"Putt-putt-putt...!"
Just then, a strange engine noise came from a branching path nearby.
It was a crudely built, two-wheeled Waver powered by a Cloud Dial.
This vehicle, unique to Sky Island and used for traveling over clouds, swerved toward them as though out of control, only just managing to stop beside Conis.
Driving the Waver was a middle-aged man who also had small wings on his back.
He wore plain work clothes and had an honest face, but right now it was bloodless, filled with terror and anxiety.
This man was none other than Conis's father-Pagaya.
"C-Conis!"
Pagaya's voice trembled. He grabbed his daughter's wrist, his terrified gaze sweeping over Kirishima, who stood nearby with white hair, black clothes, and a long blade over his shoulder.
Then, as though remembering something, he quickly lowered his head, as if even another glance would invite divine punishment.
Lowering his voice, he spoke to his daughter on the verge of tears. "Y-you're still here! The priest just delivered a divine decree! We're supposed to... we're supposed to..."
He simply could not bring himself to say the rest, only looking pleadingly at his daughter, hoping she understood how serious this was.
Conis turned her hand over and gripped her father's trembling hand tightly, shaking her head firmly and forcefully.
She took a deep breath, then summoned her courage and looked at Kirishima again. Though her voice still trembled, it was much clearer. "Th-this is my father, Pagaya. Please... please believe us. We mean you no harm! Please... please come with us!"
Pagaya looked into his daughter's eyes, then at the white-haired man silently watching the two of them...
In the end, the fear born of years under divine oppression intertwined with his desire to protect his daughter, turning into a long, resigned sigh.
Trembling,