Youth, Trembling in front of the young girl.

Latina was pouting a little in silence, but it seems she noticed something. Getting down from the chair, she trots over to Dales side, faces him and hugged him tightly.

.Latina?

Dale, is it work? Are you going to be away for a long time again?

There was both loneliness and sadness in her expression. These few months of travel were the longest period of time that Latina had been able to monopolise Dale. Even if he went out in the day, he would always come back at night and spend time with her. They would eat together, talk together and sometimes, sleep next to each other.

She shouldve understood that, that time was not normal, yet she found it extremely painful knowing that itll end.

.Ahh. Sorry, youre going to have to be at home alone a lot again.

Uun, no. Its ok. Latina will stay at home properly.

Her words didnt match her actions. Latina pushed herself further into Dale. And then, it looked like she didnt know how to look back up again.

Dale sways. His face in conflict.

.How rare. You can resist.

Probably cause Hermione is right there.

Rita and Kenneth, the married couple quietly explained the situation to each other.

Latina.will wait for Dale. .But, can we be together for just, a little longer?

.!!

Dales two hands, were held out by her sides, making suspicious movements. Him, wielding a strange, uncommentable expression.

Oh my, what a spoiled little girl.

At this critical juncture, when Dale was just about to lose control, it was Hermione who attacked him from behind with her one sentence.

Its my bad for always making you stay at home all the time!! Youre. youre working so hard for me!!

So thats how it is. Looks like youre the real spoiled child here.

Seeing her crestfallen expression, Dale suddenly hugs Latina, bringing her into his arms. As that went on, Hermione kept casually saying words which sounded like threats.

Hermione giggles, with a look like she found something interesting.

Still, I wouldnt tell you to leave right away after youve come back from such a long journey. Ive still got things to do in this city as well.

As she says that Hermione turns around, smiles happily and gently waved her hand.

Then, Ill see you later Dale.

Hermione headed towards the staircase within the Dancing Ocelot. On the second floor were the guest rooms. It seems thats where Hermione was staying.

.Dale, that person, is she someone you work with?

Latina asked in a quiet voice once Hermiones figure completely disappeared into the second floor.

Ahh. Even though she acts like that, shes still an accomplished magician.

Dale answers with a sigh and Latina fell to the floor.

Just work?

Seeing those large grey pupils stare at him, and questioning him once more, Dale avoided his gaze slightly.

Its just a work relationship.

It wasnt a lie.

Its just that, he didnt how to feel when he was questioned.

.

Latina started to open her mouth but then closed it. Seeing Latinas reaction which was somewhat different to normal, Dale was shaken even more.

La.Latina?

When Latina grows up, Latina is going to be big,mon. Im still a child so theyre still small,mon.

Puff. Looking at her pouty cheeks, it seems like her pride has been hurt.

This child was even smaller than the children around her age. It didnt seem to be because of her race, but rather an individual difference. Both her height and weight were growing at a very healthy rate. It wasnt a problem.

However, since she was called small a lot by the people around her, it appears she was quite bothered by it.

Even Dale could sympathise.

After all, there wasnt just a few incidents from what he could remember where he has had resentments due to being looked down on, not because of his ability, but his youth.

Its fine for you to stay small Latina. youre so cute.

Its annoying being small. Latina wants to grow up,mon!

Regardless, even if he understood what Latina was worried about, he would end up saying that without thinking. It couldnt be helped. Shes cute even though she was so small after all.

Latina is still a girl, you know? They can faintly sense things.

A womans sense is truly incredible

Looking at Dale and Latina from the sidelines, Rita and Kenneth was talking about them. The fact that Dale and Hermiones Relationshipwas more than just work relatedwas something the two of them clearly knew.

They even know that they have aprovisotogether.

It seems like Latinas mood wasnt going to recover.

Today, Latina wasnt helping out Kenneth, instead she went up to the attic to unload the luggage and clean up. She was working through it quietly.

The reason why Dale was steadily coming forward shortly after speaking out and reached out, was the all due to this silence.

.La-Latina?

Whaat?

Wo-wont. Wont you lighten up.?

Its not like Im angry.

And stopped.

(Latina has never been so. Upset before I.)

Dale said in his head as he felt, drip, cold sweat dripping. He would have much rather just stated straight out Youre in a bad mood, but he choked back his tears.

Dale.

Yes?

His voice croaked. Latina stared right at Dale, who couldnt hide his trembling.

Im, not angry. So Dale, you dont have to worry about it.

..B-but.

Its fine. Dont mind me.

He was cut off. This young girl has always been stubborn. When shes like this, theres a high chance she wont talk anymore.

.Ill be downstairs so.

Un. Latinall finish cleaning up.

While he was delighted with such a trivial act like getting a response, Dale quickly decided to do a strategic retreat.

Which is why he didnt see it. The sight of Latina once again pouting, her cheeks puffing up, all by herself in the attic.

I knew it. It would be better if I grew up as soon as possible.

The main dissatisfaction in that murmur was targeted at herself, for being a child, which is why she was actually serious when she said You dont have to worry about me.

I was. I was ignored by Latina.

Kenneth placed a steaming hot cup in front of Dale who was hanging his head down, crestfallen, at the kitchen table. He quietly stirred the emerald-coloured tea.

I made it a little stronger. Theres not that much alcohol,just in case.

..Im not going to make that mistake. Ive changed sincethen.

He puffed up his cheeks in disagreement, but naturally, a grown up thug like him didnt have the adorableness like that of Latina.

Kenneth plunked down in front of Dale, as it seemed like he was coincidentally free.

You dont have any more regrets about it right?

No, not really. It was just a learning experience

Yeah, I guessed. Which is why, I let Hermione stay here, since I knew it wouldnt be a problem. We are an inn after all.

Thats your business, so you dont have to care about me.

Dale sips on his tea after saying so, and frowned at the bitterness.

.Well, looking at you, from Hermione to Latinas mood dampening, it seems like this is quite the important period of time.

EXACTLY! Why. is Latina, so cranky.

Thats.

Saying up to there, Kenneth stopped himself.

Its quite a common occurrence where a daughter, hearing of their fathers remarriage, would get jealous of the other woman, but no matter how you look at this, Latina is probably showings signs of caution and jealousy towards a woman appearing close to Dale, who she had been monopolising all this time.

However, for some reason, Dale didnt notice that and if Kenneth pointed it out then even, Latina. so much.about me!, he would be choking with tears crying. And then without a doubt, go up and snuggle Latina, doting on her.

So troublesome. So bothersome.

And somehow, somewhat irritating.

Because of that, Kenneth lifts up the pot lid, and started to muddle the waters, through meaningless actions such as focusing on tea leaves.

Whats wrong?

.Latina!

Seeing the two adults, Latina tilted her head as she came down the stairs. The luggage she held in her hands, were tools necessary for laundry and the washing. It seems shes finished cleaning up to some extent.

.Latinas the real adult.

The one Kenneth whispered about without too much thought, was the young girl who seemed to have tidied up her mood, focused on her job and returned back to being her normal self.