Chapter 5.25

"…Can I not say it here?" Persia murmured with a pained look.

"Certainly, you were free to do so," I answered. "If you want, you can even choose not to tell me anything."

“………………” Persia remained silent while biting her lips in frustration.

"Maybe my choice of words made you misunderstood, Persia. What I meant is—"

I sat straight and placed my hand on Persia's head.

Which, she immediately looks at me with a surprised look.

"—don't force yourself. Just focus on our date first, alright? You can tell me everything when we get back." I murmured.

"…Mnn," Persia responded with a nod.

…She seems fine now.

"So, where is our next stop?" I asked.

"Shopping."

"Let me guess… bags, shoes, clothes, cosmetics?"

"Bzzt. All wrong. It's LI, N, GE, RI, E."

"…Why does it have to be that?" I murmured with my eyes rolled to emphasise my speechlessness.

"Because I'm still growing, you see."

"…You don't have to stick out your chest."