Inazuma's morning. When the sun rose from the direction of Inazuma Island, the clouds on the horizon carried a purple tint.
As morning deepened, the clouds gradually turned yellow, and the sky finally transformed into a warm, pale yellow.
Cid felt the beauty of Inazuma's leisurely morning. The morning land breeze gently awakened his just-risen mind.
What time was it now? Probably around five-thirty?
He had slept from past nine until now—eight and a half hours. It was actually a pretty good rest.
If this were still his old life in the wooden cabin, he would probably be preparing breakfast right now.
Unfortunately, he still had to return to Sangonomiya for breakfast later.
For now, he would just wait here for little Eula to wake up.
Hmm… the morning breeze seemed to carry a hint of warmth.
And then there was last night's matter…
Had there been anything improper in the way he handled it?
He had not denied little Eula's feelings. Instead, he had gently pushed that feeling further into the future, waiting until she matured before revisiting it.
The approach should have been decent enough. So now it was also time to consider the issues that might follow.
Suppose… just suppose…
Although it felt like Eula's current feelings for him were largely based on goodwill toward someone reliable who was always by her side—and might not necessarily continue that way later—
What if, after she grew up, little Eula still firmly chose this old uncle here?
Cid felt a slight headache.
His psychological problems…
He would have to study and solve them himself…
This old uncle's views on love…
Love is something so many people praise in song; that alone is enough to prove the beauty it contains.
It has only been defiled by those with ulterior motives.
On an emotional level, he would definitely choose a girl whose eyes were full of him and whom he also liked.
But rationally, he would tell himself that such a girl…
would simply be a pure fool.
One must also take responsibility for a fool's entire life. Therefore, the current him would choose to refuse.
This person called Cid was not suitable for dating right now.
Emotionally speaking, he was actually like a Taotie. Only because of his usual rational suppression and physical maturity could he appear like a normal person.
He craved all kinds of emotions. Although he could accept loneliness, he could not endure it for long.
He knew exactly why he was like this. He clearly understood the root cause and also knew the methods to treat or alleviate it—and he was already taking action.
The enthusiasm of elders, the purity of children, the people's expectations for a beautiful future…
Every beautiful emotion was medicine for his condition…
Deep inside, like a Taotie, he devoured those emotions, then firmly locked them away with reason as shackles…
If he ever reached that deeper level of relationship, emotions unrestrained by reason might pursue one person like a wild beast.
That would be far too dangerous.
Little Eula was growing, but to be honest, he also needed to grow.
At the very least, he had to find a way to solve this [emotional hunger disorder] first.
Speaking of which, Mizuki had recently been studying the psychology knowledge provided by Sumeru. He could go ask her about it later.
"Old uncle, are you packed?"
Little Eula, who had woken up, washed, and already put on her knight attire, came to Cid's side and asked.
"I've been packed for a long time. Let's go—back to Sangonomiya for breakfast."
As the wind field activated, Shura Anyakonsen-shou and his attendant knight flew toward Sangonomiya.
"Old uncle, speaking of which, I chatted quite well with little Kokomi last night. During today's meeting, I'll do my best to poach little Kokomi to work at your Requiem Shrine!"
"Hiss… little Eula, Kokomi's faith is still in Orobashi after all…"
"It's fine. The Shura Anyakonsen-shou is a public faith for the people of Inazuma. It can be arranged."