Mia loved her baths, but there was a reason she had stayed away from the tub to wash Patty’s back instead. Of course, that wasn’t due to any filial piety she felt for her grandmother, but to save face with Yanna!
If she views me as responsible for putting her brother in danger, she could hold a grudge.
Objectively, Yanna was just a measly child. Even if she did begrudge Mia, the threat she posed was minimal... At least, that’s what one might think. Reality greatly differed.
Mia took grudges seriously. Viewing the Lulus as just a measly tribe had led to quite a bit of heartache for her on the previous timeline.
In Tearmoon’s final days, the Tearmoon Army wiped out the tribe, and its survivors transformed into a formidable force. Had Liora been spurred by hatred alone, even she would be frightening! If I want to sleep soundly, I need to make sure I smooth things over with Yanna.
Still, it would be unnatural for a princess like her to wash the hair of a commoner like Yanna. It would seem awfully forced.
Thus, Mia set her sights on the girl beside her, Patty. She judged the gap between them well...in her own right. “I’m so glad Kiryl ended up being okay,” she said, acting nonchalant. By stressing her concern for Kiryl, she prevented Yanna from thinking, “This princess views us commoners as nothing more than common weeds.”
Yanna—who was currently having her back washed by Anne—nodded. “I’m so sorry. Kiryl’s fall completely ruined the fishing tournament.”
“And who said that? I had my fun before that fiasco. Didn’t you?” As soon as those words left her mouth, Mia quickly realized their difference in positions forced Yanna into one answer. “You had fun, didn’t you, Patty?”
Thus, she quickly redirected to Patty. “I did, Miss Mia.” Patty caught her drift and readily answered.
“I’m sure the other children had fun too, so don’t worry about Kiryl’s fall. Though, I am quite sorry if the tournament wasn’t fun for you even before that.”
Yanna shook her head once again. “No, I did have fun. I had never gone fishing before,” she said, pausing for a moment. “I’ve had so much fun here, and...I can let my guard down enough to have that fun. Before, I could only focus on surviving, but Kiryl laughs so much these days.”
“Really? In that case, I hope your memories of today are those of fun and free from guilt. Ideally, you’ll look back on this little incident as a fond memory as well...”
“Miss Mia...” she grinned at the older girl.
“Oh, and don’t scold Kiryl too harshly. What he did was dangerous, and he deserves a warning for that, but he was only trying to help me catch my fish. In fact, I should be thanking him.” After Mia had thoroughly smoothed things over, she stood up. “Well then, I’ll be headed to the bath. Hmm? What’s happening there?”
Mia turned toward the tub, and her nose was immediately hit with the scent of danger. It was wafting from Rafina, Chloe, and Orania, who sat locked in conversation.
Bath waters were the Washing Aurelia’s turf. It sharpened her senses.
Silently, she rushed over to the tub, but she couldn’t escape Rafina’s sharp eyes. “Oh, Mia. Perfect timing.” She wore a gentle smile, her cheeks tinged by the warmth of the water. “I wanted to ask what you’ve been thinking lately.”
She spoke those words quietly, lifting herself out of the water to sit on the tub’s rim and cool down. Apparently, she was expecting this battle to drag on.
Huh? What I’ve been thinking lately?
Of course, Mia never thought at all. She had no idea what Rafina could be referring to. Instead, her head had been filled with nothing but how to escape taking responsibility for the incident with Kiryl.
Still, Mia had survived countless battles! She lifted her tilted head, spinning it around to cover her confusion with feigned neck stretches.
“Ah, I see...” she muttered. Sensing a doubtful glance from Orania, she kept her eyes off the Ganudos princess and instead dipped herself into the bath. She bought some time by pretending to enjoy the water as she desperately thought, thank, and thunk. After a moment of silence, she lifted her face and made a sage utterance. “Yes, this is the perfect opportunity for me to confirm you’re on the same page.”
Then, she once again closed her eyes and folded her arms, making it clear she was expecting Rafina to speak first.
That’s right, Mia’s countless meetings and experiences as president of the student council had fostered some growth in her! Specifically, regarding the best rhetorical strategies to employ as a yes-man.
“All right, then. I do hope my assumptions are correct,” Rafina said with a giggle, happily taking Mia up on that offer.