Before Little Ai could get Gwen's answer, a smiling voice drifted into her ears like petals carried on a breeze from nowhere...
"Um... who does Little Ai need to thank?
Me?"
Alicia, carrying a beautifully wrapped gift box, had silently pushed open the café door and entered.
"Yes. After all, you gave me my name and form, allowing me to become a living person instead of an ignorant program."
Little Ai tilted her head. Her orange-red eyes reflected the lovely face so close to her, wearing a sweet smile, and she smiled back.
Although she did intend to put on a show for Gwen, those words had also come from Little Ai's heart.
"Mm, you're welcome~?"
Alicia's smile grew even brighter as she gently hugged Little Ai.
"After all, I love cute girls the most~?
Having such a cute little sister just like me has fulfilled one of my dreams too~?"
Fairy Ai
"Then I'll do my best to be your little sister."
Feeling Alicia's warmth, Little Ai nodded and smiled.
Yet her compliant answer only earned Alicia's rejection.
"No."
Alicia's smile faded. Rarely, she revealed a serious expression, raising one slender finger as she emphasized,
"Little Ai is Little Ai. Little Ai can be Alicia's little sister, but Alicia's little sister cannot be Little Ai."
"..."
Once again, Little Ai fell silent and met those azure eyes for a moment.
Clearly sensing the feelings contained within them, Little Ai's lips curved into a smile Alicia would absolutely never wear.
"Okay, Sister Alicia..."
"Mm-hm..."
Alicia was not displeased at all that her own face was wearing that somewhat teasing, wicked-woman smile. She merely revealed a satisfied smile.
"Ah, right, Gwen. I should have given you this gift last time, so I'm making up for it now—"
After comforting Little Ai