At that time, on the other side...
Yue and Tio were shopping inside the Commercial Ward. Even so, because there were already a large amount of necessary thing inside Hajime's "Treasure Box," they could only replenish a small amount of the things they consume in their travel. Therefore, rather than shopping for food, the two were just indifferently wandering around the various shops in the Commercial Ward.
"Hmm. Even so, Yue. Art thou really okay about that?"
" ? ... About Shia?"
"Mm-hmm. It is possible that various things had progressed right now, thou know? Have thou thought of that?"
Tio was questioning Yue, who was judging the things exhibited in the boutique. Her tone was filled with some curiosity. Is it okay to be this calm? Isn't it possible she passed thou? Tio was interested in the mysterious relationship of the three. Because they would be traveling companions from now on, she wanted to converse without reserve for once.
On the other hand, Yue wasn't was shaken. She simply shrugged her shoulders and looked at Tio. There was no sense of crisis at all.
"... I am happy if it happens."
"Happy? Though the man thou love becomes intimate with another woman?"
"... It is not another woman. It's Shia."
When Tio inclined her head, Yue continued to talk as she walked around the shop.
"... In the beginning, when she tried to get close to Hajime... I was annoyed because she clearly had another intent... However, I understand now."
"Understand?"
"... Nn, that girl always did her best. Always used her utmost effort. All for the sake of her important things and the things she loves. She is straightforward for the better or worse."
"Hmm. This one understands just by seeing her... Is that why thou have such a bond?"
Tio smiled when Shia, someone she was associated with only for a short time, floated in her head. She naturally smile as she thought of the moodmaker girl, whose smile didn't disappear even with the hardship she has experienced for being a demi-human. Moreover, although there were a lot of disappointing things about her because she was still young, Tio liked Shia. However, she thought it was a weak reason to allow her to go on a date with Yue's lover. In the end, she wanted to confirm another reason than Yue just liking Shia.
"... The other is."
"Other? What doest thou mean by other?"
Because of Tio's questioning face, Yue began to smile as she answered.
"... Shia also likes me. At least as much as Hajime. They are the same even though they have different meaning... Isn't that cute?"
"... Indeed... Master and Yue, ye both are necessary for that child... There are only few people who could be fond of the one who treated them unkindly. That might be her virtue. Hmm, this one thought this one understood what Yue thinks of Shia... But what about Master? Have thou thought Master might be captivated by her? Don't thou understand that child's charm?