The next day.

  Dawn.

  Armoura Village.

  Meliora had cried until sunrise.

  Souta was still holding her, as if the world would end if he let go.

  — Is it over? — his voice was firm, yet gentle.

  Meliora wiped her face.

  — Why did you do that, sir?

  — I was so vulnerable…

  — How pathetic.

  Her face flushed.

  Too shy, too embarrassed to look at Souta.

  — Shall we move on? — Souta suggested.

  — You made me cry! — Meliora raised her voice, almost childlike.

  — You saw me weak, vulnerable!

  — I had mucus coming out of my nose…

  — How could you?!

  Souta smiled faintly.

  He placed his hand on her head.

  Large.

  Warm.

  The same sensation her father once gave her.

  — In my world, it was normal to return from a father’s funeral crying.

  — Otherwise, it would be considered strange.

  — There’s nothing wrong with crying.

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  — You are my precious and beautiful companion.

  — I care about you.

  — That’s why I need to protect you.

  Meliora blushed.

  She looked away.

  Murmured:

  — That’s unfair, sir…

  — Oh, look how excited they get when they’re together. — teased Pikonota.

  Souta blushed.

  Meliora remained serious.

  — Hm… she’s still here?

  Pikonota approached with a mischievous smile.

  Eyes half-closed.

  — Look at her… she seems unshakable.

  — What happened between you two?

  — Lord Spoon didn’t kick me out just so you could spend the whole night alone, right?

  Meliora released her golden aura.

  Eyes narrowed.

  — Lord Kihara… may I kill her now?

  Souta stepped in between them.

  — Okay, let’s stop the fighting.

  — That’s what brought us here in the first place.

  — Apologize, Pikonota.

  — Sorry, Miss Meliora.

  — Don’t be so serious.

  Pikonota hugged Meliora.

  Whispered in her ear:

  — If you want, as a sign of peace, we can share Lord Spoon tonight.

  Meliora blushed.

  — Let go of me, you pervert!

  Pikonota fell to the ground, still smiling.

  Souta watched the two of them.

  A penetrating smile.

  Satisfaction.

  — Very well!

  — First of all, you both need new clothes.

  — We can’t travel like this.

  Meliora, cheerful:

  — But, Lord Kihara… I’m broke.

  — I left everything in the capital.

  — And the money you earned… I made you leave it in the street.

  Souta smiled sarcastically.

  — While you were at the funeral… your buddy Souta gathered a good amount of cash.

  — Thank me later.

  Creamy’s voice echoed in his mind:

  — Actually, you used Shadow Step to return to Hive Castle… and stole some jewels from Queen Beatrix.

  Souta smiled.

  — Who cares about details?

  — Let’s go shopping!

  He leapt forward, full of excitement.