(Heartfelt thanks to 'Q Yongjiang Yiku Q,' 'Youyouzi's Lament,' 'Long Lian Qingxue,' 'World's End Ballad,' and 'Shao' for their rewards!)
"Hmm?"
Perhaps sensing the footsteps behind her, Ais snapped out of her daze, turned around, and looked behind her.
Once she saw who it was, Ais froze for a moment before lowering her eyes, looking like a child who had done something wrong but did not dare admit it.
Watching Ais, Noah merely stepped forward and came to the edge of the cliff as well. Gazing into the distance, he spoke softly.
"What are you thinking about?"
At that, Ais did not answer. She only lowered her head even further, and after a long while, she murmured.
"I'm sorry..."
"...Why are you apologizing?" Noah gave a wry smile.
"Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya all said that you kept apologizing earlier because you felt it was wrong to hide things from your Familia companions. But although I joined the Loki Familia, I've only known you for a few months, and it's only temporary. Even if you were hiding something from me, that would be perfectly natural. There's no need for you to apologize to me, is there?"
Yet upon hearing that, Ais, who had kept her head lowered, raised her eyes and looked at Noah. Without a moment's hesitation, she replied.
"That's not it."
This time, Noah was the one who froze, looking at Ais.
Meeting Noah's gaze, Ais's expression remained unchanged, but there was far more light in her eyes than before.
Then, Ais said this.
"You're an important companion too."
Her voice lacked emotion, yet it carried a sense of heartfelt resolve.
The surprise on Noah's face gradually faded, and his expression softened somewhat.
"Is that so?" Noah reached out and, as he had before, patted Ais on the head.