"Asie."

"..."

"Asie!"

"A-ah, M-master! When did you get here?"

"When did I get here? I've been here for a while, you fool!"

Lost in thought, Asie snapped back to reality at Brondin’s sharp rebuke. Yet Brondin clicked his tongue in sympathy as he looked at him, understanding in his eyes.

"You've really taken a liking to that young lady, haven't you?"

"If you say 'young lady' like that, it makes me sound weird, Master. There's not much age difference between us... But, actually, how did you know?"

"How could I not notice when you're fidgeting like a puppy in …