Amel-san appeared, practically draped in a shroud of gloom. Just to be clear, I had definitely told her that I’d be running a stall. During our exchange via Hummingbird back then, she had replied with something like, "Understood. I'm looking forward to it." So why did she currently look like a puppy shivering in the rain?
"Sworn Friend... I know you are a great man. I believe you are a true warrior, brave enough to face any hardship alone. But sometimes, that very valiance can end up hurting others. Like me, who couldn't support my Sworn Friend as he challenged the Abyssal Banquet... or me, who waited endlessly for a summons for reinforcements... or me, who envisioned the Banquet in my heart and sharpened my soul for the battle against that fantasy..."
Basically, Amel-san was hurt. The reason? It seemed she had really wanted to run the stall with us. From what she said, she had been doing image training while waiting for an invitation that never came. Since the festival had finally started, she had shown up feeling completely dejected.
"E-Err... when I contacted you, the stall members were already decided, and it’s not really a big operation, so..."
"...I... I wanted to run a shop with my Sworn Friend, too."
She looked like she was on the verge of tears. She must have really wanted to join. What should I do? I could invite her to join us now, but would it feel like I was just doing it out of pity? I couldn't just leave her like this, though.
"T-Then, Amel-san, let's do it together next time!"
"...Eh?"
"There are other festivals, right? So, next time, let's run whatever kind of stall you want to do together."
"...Really? You'll do it with me?"
"Of course! I’m looking forward to running a shop with you, too. Let's think about what kind of shop it should be later."
"Sworn Friend!"
Amel-san’s face lit up instantly. Her expression shifted from "the world is ending" to pure, unadulterated joy. Since she didn't seem to have much experience hanging out with friends, running a festival stall together was probably a dream of hers. I understood that feeling and wanted to help.
However, since preparations were already finished and the stall was too small for another person, I’d have to ask her to wait for the next chance.
"You promise! It's a real promise!!"
"Yeah, I promise."
"A shop with my Sworn Friend... I can't wait. I wonder what kind of shop would be—Hah!? Ahem... Hmph. A New Contract has been forged. By this pact, I shall overlook this transgression. I shall enjoy this Abyssal Banquet not as a performer, but as a spectator. Therefore, I shall take the Forbidden Bags, the two as one."
"Sure thing... One plain and one chocolate, right?"
Her mood had done a total 180. She bought her Baby Castella with a beaming smile. Tre-san, who had been watching us, nodded to herself and spoke up.
"I see... The bond between you two is certainly strong."
"Mu. You see through our bond? Have you deciphered the meaning behind my words?"
"...No, I don't really get it! But I feel like I understand the general vibe!"
So she didn't actually understand the phrasing, just the atmosphere? She sounded so confident that I actually thought she might have figured it out.
"Basically, you two are tied by a Bond of Love!!"
"L-Love!?"
I take it back. She didn't understand a single thing. She was just talking based on a hunch.
"M-M-M-My Sworn Friend and I aren't in that kind of relationship! We are sacred beings bound by an Ancient Vow..."
"An Ancient Vow?"
"Y-Yes... a Covenant of the Previous Life..."
"So you mean you were married to Kaito in your previous life?"
"Noooo! I told you, my Sworn Friend and I aren't like that! Auuu... T-The wind is bad! I’ll be going now!! S-Sworn Friend, see you later!!"
Blushing a deep crimson at Tre-san’s wildly off-target remarks, the surprisingly innocent Amel-san fled the scene.
Y-Yeah... well, I had a lot of things I wanted to say, but... I really hoped a normal customer would show up soon.
Serious-senpai: "Stop it, Tre... seriously, stop... Don't go triggering flags with those weird assists..."