A Gift

Klein could not go on.

He finally remembered that Leonard also had an Angel hidden within him, and his previous remark left him feeling a peculiar awkwardness.

After a brief silence, Klein took the initiative to say goodbye. Neph agreed without hesitation, then eagerly turned back to the page she had been reading.

Before she could read two lines, another knock came at the door. Neph frowned as she opened it and found Laila holding a tray. "The Captain said you haven't eaten yet," Laila explained, looking distracted. "This is for you."

Neph paused. Her displeasure at being interrupted vanished, replaced by something like a warm breeze brushing gently past. Her voice softened:

"Thank your Captain for me."

Laila nodded and turned to leave once Neph had taken the tray. Watching her retreating figure, Neph suddenly called out:

"Laila."

"What is it?" Laila stopped and turned to ask.

"What do you think of our destination?" Neph asked casually. "Or this voyage of ours?"

"...I don't know," Laila said after briefly closing her eyes. "All I can see is a hazy, dangerous white mist, with the future hidden behind it."

"What about you?" Rather than being disappointed, Neph approached the question from another angle. "Once this voyage ends, what do you plan to do?"

This time, Laila remained silent for several seconds before speaking:

"...I don't know.

"Perhaps I won't be a pirate anymore."

"?" Neph blinked, looking puzzled.

Laila, however, seemed to have suddenly found the answer to some question. A delighted smile spread across her face. Neph thought this was the first time she had ever seen her so happy. Before she could say anything, the girl quickly turned and hurried away.

Neph rubbed her brow, lowered her head, and frowned again.

*She thinks she'll survive until the voyage