Meesei caught a look at Lunise's face when she faced her. She was not stoic or stern. Neither was she upset, despite the beginnings of tears on her eyes. She was neutral and relaxed, staring intensely into Meesei's eyes like they were the most captivating things in the world. Lunise's embraced the kiss just as much as Meesei did. She neither escalated nor cut it short. The moment was long and euphoric.

When Meesei finally had the mind to check on Sabine and Karl, they were sat where they were before, side by side and with an arm each around their shoulders. With their backs to Meesei and Lunise, they were hunched over something they held out of view. Meesei barely heard them murmuring.

"What about this flower?" Karl asked. "What does it do?"

"It is an iris flower. I actually do not use it for much." Sabine happily explained onwards. "It can sometimes be used to strengthen one against diseases when you crush its petals with the right reagents. It looks pretty, though."

"Hm, that's a coincidence," Karl said.

"Why?"

"Because even though it seems odd compared to other flowers, it's easy to see that it's beautiful. It's unique, like you."

Sabine shrunk and exhaled sharply. Probably blushing. "Shut up," she demanded, before kissing him on the cheek.

Lunise looked on as well. She mumbled to Meesei with a touch more levity than before. "What is it like, Meesei? To raise a girl, that is? A pretty girl like her."

[hr]
"Hard drink while Meesei's away?" Fendros smirked. "Careful, you might get pregnant."

Fendros looked ahead while they walked together. His smile faded. "This plan...perhaps it was the ambush but I just cannot shake the feeling that something will go wrong."