TROUBLE IN THE VANILLA COURTYARD

"Yes, I'm Leif." The boy nodded.

The name sparked in Aristia's mind for some reason, and she became a bit disoriented.

Adeline immediately noticed a problem and moved closer to her with worry, wondering why it was taking her so long to respond.

Finally Aristia responded, passing a reassuring glance at Adeline.

"I'm... Aris," it was a bit difficult for the words to leave her mouth. She nodded politely and turned around to leave.

[What was that?] She thought, confused.

Leif didn't seem to notice anything odd. "I know. Leila keeps talking about you."

[Huh?] Aristia was confused for a moment before she realized that Leif was responding to her introduction.

She was a bit surprised. She stopped walking and turned to him. "She does? But we've only met once..." She trailed off, incredulous.