Inside the administrative office, a strange mix of quiet tension and the dull hum of activity filled the space. Wataru sat in one of the waiting chairs, holding Mariel's hand.
Her normally soft, warm fingers, long and slender, were now cold as ice.
He gently squeezed her hand, hoping to pass his warmth to her, a small gesture of comfort. Mariel, sensing his kindness, looked down, clearly feeling guilty.
"I'm so sorry... because of me, you had to go through that unpleasant interaction," Mariel whispered.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Mariel," Air interjected. "I didn't like that guy's tone one bit."
"Exactly! How dare he dismiss your desire to meet your parents so coldly?" Cloche added, her voice indignant.
Wataru nodded in agreement. "They're right, Mariel. You didn't do anything wrong. In fact, you've done more than anyone could have asked, paying off your family's debts by becoming a slave. You should be proud of yourself."
