"So... how is it, Elena? Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah! It’s so interesting! There are so many animals here we never see on Wind Island. I’d actually love to talk to them up close instead of just looking through the bars, but I’m having plenty of fun!"
"In that case, shall we head to the Interaction Corner later? The variety might be limited, but you can actually pet some of them there."
"Really!? Yay! I’m going! I’m definitely going!"
Marcos had worried there might be some lingering awkwardness between them, but talking to her was proving to be surprisingly easy.
Greatly relieved by her upbeat reaction, Marcos stole a quick glance back at the rest of the group.
I shouldn't have made a promise without asking, but it shouldn't matter. There’s no way those guys would turn Elena down.
After all, the goal of today’s outing was to cheer Elena up while creating an opportunity for him to talk to her one-on-one.
Trusting that Yugo and the others would cooperate for her sake, Marcos felt comfortable making the promise. He decided to take his time and carefully consider how to approach the main topic, but Elena suddenly spoke up first.
"...Thank you, Marcos. And thanks to Yugo and everyone else, too."
"Hm...? What for? You don't need to be so formal just for a trip to the Interaction Corner."
"It’s not just that... You all got together today for me, didn't you?"
"Ghk...!?"
Marcos flinched, his eyes widening.
She was sharper than he’d given her credit for. He had assumed she wasn't the type to overthink things, but as he mentally replayed his actions, he wondered if he’d been completely transparent. Elena continued before he could find his voice.
"It’s because I said I was lonely without my father or Poruru, isn't it? You’re trying to cheer me up. I’m sorry... I shouldn't have made everyone worry."
"N-No! There’s no need to apologize for that! This isn't exactly... I mean, it's not like... Look, that’s not it! Well, it is, but..."
Flustered by her words—which were slightly off the mark yet fundamentally correct—Marcos struggled to find the right words to reassure her.
He desperately wanted to call for backup, but his pride told him that running to Yugo for help now would be pathetic. As he wrestled with his dignity, Elena let out a quiet sigh.
"After I told you that the other day, I realized I’d said something awful. My father and Poruru aren't here, but you and the others are right by my side. And yet, I still went and said I was lonely..."
"You really shouldn't dwell on that. I understand how hard it is to live away from your family. I also know that family and friends are two different things. Most importantly, I know you well enough to know there wasn't a drop of malice in what you said."
"Thank you. But I still felt bad about it. I’ve been wanting to apologize for a while. I’m sorry, Marcos."
So that was it. Marcos let out a low groan of realization. That was why her spirits had seemed dampened earlier.
He wanted to tell her it was a trivial concern, but he knew it wasn't trivial to her. She was thinking and worrying far more than he’d imagined, carrying a weight he hadn't fully appreciated.
Seeing her try so hard to be kind to others despite her own struggles made him respect her from the bottom of his heart.
"...If anything, I should apologize for not noticing you were so troubled. I’m sorry, Elena."
"Don't be silly, you have nothing to apologize for! I’ve already caused you so much trouble as it is."
"I’ve never once thought of you as trouble. You’re a precious friend."
"Eh...?"
Marcos spoke with firm conviction to the downcast girl. As she stared at him with wide, surprised eyes, he continued quietly.
"I understand how you feel—the uncertainty of being away from home. Like I said, friends and family are different. We can never replace Lord Carlos or Poruru. But just like them, we care for you deeply. We want to be there for you."
"Marcos..."
"So don't worry about it. Friends support one another and walk the same path. That’s just how it works. It’s not a burden. Besides, do you have any idea how much trouble that lot over there gives me? Compared to them, anything you could do would be a drop in the ocean."
"Pff... Hahaha!"
Marcos pointed back at Yugo and the others with a look of genuine annoyance, and the sheer exasperation in his voice finally broke Elena’s tension. She let out a peal of laughter.
At the same time, she looked back at the rest of the group. Seeing their anxious, hovering expressions, she realized they were just as worried about her as Marcos was. She gave a firm, energetic nod.
"Thank you, Marcos! I feel so much better now!"
"I see. That’s a relief."
"Knowing how much you care has really put my mind at ease! From now on, I won't hold back—I’m going to cause you tons of trouble!"
"Wait, hold on! For my own sanity, I’d really prefer it if you didn't! Hey, are you even listening to me!?"
Marcos’s panicked shout echoed as he found himself at the mercy of the girl who had finally regained her usual spark.
Yugo and the others exchanged glances, satisfied that the first phase of the plan had been a success, before joining the pair to head toward their next destination.