
Nephis remained silent for a while.
Eventually, she said with a hint of reluctance in her voice:
"... Terrible."
Cassie sighed in satisfaction.
"Then, don't do that. Instead, do the opposite.
There, it's as simple as that."
Nephis opened her eyes and looked at the blind seer silently.
Her expression must have been a little startled.
Cassie shrugged with a smile.
"Feelings, bonds, and distractions are not that complicated. Haven't you been studying passions recently? Just follow your passion, and things will work out. Even if they don't, you won't regret making the effort. The only thing you'll regret is never giving it your best."
Nephis blinked a couple of times, staring at her strangely.
Cassie frowned.
"What?"
Her friend shook her head.
"No, nothing. It's just that... how are you so good at this? You've never had a boyfriend, either."
Cassie faced her with an expression of horror.
"What? What do you mean, never had a boyfriend?
I was very popular in school, you know!"
Nephis raised an eyebrow.
"Sure. But did you have a boyfriend?"
Cassie opened her mouth.
"That's beside the point! And, by the way... when are you going to buy me a new desk? !"
Nephis rose to her feet, patted down her armor, and headed for the door.
"No, really! I need a desk!"
Neph paused at the threshold, looked back for a moment, and said before disappearing in a subtly rushed manner:
"I mean, you are in charge of finances. Put a request for a new desk... on my behalf... anyway, see you later. I think I know what to do now."
A moment later, her receding voice resounded from the corridor:
"Good night!"