... Mask?

[ ryouma sets his cup down and straightens up a little more when that word jumps out at him. ]

You were in Hakagemachi?

[ he says the word with all the uncertainty of having to recall something he'd only heard once before. izō had been yelling at a mask that time and the similarities are just too specific to be coincidental... ]

I ran into someone here that I've known for a long time, but he's not the same person as he used to be. That's where he was before, I think..? I admit I don't understand much. [ but knowing there are people here who understand izō's experience is a relief. ] She probably helped you get here too, that's true. Maybe she thought you'd have a better life here. Besides, I've heard rumours that it might be possible to find some of what's been lost, so maybe you only have to be apart for a little while?

[ ryouma tops off his cup of sake again and takes another sip. it's difficult advice to give because he still has no idea if this entire realm is intended to make everyone like them suffer or if it's just supposed to be challenging. it's hard to wish someone were with you if you don't know what you're wishing them into. ]

In any case, you have to take care of yourself. I'm sure your precious friend wouldn't want to see you suffering.