"Thank you very much, Mr. Gustave. Thank you for bringing Anya back safely."
After their reunion, Loid simply asked for Gustave's name, then removed his hat and bowed respectfully to express his gratitude, with Anya and Yor standing beside him.
"Please, there's no need for that," Gustave said with a warm smile, gently helping Loid straighten up. "I simply saw a cute little girl looking around nervously. When I asked, I discovered she was lost."
Looking at such a polite and well-mannered father, Gustave couldn't help but think to himself: Anya's father seems like a traditional gentleman, very proper and refined. How did he end up with such an energetic, scatter-brained daughter? They don't seem much alike at all.
Hearing Gustave's thoughts, Anya's eyes widened in panic: Oh no! Oh no! Is he going to figure out that Papa and I aren't really related?
But this was just the overactive imagination of a little girl. Gustave would never pry into such personal matters.
"By the way, Mr. Gustave," Loid continued, his tone casual but observant, "you're not from around here, are you? Your name doesn't quite fit the local naming conventions."
While thanking Gustave was simple courtesy, as an experienced spy, Loid couldn't help but harbor some suspicion. Was Anya's disappearance and this stranger's timely rescue really just a coincidence?
"Oh, you're quite perceptive," Gustave replied easily. "I'm indeed from far away."
Having just arrived in this world, Gustave wasn't entirely clear about the local geography or politics, so he kept his explanation deliberately vague.
"I see!" Loid nodded, his expression clearing as if everything suddenly made sense.
Ironically, this vague response actually eliminated Loid's suspicions. A well-trained operative would have prepared a detailed but believable cover story. Gustave's casual evasiveness suggested he was simply a traveler with nothing to hide.
As long as he's not deliberately targeting our family for information, there's no threat, Loid concluded.
"Speaking of which," Gustave continued, "I realize I still don't know what to call you and Anya's mother."
"Of course! How rude of me," Loid responded immediately. "I'm Loid Forger - I work as a psychiatrist. And this is my wife, Yor Forger. She's a civil servant."
A doctor and a government employee - a perfectly respectable, unremarkable couple.
"Mr. Loid, Mrs. Yor, what a lovely family you have!" Gustave praised warmly.
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Gustave!" Loid replied politely.
When Yor heard the compliment, her cheeks flushed bright red, and she seemed to practically steam with embarrassment.
"Well then," Gustave said, preparing to take his leave, "now that Anya's safely returned, I should head back."
"Mr. Gustave, wait a moment!" Loid called out just as Gustave turned to go.
"Yes? Is there something else, Mr. Loid?"
"To properly express our gratitude, please allow us to invite you for dinner! It's the least we can do."
Loid's manners were impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.
"That's really not necessary," Gustave demurred. "I'm sure anyone would have helped a lost little girl like Anya."
"Even so, we must show our appreciation somehow."
"Big brother Gustave!" Anya chimed in, having caught on to her father's intent. "Papa's cooking is really delicious! You have to come eat with us!"
"Well," Gustave chuckled, "since Anya insists, I suppose I could stay for dinner."
Actually, this worked out perfectly. If he ate here, he wouldn't have to cook when he returned to the Bamboo Staff - he could let Tom and Po handle their own meals for once. The thought made him smile.
And so Gustave followed the family of three toward their home.
On the way, little Anya was practically bouncing with excitement, chattering away about nothing in particular and skipping around like an energetic monkey.
Watching her antics, Gustave couldn't help but think: This is what a normal child her age should be like. Yang Chan is so mature and well-behaved for her years.
"Mr. Gustave," Loid observed, noticing the thoughtful expression on their guest's face, "you seem a bit melancholy. Is something troubling you?"
His perceptiveness caught Gustave's attention - this level of observation seemed unusual for a simple doctor.
"Oh, it's nothing serious," Gustave replied with a gentle smile. "I was just thinking about my little sister. She's about Anya's age."
"Ah, I see," Loid nodded understandingly, and the two men began exchanging thoughts about child-rearing.
Of course, Gustave had precious little actual parenting experience. Yang Chan was remarkably independent and rarely needed his guidance. To Loid's earnest questions about discipline and development, Gustave could only offer vague generalities and common-sense observations.
Loid, being new to fatherhood himself, couldn't distinguish between genuine wisdom and improvised advice. Everything Gustave said seemed reasonable, and he mentally filed it away for future reference with Anya.
As they walked and talked, they approached the neighborhood where the Forgers lived. Suddenly, Loid remembered a crucial problem - he and Yor maintained separate bedrooms to keep up their fake marriage charade. If he brought Gustave home directly, there was a chance their arrangement might be exposed.
"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Gustave," Loid said, stopping abruptly, "but I just remembered we're rather low on groceries at home. Would you mind accompanying me to the nearby market? You could choose something you'd particularly like to eat."
"Me? Oh, I'm not picky at all," Gustave replied easily. "I eat practically anything."
"Nonsense! You're our honored guest. How could we properly repay your kindness if we don't serve you something special?"
"Well... if you insist."
Relieved that Gustave had agreed, Loid quickly pulled Yor aside for a whispered conversation. Gustave assumed it was just typical married couple coordination and paid it no mind.
"Anya, sweetheart," Yor said after finishing her conversation with Loid, "can you come home with Mama? Papa needs to shop with Mr. Gustave."
"No way!" Anya declared stubbornly. "Anya wants to go to the market with Papa and Big Brother Gustave!"
Faced with this rebellion, Yor - still new to her maternal role - looked helplessly lost. Fortunately, Loid stepped in with practiced negotiation skills.
"Anya," he said seriously, "if you go home with Mama like a good girl, I'll buy you those star-shaped cookies you love so much."
"Papa promises? No lying?"
"Cross my heart," Loid said solemnly, extending his pinky finger.
After sealing the deal with a pinky promise, Anya finally agreed to go with Yor, while Loid led Gustave toward the nearby supermarket.