Ex-Machina on Dimensional Travel

Seeing Sanzang's bewildered expression, Fujimaru Ritsuka, who had been helped to his feet, seemed to realize he had misunderstood something and immediately grew awkward.

"Um, well..."

The boy scratched his cheek.

"Since we all know Xiu Er's personality, we were worried she might do something offensive while bringing you 'here,' so I thought I should apologize in advance and hope you could forgive her..."

Fujimaru Ritsuka explained his reasoning with a flushed face, and Da Vinci behind him could barely hold back her laughter at the sight.

"Puhuhu..."

In the end, the genius chose to cover her mouth and chuckle a few times. Fortunately, the surroundings were noisy enough to conceal her laughter and keep the boy from becoming even more embarrassed.

"I see."

Fujimaru Ritsuka's explanation successfully dispelled Sanzang's doubts, and she patted her chest with a sigh.

"You scared me to death. I thought something had happened."

She could understand apologizing on behalf of a companion. After all, she herself had often apologized for her disciple without being asked back then.

"But that Xiu Er didn't do anything to me. Though if we're talking about something that could strictly count as 'offensive'..."

She rubbed her chin, her expression suggesting she was carefully recalling something.

"The only thing was that she grabbed me and dragged me away without a word."

Though she was listing Xiu Er's rude behavior, anyone could tell from Sanzang's expression that she had not taken it to heart.

"But I don't mind. Besides, she explained why before dragging me along."

"You can tell from that alone that her personality is rather 'unique.'"

Whether it was her unusual way of speaking or that cold face devoid of emotion, both had left a deep impression on Sanzang, who had only met Xiu Er once.

"Is that so?