Ah. As expected, this guy is no good.
Rita just looked at Dale who was decisively declaring that, with eyes like there was nothing she could do.
“If you understand there’s nothing you can do then, go and buy a souvenir that Latina might like at the capital.”
Scales fell from my face at Rita’s words.
“Clothes, there are sizes and she can’t wear it right away so probably not that… Latina likes sweets and a famous shop in the capital or something, how about you look it up?”
“Souvenir… souvenirs huh…”
Given that Dale going to the capital for work was a frequent matter, he had never before. Maybe at most stocking up the items which were hard to obtain in Kroix at Kenneth’s request.
At the mention of the new and popular sweets in the capital, Latina was all smiles. There’s no doubt that she must have properly said her thanks like,“Thank you”. She might have even added, “I love Dale”.
“I, might be able to try my best”
“Ah, -nod-. Yea, alright”
A rather casual response from Rita.
On the morning that Dale goes to the capital for work, Latina came and got out of bed for the sake of sending him off. The morning sun was only peeking out slightly, so it was much earlier than her usual wake up time.
“…Don’t force yourself, did you rest well?”
She shook her head in denial at Dale’s words, Latina started crawling out, squirming from under her blanket.
But she looked quite sleepy. Like it seemed extremely dangerous to go down stairs and such. Dale strained a smile as he carried her into his arms.
Even though not that much time has passed since he has met her, he felt relieved due to her body having definitely gained weight.
Dozing off as her head sways, Latina who was repeatedly trying to properly wake up, up till now was still half asleep.
“Sorry, Latina. I’ll be away from home for a little while but, can you hold on?”
“Latina… alright. Wait for Dale”
I say as I pet her head, Latina replied with an extremely earnest face.
“I can hold on. Latina, will properly stay in Rita and Kenneth’s place. So, please come back”
“Ah. I’ll come back with souvenirs so… Be careful”
Hugging Latina tightly for the last time, I let her go.
Going out to the shop’s entrance I leave Latina in the care of Kenneth.
“Take care of Latina”
“Ah. Take care of yourself too”
“Latina’s waiting for me, so I have to”
The sight of Dale laughing like that as he answered was something never seen before.
“Then, I’m going now”
“Dale, have a safe trip. Work, take care”
–Ah. I’m gonna try my best.
As she meshed together those last few words, I departed from Kroix.