Especially after that, the group who felt as though thunder had exploded behind their heads did not pause for a moment, using every trick they had to try and uncover some clue from Homi, the only lead.
Unfortunately, before that flawless smile of hers, without a single crack to exploit, neither Haruka's gentleness nor Megumi's persistence achieved anything in the end.
"They were all defended against... Every single one. Such a smart child really doesn't seem like someone I could have given birth to..."
Deeply aware of the gap in their intelligence and having no chance of getting the better of Homi, Snow White could only obediently accept her friends' comfort, hanging her head as she joined the ranks of those who had returned empty-handed.
"Don't say that, Kohime has strengths besides dressing up and charging ahead! Like—"
"Like what?"
"..."
Tilting her head slightly away, Aino Megumi, who had boasted so confidently, slipped past her with a stiff expression of nonchalance under her friend's expectant gaze.
"What is it, then?! Say it, Megumi!"
If you put it that way, doesn't that mean I'm really just a useless Princess who can only live off Ash forever?!
"The others have gotten so close too."
Watching the two bicker all the way along, Miyuki, who had just chosen her room in the castle, could not help sighing. Especially seeing this fellow girl who had once gone down the wrong path now reconcile with everyone, she was sincerely happy for her.
Naturally, the returning Smile girls had learned about Homi as well. Akane and the others, curious or looking forward to the future, had tried probing her. What if she was their child? The result was...
"My mother was someone who loved Ash deeply, very deeply. Someone who hurt each other with him,