"Y-you're talking to me?" Minerva stammered, her voice tinged with surprise as she looked up to find Hera's eyes on her.
The unexpected attention caught her off guard, nearly causing her to choke on her food again.
Her flustered gaze instinctively darted to her brother, seeking reassurance.
Though she had begun to warm up to Hera, the guilt from her past actions lingered, making her feel unworthy of Hera's kindness.
However, when her eyes met Rafael's, she found him smiling at her with an encouraging, doting expression, as though he was content just watching his two favorite people interact.
Taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart, Minerva mustered the courage to respond.
"A-A-Anything Sister Hera brings would be best," Minerva muttered softly, her voice shy but loud enough for everyone in the ward to hear.
Hera's smile widened, and she nodded in acknowledgment without saying another word.
