"I'd like to talk with you too, but don't you still have work to do?"
"Work isn't more important than family. I can't neglect my family just because I value my work."
As she spoke, she took Shade's hand and led him toward the stairs. The word "indifference" made his heart skip a beat, but he felt that no longer mattered.
In the living room, Shade took advantage of Luvia's meal to tell her about what had happened that night. Mia lay on his lap, patiently waiting in case he might give her a late night snack.
By the time Shade finished his story, Luvia had nearly finished eating as well. She went to the washroom to freshen up, then returned and gave Shade a hug:
"Look at that, you were the one who went on another adventure like this. You're the strongest among us—you always have been. Just hearing you describe that lonely sensation of falling into the abyss tells me that I definitely wouldn't have been able to endure it."
She whispered softly into Shade's ear.
"You don't need to comfort me like that. I know there was something wrong with my emotions at the time, but I was fine afterward. That evil god... it was strange. I understood Them, and then that icy feeling of falling disappeared. I can't arrogantly claim that I truly understood a god's thoughts. What I mean is, I'm fine, Luvia. A good night's sleep will be enough."
Those purple eyes still looked at him with some concern, but she nodded gently nonetheless.
"I believe you. We gained a great deal tonight. At last, part of that island's secret has been uncovered. I never expected that the reverse side of the island, in another space, would actually contain Another Island."
"The dense fog