Gloria smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Liana~" she said in a sweet tone, eyes still fixed on the young master.
"Don't look at me like that," Liana replied calmly, crossing her arms. "Our young master insisted on testing his new invention. I was dragged along."
"Ara~ Without inviting me?" Gloria's smile widened as she turned her graceful gaze to Javier. "That's quite cruel of you, young master."
"Err... no?" Javier laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
Before either woman could say more, a soft hum of magic filled the air.
Shironii appeared beside Javier, its body scarred and dented, but fully upright. Its oni mask was slightly cracked at the cheek, but the glowing red eye behind it still gleamed.
Javier crouched and began inspecting the puppet's arm and leg joints.
"Hmm… good," he muttered, half to himself. "The self-repair function activated properly Yep. Perfect."
He stood up, arms crossed with a satisfied grin.
