Alina had almost forgotten Dante was walking with them, mostly because he had been so quiet, watching the children pick things, following the group like a silent guardian, until he suddenly stepped a little closer to her.
"Miss Alina," he asked softly, puzzled, "you are not liking anything here?"
She blinked up at him, surprised by the question. His expression was calm, but there was a faint crease between his brows, as if something about her silence truly bothered him.
"Well… everything is pretty," Alina said with a small smile.
"So why are you not picking anything?" Dante pressed gently. "I already covered everything."
He had spoken with King Corvus earlier, agreeing that if the children bought anything, he would settle the payment altogether. King Corvus had kindly offered to let Class D take things for free, but Dante disliked accepting gifts without giving something back, so he insisted. King Corvus had no choice but to accept, knowing Dante's stubbornness.
