"Oh..." Ariel waved a hand forward. "It was just side projects here and there. I would do the same ten times over for you, dear, and not just because of all the help you have given me." Ariel's eyes lingered on Rukeewei's face, showing a small smile. "We make a good team."

Dessert came out in short order. The girls were very excited for it, but their energy quickly waned once they had their fill of sweets. They still complained vehemently when ordered to bed in spite of their repeated yawning. However, they were eventually upstairs and quiet enough for the conversation at the table to shift.

Sabine in particular waited with her hand turning her wine cup nervously. When Ariel resumed her seat, Sabine breathed in to speak but was too quiet to be noticed at first.

Ariel spoke over her. "Meesei, I must ask. You've been showing little...sadnesses at times, I've noticed. When I revealed the bergamot extract and a few times during dinner." She lowered her brow in concern. "Are you okay?"