Akiyama unexpectedly joined the party, bringing the total number of members to six: Allen, Francis, Sharik, Fidelma, Akiyama, and Zeena. They gathered for a discussion in an unassuming field, shaded by tree.
"H-hey... is this a good time to do this?" asked Sharik to Akiyama.
Seated on a rock, Akiyama gently ran her fingers through Sharik's fur-covered head and cheeks. Her expression appeared stoic, but her hands moved with a subtle grace that captivated the attention of the others.
"Apologies," Akiyama spoke, "I had a Samoyed dog in my previous world, and I find myself missing it a bit now."
Sharik's ears perked up with curiosity, prompting him to inquire, "Really? What was he like?"
"Just an ordinary dog. In that world, there were no demi-humans."
"Oh..." Sharik mused, realizing, 'No wonder her strokes feel so… expert.'
Akiyama then continued. "I did enter this party on those terms, but if you don't like it, I will stop."