"Naturally. When two girls go shopping, we certainly need someone to help carry our bags. Otherwise, if our hands get too full, it would be quite inconvenient to continue browsing."
Miko responded to Paimon's question as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
After all, her target was precisely Paimon.
Thus, she continued, "So, how about you help us carry our things? There will be a reward~"
"Huh? Me? Then... what's the reward?"
Although she wanted to refuse, upon hearing there was a reward, Paimon decided to ask first. If the reward turned out to be lots and lots of Mora, she would definitely have to agree.
Besides, if she couldn't carry it all alone, she could call Lumine to go with her. Anyway, she and Lumine had done many commissions before, so she wasn't worried about being unskilled at it.
"Why, Mora, of course. Lots of Mora."
Since Paimon had obviously eaten too much today, Miko decided to use Mora as the reward. Since she was full now, she could use the Mora to buy more food later when she got hungry again.
"Wow, lots of Mora? Then I'll go!" Seeing the reward was indeed Mora as she had hoped, Paimon agreed immediately.
It worked out perfectly; she was mostly full now, so she could save the Mora to buy more food when hunger struck again. This was simply perfect.
Paimon, completely manipulated...
Knowing what Miko was planning, Lumine watched from the side, thinking this silently. She originally thought Miko would continue to use food to tempt Paimon, and since Paimon was nearly full, she felt Paimon would refuse.
But to her surprise, Miko directly used Mora. She really hadn't expected that.
"But if there are too many things, I might not be able to carry them..."
"Don't worry, you can definitely carry them."
Before Paimon could finish speaking, Miko had already interrupted her. Regardless, since Paimon had already agreed, she couldn't let her get scared off.
"Is that so? I was planning to call Lumine to help me carry things for you." Not expecting Miko to trust her so much, Paimon voiced what she had prepared to say.
If Lumine were there, they would definitely be able to secure this reward.
"Calling Lumine along would make too many people. No need, no need."
Shaking her head, Miko indicated that Lumine was not needed. Because she was currently creating a space for Lumine and Kaito to be alone, Miko certainly wouldn't invite Lumine along.
By the way...
That guy should have figured out what I'm trying to do by now, right?
Suddenly thinking of this, Miko's gaze shifted to Kaito at the side. However, after looking at him, she found that Kaito didn't seem to have much of a reaction.
Hmm?
What is with that helpless expression on this guy's face?
After locking eyes with Kaito, Miko suddenly saw him seem to smile helplessly.
"Then Lumine and I will go look around other places," Kaito spoke up at that moment.
Hmph!
At least you know what's good for you!
After hearing Kaito say this, Miko thought this silently, and then she said aloud, "Have fun~"
After speaking, Miko even winked at Kaito.
"Ah? You guys are going shopping too?" Not expecting Kaito and Lumine to go shopping as well, Paimon suddenly felt a bit like following Kaito and Lumine.
There was no helping it; after all, she was more familiar with them. However, the thought of that Mora reward made Paimon suppress the urge to refuse Miko.
Regardless, with Mora, she could buy whatever she wanted by herself, without having to check Lumine's expression like before.
Yes!
Go, Paimon!
You can do it!
Cheering herself on in her heart, Paimon was determined to earn this Mora; no one could stop her.
"Yeah, do you want to come along?" Kaito asked Paimon, roughly guessing what Miko was up to.
Of course, he wasn't doing this to have Paimon present so he wouldn't have to be alone with Lumine; he was just asking casually. If Paimon actually agreed, he would have urged her to continue following Miko to earn Mora instead.
"Next time! This time I'm going to make money!"
Rejecting Kaito's invitation very firmly, Paimon truly wanted to earn Miko's Mora this time.
Why is this guy still thinking about having Paimon here?
Really!
Not expecting Kaito to still want to invite Paimon, Lumine silently complained about him in her heart. Although she had formed a habit of having Paimon by her side, Lumine felt it was better if Paimon wasn't here this time.
Wait!
Miko still hasn't told me what to do!
Suddenly thinking of this problem, Lumine immediately looked at Miko. But Miko seemed not to notice her gaze at all, continuing to look at Kaito and saying, "Then we'll be going first. You two take your time."
After saying that, Miko, Makoto, and Paimon left under her watch.
I still don't know what to do...
Miko...
Watching Miko's retreating figure, Lumine couldn't help but mutter to herself internally. There was no helping it; she certainly couldn't say it out loud.
But Miko just left like that... what should she do? Was she supposed to do what Miko did?
This...
How could I possibly do that...
Besides...
Kaito won't have any reaction to that kind of thing anyway...
Continuing to watch the retreating figures of Miko and the others, Lumine thought this.
Right...
Miko just said that even if Kaito is tired of seeing it, I can still do that...
Why did she say that?
At this moment, Lumine recalled Miko's words. She still didn't understand—since Kaito was already tired of seeing it, what was the point of doing that?
Hmm...
Could it be...
To show him he is allowed to look?
Suddenly, Lumine thought of this possibility. After all, if things had reached that point, it could only be a form of proof. If there was a first time, there would be a second and a third.
Is that it?
Coming back to her senses and looking at Miko and the others who had already walked far away, Lumine asked silently in her heart.
Although asking this would certainly yield no answer, and others didn't even know she was asking, Lumine still asked it. Perhaps... she was asking herself.
"Speaking of which, since coming to Inazuma, it seems we haven't gone shopping together yet," Kaito's voice sounded from behind at that moment.
"Yes." Quickly ending her thoughts, Lumine turned around and nodded somewhat reservedly.
She didn't know why, but clearly they were already very familiar with each other, yet now that there were only the two of them, she became somewhat constrained.
"Then is there any place you want to visit?" After thinking for a moment, Kaito asked this question.
Since he himself didn't know what to visit, and also to ask for Lumine's opinion, he asked this.
A place to visit?
Where would be good...
Seeing Kaito ask her this question, Lumine fell into thought. But soon, an idea appeared in her mind.
"How about we go to the hot springs together?"
____
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