"You really are serious."
"It's one of my few defining traits."
"I like that seriousness and that sense of inferiority."
"...Really?"
Kaim tried to respond calmly to the unexpected confession, but his reddened ears gave him away. If he had long hair like Cynthia, he could have hidden them, but his hair was short, so there was no hiding them.
"Hehe, are you embarrassed?"
"I'm boring. Fine, let's leave it at that."
Kaim's expression twisted as he poked Cynthia's forehead.
Seeing him like that, Cynthia laughed happily and took his hand again.
"The ruins are small, so there's only one spot to look around, but I'm glad I brought you here."
"...Yeah."
"Thank you. Let's go home."
"Yeah."
When they arrived, he had led Cynthia into the ruins by the hand. Now, they left the ruins side by side. Cynthia and Kaim had come to understand each other more deeply and stood as equals. They both felt that way. With that thought in mind, he wanted to walk beside her, so he could keep walking at her side.
Afterward, the two walked through Kannagi Town side by side, hand in hand. The residents who saw him whispered, "Cynthia brought her son-in-law home," but the two only learned about this from Krona after returning to Mio City from Kannagi Town.
After looking around Kannagi Town, Cynthia and Kaim returned and chatted with Krona.
When they finished their story, Krona glanced at the clock. It was already past six.
"Oh, no, look at the time! I have to get dinner ready."
Krona stood and started toward the kitchen. Kaim called after her.
"I'll help you get dinner ready."
At his words, Krona stopped and looked back.
"No, I couldn't ask a guest to help."
"I'm staying here. I can at least