[quote=@Stern Algorithm]
"I understand, Lady Maria," Fantine said, while looking at Maria's bloody hand.  "Eponine has also warned me against contracting, though sometimes I wish I could share your burdens. But that would only make Eponine worry even more."
[/quote]

"And for a good reason," Maria said as she used her magic to rip the shards off and reopened her wounds, causing a bit of blood to sprinkle on the two of them. Maria didn't flinch, and continued without hesitation: "The path of a magical girl is filled with nothing but despair. Only those with a strong will last for long once changed by the Incubators, and even then they would have to survive the numerous witches and other magi that they will inevitably meet in battle. But here you are safe, free from the fires of war. The moment you contract you will lose that freedom forever. Remember that," Maria said, before she left the dining hall and went to clean herself up.