Undoubtedly, Finn's arrangement of night-watch pairs carried more meaning than it seemed at first glance.
For one, after Renjiro (Aether) had mentioned the astounding fact that his main self could learn all magic, Finn, as the current leader of the Loki familia, naturally had many thoughts he wanted to discuss with Riveria.
Secondly, splitting Renjiro and Lumine into separate groups was an unspoken precaution.
On top of that…
"I think Lumine is a very special girl."
"No exaggeration: her and Renjiro's adventurer talents are truly 'one of a kind' in this era."
"There aren't many geniuses who can even be compared to them… maybe none at all."
"Perhaps, for many, being born in the same era as such prodigies is both a blessing and a curse."
"Their influence can make others feel powerless, envious, or inadequate."
"Like Ais today."
Finn had a clear view of things, but he continued:
"Yet… the impact of Lumine and Renjiro on Ais, Tiona, and the others isn't all negative."
"Honestly, I'm grateful they've become friends of our familia."
"I'm eager to see what brilliant sparks these young ones will create in the future."
"For now, as 'seniors,' all we need to do is give them opportunities to interact and get familiar with each other."
These remarks were made in a relaxed tone during the first group's night watch, after Finn and Riveria had discussed certain important matters.
It was precisely for this reason that Lumine and Ais were placed in the same group.
After all, only someone close to Ais could help her untangle the tangled thoughts in her heart, she needed this opportunity.
Hence…
"Ha~ah, I want to be with Lumine! Maybe there'll be some meat tonight."
"I want to be with the leader… ah~ Leader…"
"Quiet, everyone else is sleeping."
"I can't believe even I'm being reminded by silly Tiona… seriously…"
"Who's the idiot?"
"Shh~ didn't you say to be quiet?"
"True, hehe~"
When the second group took over the watch, Tiona and Tione both expressed mild annoyance at each other, yet neither objected to the grouping.
This was out of concern for their companion and trust in Finn's judgment… and also a tacit understanding.
Of course, don't let their frequent bickering fool you, they maintained a strong sibling bond, so harmlessly teasing each other came naturally.
Everyone had their own ways of interacting, and this was especially evident in Bete.
Moving on.
Two hours later, as the third group began their watch…
…awkwardness ensued.
Unaware of Renjiro and Lumine's true relationship, the six who should have been resting in the dark-golden hut instead crowded near the door, listening at the walls.
Naturally, neither Renjiro nor Lumine could speak.
Tione, ultra-careful, even motioned to Renjiro to stay silent.
Really, it's not necessary!
"Ba-reh ba-reh da-zei~" (Already exposed, seriously!)
"Sigh~" Lumine muttered, both amused and exasperated.
For efficiency, she and Ais sat outside the hut during their watch.
Previous groups had done the same; being in the living room could delay reaction if a large monster attacked.
Hence, everyone else had the chance to eavesdrop.
Finally, the stalemate was broken.
"Lumine…"
Ais sighed, gathering courage.
She had been staring at Lumine, unsure how to begin, but now she spoke:
"Why can you get so strong so quickly?"
Ah, the blunt honesty of a naturally naïve girl, super direct!
Inside the hut, ears perked up at the "real show" beginning.
Renjiro, lounging on a central rock pedestal with one leg crossed, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.
So this is what they call being the 'team favorite'…
Meanwhile, Lumine turned to Ais and patiently explained:
"Ais, before I answer, I want you to consider it differently. I clearly remember that before Renjiro and I came to Orario, you set the record for the city's fastest leveling at just eight years old."
"Back then, it took you a year to reach Lv. 2, right?"
"Mm-hmm."
Ais, naturally oblivious, didn't feel Lumine was bragging, after all, it would seem inappropriate for someone who leveled to Lv. 2 in a week to comment on a year-long achievement.
Inside the hut, Finn and the others' expressions became awkward.
Because they were eavesdropping and couldn't speak, their frustration grew, and they all simultaneously shot Renjiro a glance.
…My fault?
Renjiro shrugged.
"Alright, fine, my fault," he admitted.
Luckily, he knew what Lumine was going to say next, giving a reassuring smile to everyone.
Turning back to Ais:
"Ais, I said to think from a different perspective. If we go back a year, when someone in your familia asked why it only took you a year to reach Lv. 2, how would you answer?"
"Emmmm~"
The golden-haired, golden-eyed Sword Princess really started thinking.
She had asked the first question, but now found herself on the receiving end, a classic case of the tables being turned.
Too straightforward for her own good.
After a long pause…
"I don't know."
"Exactly." Lumine shrugged helplessly. "Neither do I."
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