Chapitre 25: Suitors, Armanci, Friends?

Ciona, who had paused narrating part of her past memories, seemed to be contemplating her next words. Joane didn't want to rush her, and soon the two girls were walking in silence, following Shen and Kizaer.

"After that, some things happened…" Ciona said after a long silence. "All I can tell you is: No, I don't have those kinds of feelings for Kizaer. When we started training, I discovered how lonely he was—no friends, no family. Despite Grandpa Bandolen being strict, he did his best for Kizaer, but something was still missing."

"Some time later, I found myself acting like a sort of sister to Kizaer. My father taught him a thing or two about bargains and business, and I shared what I knew as well. Kizaer started visiting our house whenever he could and met my mother…" a small smile found its way to Ciona's face.

"In the end, we were best friends, maybe what we have is the shared feelings that we are like siblings. I didn't want Kizaer to feel alone ever again."