It wasn't all that surprising that Zeruel would resort to that, so I wasn't caught off guard. Being plunged into the depths of the ocean without a chance to take a breath would make anyone panic underwater, grasping for anything to reach the surface and gulp down some air. I was surprised she hadn't reached that point yet. Well, I wasn't about to let her get there.
While pondering this, the girl began crying loudly. It seemed she couldn't hold it in anymore after pouring out her feelings to me. I gently rubbed her hair. She trembled slightly at first, but then she allowed me to continue.
"What's your name, Mister?" she asked once her crying had subsided.
"Leon," I replied, offering her a smile.
"Leon..." she blushed. "Um, I'm sorry you had to see me crying like that. It must have been quite a sight. I apologize for showing you that." She bowed her head, displaying manners her mother must have taught her.
