"Wh—!?"
Yugo and the others widened their eyes in surprise at Horon's words.
Seeing their reaction, Horon wore an expression that suggested he’d let something slip. But, figuring it made no difference since he had already said this much, he continued to speak about Elena.
"A long time ago, Elena lost her mother to illness... Her grief back then was almost unbearable to watch. She loved her mother dearly."
"Her mother... so young? I see."
"Yeah. But right around then, she found Poruru washed up on the beach. His presence was what saved her."
A monster crab, discovered just after she lost her beloved mother.
Horon explained that this chance encounter had created a new family, and Poruru’s presence had healed Elena’s heart just as it threatened to sink into sorrow.
"Elena’s father is the leader of this island. Following his example, she works her hardest for Shandia Island. Alongside Poruru, of course."
"...I suppose she wants the island her mother loved to be loved by as many people as possible," Marcos murmured.
Horon nodded silently. Then, looking at the group, he continued.
"Truth be told, Elena’s father wants her to leave this island... or rather, leave Wind Island. He wishes for her to see the vast world instead of being cooped up on such a small island. But Elena herself doesn’t want that."
"She must be reluctant to leave a place so full of family memories. Her feelings are perfectly understandable."
"Well, I suppose. But I also understand her father's point of view—he wants his daughter to experience school life with kids her own age, like you all."
Horon groaned, caught between the child who thought of her parent and the parent who thought of his child’s future. Feeling the weight of this difficult dilemma, he looked up and gazed at Yugo and his companions.
"It might be a lot to ask out of the blue, but please, be friendly with Elena. It might only be for a short time, but spending time with people like you will surely be good for her."
"...Yes, we understand," Yugo said with a firm nod.
Just as Horon smiled, seemingly satisfied with that answer, Elena returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find my father at all!"
"Carlos-san is making his rounds across the island today, isn't he? He probably isn't anywhere nearby," Horon said.
"Hmm, looks that way. If we keep searching, the sun will set, so I'll just take you to the Workshop first!"
"That’s a good idea. Some other guests have already arrived, so you can guide them all together."
Following that exchange, Elena led the way toward the Workshop. On the way, she spoke to Marcos, who was still being clung to by Poruru.
"Hey, Marcos. What were you and Horon-san talking about while I was looking for my father?"
"Nothing of importance. More importantly, you mentioned your father was a craftsman who made equipment using Monster Materials, didn't you?"
"Yup, that’s right! Make no mistake, my father is a top-tier craftsman! He’s even made weapons and armor using Poruru’s carapace and claws from when he molted, so look forward to it!"
"Kani-ka-nii!"
"Heh... I see. Then I shall indeed look forward to it."
Marcos skillfully deflected the question, a faint smile touching his lips at the sight of the high-spirited girl and the energetic crab.
The group arrived at the Workshop, Elena’s father’s place of business. But the moment Yugo and the others stepped inside, the guests who had arrived earlier started a commotion.
"Wh—!? Yugo!?"
"Why are you guys here!?"
"Huh? You two are..."
Yugo tilted his head, eyeing the male duo in the Workshop who were wearing the same uniform as them. He felt like he’d seen them somewhere before. Just as he was trying to place them, Ryuga provided the answer.
"I don't recall their names, but they're the ones who hung around with Cyan. You must have seen them during the incident with that criminal organization."
"Ah, now that you mention it...! From back then!"
"Hey! You don't have to put it like that!"
"Do you have any idea how much trouble I went through because of you after that!?"
Prompted by Ryuga, Yugo clapped his hands in realization. These were the two who had been with Cyan—the ones who had botched the Security Force operation, provoked the criminals into causing more damage, and then slunk away.
They had caused plenty of trouble, but since he’d heard that Ryuga had "accidentally" (though Ryuga never explicitly said it wasn't on purpose) slashed them while taking down the culprit group, Yugo hadn't given them much thought. He certainly hadn't expected to run into them here.
Woz and Torin shouted in anger at the group's dismissive attitude, but they quickly fell silent when they realized Elena was right there. Both Woz and Torin were here to recruit her. It would be a disaster if they acted foolishly and made her dislike them.
They had to make Elena theirs without being outmaneuvered by the rival standing right next to them.
(I'm not backing down! Elena belongs with me!)
(As if I’d lose to an idiot like him! I’m the one who will win Elena over!)
For a split second, their glares clashed, sparks flying between them. Then, with practiced speed, they approached Elena from both sides and addressed her simultaneously.