Souta walked awkwardly, his eyes darkened.

  He thought silently:

  — Creamy…

  — Yes, sir…

  — Why do I see images of Meliora, Stingara, the Queen, and so many other women going to bathe… through Meliora’s memories?

  — Those memories weren’t supposed to be in Mel.

  Creamy replied calmly:

  — Ah, the familiar Mel is composed of the fusion of my mind with the archived data of Meliora’s memories.

  — If you think about it, I am your mind. That’s why you’re connected to her memories.

  Souta exploded:

  — And you only tell me this now?! It’s embarrassing to see women bathing when I don’t want to! And the princess bathes often… I need to wash my brain with bleach!

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Behind him, Meliora walked with Pikonota.

  The little bee familiar, Mel, floated beside the princess.

  Meliora’s eyes shone, fixed on Souta. Fascinated.

  Pikonota noticed and opened a mischievous smile.

  She approached her.

  — I thought you exploded because you were jealous of me stealing your friend… or the brother you never had. But in truth… you like him, don’t you? Mister Spoon.

  Meliora and Mel blushed intensely.

  Meliora tried to react, but Pikonota interrupted her, placing a finger on her lips.

  — Ssshhh… you always react so aggressively. You can relax. We’re talking woman to woman.

  The words echoed like comfort.

  Woman to woman.

  Meliora murmured nervously:

  — Is it that obvious?

  Pikonota laughed.

  — Oh, no. You actually hide it well. But look at him… Souta has that handsome face, he’s strong. I don’t know how he was before you met him, nor what drew you in. But I know you’d do anything to be with him. He’s sweet, even when he’s rough and indifferent.

  — But he’s a blockhead. He’ll never realize you like him unless you tell him.

  Meliora blushed more and more as she walked.

  Pikonota moved even closer, leaning her body against hers.

  Meliora stepped back, nervous, but kept her composure.

  Pikonota smiled.

  — I know there’s a spark. You need to be bolder. To give yourself, body and soul.

  Meliora imagined, for an instant, herself and Souta lying down, embraced under sheets.

  She blushed violently.

  — Look what you made me think, you…

  — Calm down, princess. Why are you angry at me? Until you gather the courage to confess, I won’t accept scolding from you.

  Meliora huffed, blushing.

  Pikonota smiled, satisfied.

  — That’s it, lovely girl. I already said we’re in a truce. There’s no reason to argue. After all… we’re both his companions, aren’t we?