Pursena and Linia flanked Nanahoshi Shizuka on either side and forcibly dragged her away from the table like a prisoner, even as she continued rambling.
"Wait! Stop pulling me! I'm not finished! I still have something very important to say to that Cui Ciyou..." Nanahoshi struggled and protested, her words slurred.
"All right, enough. Boss, Roxy, and Sylphy were all kind enough to help you, but after everything they did, all you do is say annoying things!" Linia tugged hard on her arm, looking exasperated with her. "You'd be better off singing something to entertain everyone! Come on, sing! Sing!"
"Exactly, meow~" Pursena drawled in agreement. "Singing sounds much nicer than complaining, meow~"
"What do you two brainless Beastfolk know?!" Nanahoshi explained in frustration. "That was just the beginning! The setup! The prologue! I hadn't gotten to the really important part yet!"
"Ohhh~" Linia drew out the word, a teasing smile of realization crossing her face. "So after going around in all those circles, you actually wanted to thank him? You really are terrible at being honest!"
Watching Nanahoshi Shizuka's adorable expression as her desire to apologize turned into angry embarrassment because she couldn't swallow her pride, Cui Ciyou couldn't resist teasing her with a smile. He deliberately raised his voice and called after her as she was dragged away:
"Friends helping each other is what friendship is all about! Besides, you treated us to this huge meal, so there's no need for a special thank-you!"
"Who... who wants to thank you?!" Nanahoshi's voice came from a distance, noticeably lacking conviction.
"Yes, yes, you outdated tsundere high school girl!"
"What did you say?! Get back here!"
Just then, Alice abruptly rose from her seat as well. She wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth and strode after them,