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Meanwhile, Yukina and Sayaka returned from turning in the keys.
Well, "returned" wasn't quite right—the rental window was at the dock entrance anyway. By the time Bokue's group had leisurely strolled over, they'd just finished up.
Including the still-unconscious Kanon, all six gathered at the dock entrance to chat.
"Phew~ At least we've safely delivered Princess La Folia to Itogami Island."
After two days and a night on that deserted island, the familiar feeling of civilization made Sayaka relax slightly, letting out a relieved sigh.
"But I've still got other things to handle. First, I need to report to both the Lion King Organization and the Kingdom of Aldegyr that everyone's safe, so..."
She glanced meaningfully at the silver-haired princess who'd arrived with Bokue.
Sayaka only meant to give La Folia a heads-up. After all, from their time on the island, she'd learned that while the princess had a gentle personality, she could be stubbornly childish about certain things.
Like this morning when she'd accidentally pulled the covers off Bokue—any normal girl would've closed her eyes out of embarrassment and propriety. But not this princess. Not only did she refuse to look away, she completely ignored all protests and insisted on looking...
But just as Sayaka was thinking this, La Folia's response caught her off guard.
"Yes, I know. Bokue already explained everything."
The silver-haired princess smiled, agreeing without hesitation.
Now Sayaka was the one caught flat-footed.
Huh? When did she become so reasonable?
Though given their age difference it might sound strange, the War Dancer couldn't help thinking exactly that.
"Oh, and please let me take Miss Kanon too."
"Huh?"
Bokue hesitated, glancing at the silver-haired girl slumped unconscious on his back, chin resting on his shoulder.
After all, he'd just said he was taking Kanon to the Special Security Force.
But Sayaka seemed to read his mind and explained immediately.
"Don't worry, I'm planning to take Miss Kanon to the Special Security Force anyway. The Lion King Organization already briefed me about the recent masked angel incidents on Itogami Island. Plus, Princess La Folia came here specifically about Miss Kanon. Having Her Highness present will make it easier to explain their family relationship."
Oh, that made sense. Very thorough planning.
Bokue was about to say as much, but after meeting the War Dancer's eyes, something felt off. He tilted his head curiously.
"I get your plan, Sayaka, but why do you seem so... serious? Or maybe overly formal?"
"HAH?!"
The moment those words left his mouth, Sayaka—who'd been the picture of "Lion King Organization's War Dancer of the Year"—completely lost her composure. All that professional confidence evaporated, replaced by burning cheeks and barely concealed embarrassment.
"Wh-what do you mean 'overly formal'?! We're discussing serious matters here! What else did you expect? God, who does Bokue think he is, criticizing me like that..."
"Okay, okay, I get it, my bad."
Seeing the War Dancer girl about to spiral into full meltdown mode, Bokue quickly raised his hands in surrender.
But that gesture completely set off Sayaka's emotions.
She clenched her small fists, leaning forward slightly, her already flushed cheeks puffing out with indignation.
"What do you mean 'okay, okay'?! Are you saying I'm annoying you?!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Those words hung in the air, bringing instant silence to the dock entrance.
For one simple reason—Sayaka's outburst sounded exactly like... a girlfriend throwing a tantrum at her boyfriend.
"That's not what I meant."
Bokue finally broke the silence. He shifted the unconscious silver-haired girl from his back into his arms, then held her out to the still-fuming Sayaka.
"I just meant you've got a lot to do this afternoon, so don't waste time on trivial stuff."
"You've got nerve saying that... whose fault do you think this is?"
"Fine, sorry, my fault."
"Hmph..."
Though reluctant, she still took Kanon from Bokue's arms, letting out a soft huff.
"Whatever, I won't hold it against you. We're leaving now."
"Oh, safe travels."
Bokue casually waved his still-raised hand.
He'd meant it as a simple goodbye, but unexpectedly, Sayaka didn't immediately leave with La Folia. Instead, she stopped, meeting his eyes for a long moment.
Finally, her tone softened slightly as she managed:
"I know. You... you all be careful too."
Only then did she turn away with Kanon on her back.
La Folia smiled and waved as well.
"See you later~"
With that, she followed Sayaka out.
The previously crowded speedboat rental window suddenly felt empty.
Only after watching the three disappear through the dock exit did a certain Sword Shaman with her ever-present cello case narrow her eyes at the young man beside her.
"Bokue-senpai, care to explain what that was about?"
"...What do you mean?"
Bokue hadn't quite caught on yet.
"Oh my, Yukina-chan means Sayaka's attitude change toward Big Brother!"
Nagisa smiled with narrowed eyes, helpfully clarifying.
"Big Brother's been with Sayaka for two days so maybe you didn't notice, but we definitely felt the difference."
"R-right, that's exactly what I meant."
Yukina furrowed her brows slightly, putting on her business face.
"Be honest—did something happen between you and Sayaka on that island? Something... 'inappropriate' perhaps?"
"Nothing like that happened."
Bokue shook his head, still confused.
If anything was inappropriate, it was Sayaka threatening him with a sword to his back on the first night, accusing him of peeping when he'd just been worried and come looking for her.
But then again, if he hadn't done anything inappropriate with Sayaka, then that small puddle of white fluid on the bedroom floor this morning... hmm...
It definitely wasn't La Folia's. And if not La Folia, then it could only be... Oh right, Sayaka had mentioned something about her stomach being pressed.
So could it be—!
Just as Bokue was piecing together the truth, Nagisa's voice rang out.
"Well then, if Big Brother says nothing happened, then nothing happened! And now that Miss Sayaka's handling Kanon too, we can go straight home and start having some serious fun with Big Brother... hehe~"
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