Sephiroth returned to Sky Island from Heaven's Gate Town, bringing Baby 5 with him to the Temple's Inner Court level.
After entering the Inner Court's communal lounge, Sephiroth spoke to Baby 5.
"Rina, prepare some refreshments."
"Roger~"
Baby 5 raised her hand in an exaggerated salute, then jogged toward the lounge's tea corner.
[Bella, Lily, something new has come up...]
Seated on the circular sofa made of processed cloud, Sephiroth contacted Isabella and Lilith through radio waves.
Baby 5 carried over a tray holding a teapot, cups, and several plates of snacks.
She set the tray on the coffee table and began arranging everything methodically.
A few minutes later, Isabella arrived in the lounge from the study area.
She wore a red knight's everyday uniform, her long golden hair draped over her shoulders.
"Hmm, Sephi, what's this new development?"
With shining eyes and an upturned mouth, Isabella strode toward the sofa and sat beside Sephiroth.
Then she smoothly lay down, resting her head on his knees.
"Let's wait for Lily before we talk. It's... something big."
Sephiroth lowered his head, their eyes meeting.
"Oh~"
Isabella swung her legs onto the sofa's backrest, her feet dangling beyond it and swaying gently.
Outside, she carried herself like a noble female knight, but at home, she was as lazy as a catlike girlfriend.
Before long, a small patch of shadow spread toward them across the floor.
"...Bella. Even at home, that's hardly appropriate."
Lilith's voice came from within the shadow.
Then Lilith "floated up" out of it.
Her porcelain-white skin paired with her deep purple, nun-style long dress gave her a distinctly doll-like appearance.
Her long silver hair hung to her waist, and her blood-red eyes regarded the utterly unladylike Isabella.
"...Hmm."
Isabella considered for a moment, then sat up with an unsupported