As dinner unfolds, Cinder focuses on her food, maintaining a stoic silence. Her mother shoots occasional disapproving glares at her siblings, silently chastising them for their snickers.
Cinder's brother, the one who hosted the party, cautiously breaks the silence, seeking reassurance about Bondal.
Brother: "Cinder, you mentioned her name is Bondal? She won't attack us unprovoked, will she?"
Cinder continues eating her kocoko, a dish made from an edible monster, ignoring her brother's question as if it were mere background noise.
Her mother intervenes, providing the desired information about Bondal.
Mother: "No, that's not likely. White Bear Wolves are not naturally hostile. They are intelligent magical beasts, so she won't likely attack without a reason."
Her attention shifts to Cinder, and she delivers a gentle reprimand.
Mother: "Also, Cinder, it's not polite to ignore people. I know you don't feel anything, but it's always in your best interest to at least attempt to make others around you feel like they matter a little to you, rather than completely ignoring them."