"Ah, Miss Ellin!"
Kamisato Ayaka was clearly delighted to see Ellin. She hurried over to her and asked with concern, "Miss Ellin, you're finally awake? Are you feeling better?"
"Hm?"
Hearing someone call her name, Ellin's unfocused eyes regained their clarity.
She looked at the person beside her and, recognizing Ayaka, managed a faint smile. "Oh, it's you, Ayaka."
"It's been a while. I'm doing all right."
"Also, I've told you so many times already, just call me Ellin. You don't have to keep being so formal."
"There's no need to stand on ceremony with me."
Kamisato Ayaka had never made friends before. She did not quite understand what sort of conversation suited friends, so she could only speak the way she usually did.
It was a matter of habit. After all, her every word and action reflected on the Kamisato Clan, the Yashiro Commission, and the Shogun.
At Ellin's reminder, she grew a little embarrassed and shifted bashfully, like any other young girl.
"Sorry, I'm used to speaking to people this way."
She stole a glance at Ellin. Sensitive as she was, she immediately noticed that Ellin was not particularly happy.
Although Fischl had already told her why Ellin was unhappy a few days ago in the Serenitea Pot.
Still, seeing the usually cheerful Ellin looking so despondent now...
She admired Ellin, so seeing her like this pained her as well.
She thought for a moment before asking, "Ellin, you seem a little down?"
"Yes!" Ellin nodded without hiding it. "I feel a little lost. There are some things I can't figure out."
"I see..."
Kamisato Ayaka's voice was gentle as she said, "In that case, forgive me for asking, but do you have some time, Ellin?"
Ellin nodded. "I do."
"That's wonderful!" Kamisato Ayaka gave her a gracious