"So, why do you look so much like Sister Lumina?"
Hearing Nahida's firm words, March 7th didn't press further. Whether Nahida came or not didn't matter—she could just tell Sister Lumina about it later.
March 7th decided to drop the subject and gazed at Nahida's adorable little face.
"Why should I tell you?"
"I haven't even settled accounts with you yet for secretly following me around," Nahida replied coolly, looking up at March 7th.
Tch... This feeling is so uncomfortable. If I'd known, I would have made myself a little taller back then...
Seeing that she had to tilt her head to look up at March 7th's face, Nahida felt a twinge of annoyance and immediately regretted crafting her body in a child form.
Why didn't I just go with a young girl's physique? At least it wouldn't be this uncomfortable...
"Hehe... Sorry about that, we just thought you looked a lot like Sister Lumina. No harm intended!" March 7th scratched her head and offered a sheepish smile, noticing Nahida's apparent irritation.
"Though you harbor no ill intentions, the fact remains that you were tracking me," Nahida said, shaking her head with earnest seriousness.
"If you weren't friends of Lady Lumina, I would have called the Matra, regardless of your intentions."
"Uh... we're really sorry, truly sorry," March 7th and the others murmured, realizing their actions had indeed been deeply inappropriate and morally questionable.
Yet, if faced with the same situation again, March 7th knew she would do it all over again.
Hmm... how would the Xianzhou phrase this?
I'm Sorry, I Was Wrong, But I'd Do It Again...
"Help me with a small task, and I'll overlook the tracking incident," Nahida said, glancing at the towering bookshelves surrounding them before addressing the group.
"Um..." March 7th didn't immediately answer. Instead, she turned to look at Stelle and the Little Swarm perched on her shoulder, securing their approval before nodding in agreement to Nahida's request.
"Alright, we agree. What is it?"
"Just to be clear, we won't do anything morally wrong, okay?"
After all, it was their side that had been in the wrong first, so Nahida's request didn't seem unreasonable.
"You're the ones who stalked a little girl, and now you're telling me you won't do anything morally wrong?"
"Hahaha..." Hearing Nahida's words, March 7th gave an awkward laugh, trying to mask her inner embarrassment with a smile.
"Help me find three books nearby." Seeing March 7th's awkward expression, Nahida didn't press further. She stated her simple request, exactly as she'd promised—a very simple task.
"They're A Brief History of Irminsul, Tales of Sumeru City, and Journey to the Eternal Garden."
After reciting the titles, Nahida leaned against a wall, pulled out her phone, and started playing.
"Sigh, let's just find them." March 7th shook her head and, without another word, began searching the towering bookshelves for the three books Nahida had requested.
"Nahida, we've found the books."
Despite the vast collection of books in the House of Daena, the detailed labeling system allowed March 7th and her companions to quickly locate the three books Nahida needed and hand them over.
"Thank you. I won't hold your following me against you," Nahida said, accepting the books from March 7th. She nodded her thanks and turned to leave.
"Wait! Wait!"
Nahida had only taken a few steps when March 7th called out to her.
"?"
Clutching the three books, Nahida turned her head to look at March 7th, her expression questioning.
"Um... this is our first time at the House of Daena, and we're a bit lost, so..." March 7th said awkwardly, feeling Nahida's questioning gaze.
"Follow me, then."
Hearing this, Nahida nodded, understanding what March 7th was trying to convey. She gestured for them to follow her.
The group quickly fell into step behind her.
Led by Nahida, they soon left the House of Daena.
"It's getting late. Where are you staying? Would you like me to show you the way?"
After exiting the House of Daena and seeing the now-darkened sky, Nahida asked the group.
"No need, no need! We have navigation on our phones. We'll just follow the directions," March 7th said, declining Nahida's offer.
She then asked, "Nahida, where do you live? Should we walk you home?"
It was already dark, and it wasn't safe for Nahida to walk alone, even though Sumeru City's streets seemed perfectly safe. Still, it's always better to be cautious.
Holding three books in her arms, Nahida shook her head. "My home is nearby. I'll be there in no time."
"Since you don't need me to guide you, I'll be going now."
"Mm-hmm, bye!" March 7th and Stelle waved goodbye with smiles.
"Mm, bye." Nahida nodded, turned, and scurried off on her short legs.
Click!
After Nahida had walked a short distance, March 7th pulled out her phone and snapped a photo of Nahida's retreating figure.
"Even though Nahida said she has nothing to do with Sister Lumina, we should still ask Sister Lumina about it, just in case."
March 7th saved the photo and immediately sent it to Lumina.
March 7th: [Photo.jpg]
March 7th: Sister Lumina, we met someone who looks exactly like you!