Were small wrinkles a forbidden word? … Jaco-chan, you need to control your words now.
"Oh, Sun-Kun. Thank you. I'm sorry that my daughter has caused you trouble.”
As soon as she hears the voice, Jaco-chan jumps. The sebum sweat running down her forehead makes her look sad, unlike her usual cheerful mood.
“I was treated well by …”
"I'm glad to hear that. But you don't have to use honorifics with us, you know? It's kind of a habit for me. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have a little family meeting.
"Aha!"
Jaco-chan's eyes are as if she is clinging to me…. There's nothing I can do if you look at me like that. I'll pick up the bones, sorry.
I turn on my feet to go upstairs.
"I'll be back.”
■■■■
The door is open and the darkness of the night is seeping through. Spica seems to have turned off the lights and is gazing at the city below, lit by the moon.
"How did it go?"
"You don't want to piss off the ...humans, do you?"
Spica tilts her head.
You can't offend humans.
“You know, after we eat dinner, can I go to the bar? Will Spica come too?"
I'm going to take advantage of Jaco-chan's advice.
The purpose of the trip is to ask for information that the guard, Turker-san, has given me, but I’m also looking forward to having a drink. Just a little, okay?
“...No. I'm not really into that kind of thing."
"I see. Should I stop going too?"
"Thank you for your concern… you need a break. You're in town, so do what you enjoy, okay? Don't worry about me."
She gets up from her chair and walks over to me. She looks up at me and gently smiles.
I’m struck by the smile on her face as if to say it is okay.