"This Is Our Goodbye #3: Friend"

Luciel Kazahana, a man of commanding presence and keen observation, noticed the small figure standing behind his employee. Curiosity lit up his eyes, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice rich with authority as he inquired, "Who is this little one?"

Aoi's father, ever the opportunist, seized the chance to make an impression on his boss. "This is my daughter, Aoi," he replied, his tone respectful as he introduced the girl to Luciel Kazahana. Aoi, a poised and disciplined child despite her young age, stepped forward with a serious yet composed demeanor. She offered a deep bow, her movements precise and graceful, reflecting a maturity that surpassed her years. "Hello, Luciel-sama. It's truly a pleasure to finally meet you," she said, her voice clear and formal, demonstrating impeccable manners.

Luciel Kazahana chuckled heartily, clearly pleased by the young Aoi's demeanor. He showered compliments upon her father, praising him for raising such a well-mannered and obedient child. "Your daughter is quite impressive," he remarked with a broad smile, his laughter filling the room. "You've done a wonderful job raising her."

Standing beside Luciel was Ayaka, his soft-hearted daughter, who watched the interaction with quiet curiosity. She was dressed in a simple but elegant dress, her hair neatly tied back. Ayaka's gaze drifted between her father and Aoi, her expression a mix of shyness and intrigue.

Luciel, noticing Ayaka's interest, decided to introduce his daughter to Aoi. He gently placed a hand on Ayaka's shoulder, his voice warm and encouraging. "Aoi, meet my daughter, Ayaka. You two are almost the same age. I hope you and my little Ayaka here can become friends," he said, offering a hopeful smile.

Ayaka stepped forward, her cheeks flushed with a hint of nervousness, but she managed a soft smile as she greeted Aoi with a polite bow. "It's nice to meet you, Aoi," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Despite her timidity, her eyes held a gentle kindness that hinted at a sweet disposition.

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Aoi, with a composed yet formal demeanor, approached Ayaka and offered a respectful bow. "Hello, Ayaka-sama, I would be at your service," she said, her voice polite yet earnest. Her bow was low and graceful, demonstrating the discipline and respect that had been instilled in her from a young age.

Ayaka, in contrast, radiated warmth and friendliness. She had a jovial smile and an easygoing air that seemed to light up the room. "No, no, you don't need to bow, haha," she replied, her voice bubbling with laughter. "Since we're almost the same age, as my father said, we should be friends." She extended her hand, an open gesture of friendship and camaraderie.

Aoi, however, seemed taken aback by the casual tone and the offer of friendship. Her expression remained serious, her brow slightly furrowed as if contemplating the very idea of forming a bond with someone of higher status. Her upbringing had taught her the strict lines of hierarchy, and the notion of befriending a boss was unfamiliar territory.

She met Ayaka's gaze with a level of intensity that suggested her hesitance. "Friends, huh? Why should a servant and her boss be friends?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism. Her question was genuine, and her serious tone underscored her uncertainty about crossing the boundaries that typically separated a servant from her employer.

Ayaka's smile faltered slightly, surprised by Aoi's response. But she quickly regained her composure, her eyes softening with understanding. "Because friends support each other, no matter their roles," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "If we're going to work together, wouldn't it be better if we got along and helped each other?" She kept her hand extended, her eyes full of the genuine warmth that she hoped would bridge the gap between them.

In the midst of the formal exchange between Aoi and Ayaka, Aoi's father injected a dose of lightheartedness into the otherwise serious atmosphere. With a grin and a soft chuckle, he said, "Ah, Luciel-sama, don't mind her strictness. Aoi takes these things seriously." His words eased the tension, his jovial manner spreading a ripple of amusement through the room.

Luciel Kazahana, known for his own sense of humor despite his stern demeanor, joined in with a hearty laugh. "I admire your commitment, little Aoi," he said, his voice warm as he acknowledged Aoi's dedication to formality. His laughter was a soothing presence, a reminder that even in formal settings, light moments could still occur. He leaned forward slightly, speaking to Aoi with a gentleness that belied his commanding presence. "I hope you'll become a lifelong friend to my daughter," he said, a subtle note of expectation in his tone.

As this conversation unfolded, Ayaka's expression subtly shifted. The light in her eyes dimmed, replaced with a hint of despondency. It was clear that Aoi's initial reaction, with her serious demeanor and skepticism toward friendship, had upset her. Ayaka had hoped for a more open and enthusiastic response, but Aoi's reluctance to accept the friendship her father was suggesting left her feeling disheartened.

However, when Luciel outlined his desire for Aoi to be a lifelong friend to Ayaka, Aoi's expression hardened with determination. Her voice, unwavering and firm, carried a note of solemnity as she addressed Luciel directly. "Yes, sir," she replied, her tone devoid of hesitation. It was clear that she understood the gravity of his request and intended to fulfill it, even if it meant adjusting her own expectations.

The exchange left the room in a quieter mood, with Luciel's laughter fading into the background. Ayaka's eyes lingered on Aoi, the shadow of disappointment still evident in her gaze. She wanted more than compliance—she longed for genuine connection. But Aoi's response, though serious and respectful, was devoid of the warmth that friendship usually entailed.

Luciel, satisfied with Aoi's response, nodded approvingly. His expression suggested that he expected this arrangement to work, even if it required time for the bond between Aoi and Ayaka to develop. The balance between formality and friendship was a delicate one, and everyone in the room could feel the weight of that challenge.