As they strolled through the busy capital streets, Hazuki glanced up at the little girl riding comfortably on his shoulder.
"Ellyn?"
"Yes, Uncle?" Ellyn leaned forward slightly, her eyes blinking down at him, her tail swaying behind.
"What's with the fancy dress today?" he asked casually.
"H-Huh!?" Ellyn stiffened. "N-No! It's not fancy at all! This is... this is from a cheap bargain bin for k-kids!"
Hazuki squinted up at her. "Oh? Really?"
"Y-Yeah." She nodded rapidly, her cheeks puffing out. "Totally commoner-grade!"
"Must be nice, huh. How much was it?"
Ellyn glanced around nervously. "Fifteen copper! Yep. Fifteen. Very cheap. Bargain of the century!"
"Still kinda expensive to me," Hazuki muttered, scratching his cheek.
Ellyn giggled. "Uncle, you're weird."
Beside her, Ridan floated silently, smirking. He glanced at Ellyn and spoke directly through telepathy, his voice echoing lightly in her mind.
