Lunchtime, A Few Days Later

Things had begun to settle into a routine. In the mornings after breakfast, Gaga and Onua would go to the village and pick up anything that the caravan needed, and then when they returned, Onua would take Yuushi, Kokoru, Erumina, and Beth off to do something, and Gaga would help out around the caravan with whatever needed doing. Grenda and Niko would practice for a few hours, and then Grenda would join the other girls in whatever they were doing with Onua, who refused to tell what it was.

Gaga was starting to get used to Onua calling him 'darling' in town, but it still made him uncomfortable. And although he secretly delighted in having her act like they were a couple, he refused to admit, even to himself, that he thought of her as more than just his best friend's daughter. He was starting to notice more about her, and everything he noticed made him like her all the more. They way she spoke her mind without mincing words, the way she always seemed to know what he was thinking when he couldn't get it to come out right, the way her eyes danced when she was amused, the way she never, ever, stumbled, as if she had absolutely perfect balance, the way she walked completely upright, with confidence, these were only a few of the wonderful things about her.

Gaga sat on a bench near the kitchen, finishing his lunch. Niobe was taking the plates of the last few besides him who were still there. When everyone save Gaga and Niobe were gone, she grinned at him. "Last one again today? I'm beginning to think you savor my cooking, you eat so slowly."

"Of course I like your cooking, Niobe-san, when have I ever said otherwise?" He smiled back, standing.

"Never, you're such a good boy."

"Am I? I hadn't noticed."

"Yes you are, now come help me clean up."

"Yes ma'am."

Amused, he began by filling a large tub with hot water. Despite the fact that, chronologically anyway, he was about twenty times her age, Niobe had called him a boy, as if he were a child. As he rolled back his sleeves and began scrubbing dishes, Niobe spoke. "How well did you know Niko before you parted ways?"

"Oh, I believe I knew him rather well. We hadn't met but a day before he left, but during that short time we became fast friends. I always admired how forthright he was."

"Hmm. He always said that since he can spot a lie, it was only fair that he refrain from lying himself. That's not to say he can't be sneaky. I'll never know how he can be so infernally deceptive without actually lying. It's probably a good thing that he developed guile, though."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, he can be a bit stubborn about some things, and there are times when speaking your mind can get you in trouble. Like when he met Grenda-chan."

Gaga winced at the memory. "But they seem to be getting along a bit better now."

"A bit, yes, but you'll notice that they speak civilly, no more."

"That's true. I wish they would become friends as well, though I doubt that will happen." By this time they had finished with the normal dishes and were starting on the cookware.

"Well, Niko has always been protective of those he considers 'his'. And it doesn't help that he has a naturally low opinion of royalty as a whole. It's probably a good thing that he hasn't met Queen Erlsel."