"Thank you."

I responded with a slightly overwhelmed tone and smiled widely. Then, I extended my right hand toward Agnes.

Agnes did not refuse. It was the moment she firmly grasped my hand and rose to her feet.

A slight impulse stirred in my chest. I did not hold it back and acted on it immediately. [‘The Eye that Watches the Chaos of All Things’ inhales deeply.] <…Ayleth?>

It might have been rude for me to act freely in this way. But if not now, then when?

I pulled Agnes toward me and embraced her tightly.

I must remember this embrace.