"Yes, I just called you a 'friend,' didn't I?"

Alice spoke somewhat sharply to Mia Crowfield, whose mouth was agape and frozen in shock, unable to respond properly.

"Or do you not consider me a friend?"

"Uh, no, it's just that…"

Seeing Mia struggle to answer, Alice waved the teacup she had been holding.

“At least, judging by how you’ve pointed out the teacup just now, it doesn’t seem like you view me as a target for revenge like your mother does. Or perhaps your friendship takes precedence over your desire for revenge.”

Mia Crowfield tightly closed her mouth at …