Calling Back

"Whatever. Don't trip on your laces, yeah?"

To Noah's chagrin, the shout lacked its usual edge of warmth. If Lanz couldn't even make nice in banter, then they were truly lost.

Speaking of lost, Sena certainly looked it: "Laces? But...our shoes don't have laces."

Very true - they were all hook-and-loop, or elastic closures, or the sheer force of friction. Ribbons like Mio had were purely cosmetic, though if it was tripping you were after, they'd do the job (for anyone less agile).

"Typical Agnians. Too superior to take a joke."

No use. They'd just have to give it time.

"Don't trip on your laces, Sena!"

"Wouldn't if I could, Lanz!"

Though Noah's aided ears still weren't quite as sensitive as Mio's, he thought he heard a sparkle of feline laughter, at that.

"Your Majesty- er, Nia, what's so funny?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing, nothing." The queen gazed wistfully toward Keves Castle. "Just a joke I once heard."

"Hey, mine are laced, now, though," Eunie pointed out with a wry grin. "Hadn't thought about it in a while."

"Everything comes full circle!" Sena cheered.

"Indeed it does, dear Sena..."

"Huh?"

Nia giggled again. "Remind me to tell you when you're younger."