"It seems the effect of walking this stretch was quite good after all."
Yae Miko felt pleased that Acheron's condition had improved slightly. She then continued, "So, going forward, you should come to the shrine to find me more often. Right now, it's always me coming to find you."
"Aren't you afraid your plan will fail?"
"Anyway, it's not like you travel by walking; no one will see you." Yae Miko had naturally considered the point Mei was worried about, but she knew Mei certainly wouldn't walk over slowly.
After all, Mei was no ordinary person; there was no need for her to use such a pedestrian method.
Just like that, the two chatted as they walked toward the inn.
Since Mei was feeling a bit better, it was time to head back.
Ritou Inn.
"Kaito, you read so slow. I've already finished this page, and you've been looking at it for ages."
"I told you to take it back and read it after I was done, but you insisted on reading it with me, didn't you?"
"Aiyaya, I can't help it when it gets to the exciting parts!"
"Even if you can't help it, you have to hold it in for me!"
Because the corridor wasn't enclosed, Kaito and Paimon were currently reading a book together outside in the hallway.
Why are these two reading here?
Upon returning to the inn with Mei, Yae Miko heard their conversation and felt quite curious. Furthermore, for some reason, Wendy was not by their side.
"It's Sister Acheron and Sister Miko, they're back!" Paimon spotted the returning pair and hurriedly greeted them.
"You two were quick. I thought it would be a while before you returned," Kaito said, closing the book in his hands and looking at them.
"What? Afraid I'd kidnap Mei?" Stopping in front of Kaito, Yae Miko spoke in a teasing tone.
"Actually, I was afraid she might treat you as a pet, capture you, and keep you in a cage." Kaito smiled at Yae Miko's joke.
"Tch, Mei wouldn't do something like that." Yae Miko seemed a bit dissatisfied, not expecting Kaito to say such a thing. Regardless, Mei would never lock her in a cage to raise her.
"I do indeed need a pet."
Just as Yae Miko felt certain that Mei was on her side, Mei suddenly dropped this sentence from the side.
Yae Miko: "???"
Looking at Mei with a face full of shock, Yae Miko looked like she wanted to say something but stopped. She had been prepared to say things like, 'See, Mei agrees,' but instead, she had been backstabbed by Mei.
"Mei, to think you actually backstabbed me... I'm so sad."
Mimicking the motion of wiping away tears, Yae Miko acted out her heartbreak. However, what she didn't know was that her mention of 'backstabbing' successfully reminded Acheron of the happy times from yesterday.
Kaito 'backstabbed' me yesterday too...
Looking at Yae Miko, who was feigning sadness, the expressionless Acheron silently thought this to herself.
It had to be said—the sensation under those multiple multipliers was truly too stimulating. It wasn't just Wendy, far away in Mondstadt, who almost screamed out; she felt the same way here.
If she hadn't covered her mouth in time, Lumine next door probably would have heard those strange sounds.
Fortunately, it wasn't the position where he grabs both hands...
Recalling the events of yesterday, Acheron couldn't help but think this. If Kaito had used grabbing her hands as leverage yesterday, she definitely wouldn't have had time to cover her mouth.
If we do that kind of thing again later...
Should I stuff something in my mouth just in case?
Pondering this question, Acheron fell into deep contemplation.
At this moment, watching Acheron who seemed lost in thought, Yae Miko spoke again:
"Alright, alright, it was just a joke. Don't think so much about it, Mei."
Thinking that Mei was considering how to comfort her, Yae Miko quickly added this. In her view, Mei had a straight-shooting personality; right now, she was probably thinking about how to maintain the relationship between her best friend and her boyfriend.
"Okay." Saying a single word expressionlessly, Acheron ended her train of thought.
After all, what Yae Miko was thinking and what she was thinking were completely different things. It was better not to dwell on it to avoid awkwardness.
"Speaking of which, where is that girl Wendy? Why don't I see her here?"
Yae Miko asked this as if it were a casual inquiry. Firstly, she was curious why Wendy wasn't around. Secondly, she wanted to find a way to reconcile with Wendy. Since the girl didn't want to call her 'Sister Miko,' she wouldn't force it.
However, Yae Miko hoped Wendy could help her with something. Although she hadn't decided whether to go through with that plan yet, she needed to improve her relationship with Wendy before that. Only then could she decide whether to proceed.
"She went back to sleep," Kaito answered quickly.
Because he and Acheron had engaged in a 'deep exchange' yesterday, coupled with the fact that Acting Grand Master Jean had chatted with her for a long time, Wendy was a bit sleepy today and had gone to nap.
"Alright, it seems that girl hasn't woken up yet." Now Yae Miko finally understood why Wendy wasn't outside.
"Why? Do you have something to discuss with her?" Kaito asked.
"How about we step aside to talk?"
Seeing Kaito ask, Yae Miko thought for a moment and made this request. Originally, she was wondering how to get on good terms with Wendy, but since Kaito asked, she might as well start her move now.
"Step aside to talk?" Kaito looked a bit puzzled by Yae Miko's request, but he continued, "Sure, let's go now."
After speaking, Kaito tossed the book to Paimon. Then, as if remembering something, he turned his head to speak to Acheron. "I'm going out with Miko for a bit."
Although this action was superfluous for him, in front of Yae Miko and Paimon, he still had to go through the motions. Only then would it appear normal.
"Mn, then I'll go back to the room."
After nodding to Kaito, Acheron walked toward the room. It worked out perfectly; while Kaito was discussing matters with Miko, she would try out the idea of stuffing something in her mouth.
Anyway, with the Void Archives now available, she could conjure up whatever she wanted.
"Then I'll go back to read too."
Seeing that everyone was dispersing, Paimon, who had been silent all this time, said this and returned to the room she shared with Lumine.
"Alright, let's go." After Acheron and Paimon had each returned to their rooms, Kaito gestured for Yae Miko to lead the way.
"Mei really doesn't mind you being alone with other girls at all, does she?" Yae Miko commented silently as she watched Mei close the door.
"Why? Are you preparing to do something to me?" Kaito smiled at Yae Miko's remark.
___
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