The evening sun filtered softly through the dormitory windows, casting a golden glow across the dining room. Laura, Alisa, Emma, and Fie were lounging at the dining table, each relaxed after a day of classes and training. Cups of tea sit scattered across the table, along with an open box of cookies Millium brought.

The mood was light, and their conversation meandered comfortably, until Emma casually introduced a new topic.

"So, Alisa," Emma began with a small smile, brushing a lock of her hair back. "What sort of things do you find cute?"

Alisa blinked at the sudden question. "Huh? Cute?" She leaned back in her chair, clearly caught off guard, but after a moment, she shrugged lightly and answered, "I guess little animals? Puppies, kittens... oh, and adorable clothes, like frilly dresses and accessories."

"Ohh, frilly dresses, huh?" Emma said, her tone teasing yet gentle. "That does suit you, Alisa."

Alisa rolled her eyes playfully. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's a compliment!" Emma giggled, then rested her chin on her palm thoughtfully. "Let's see… for me, it's definitely kittens too—especially the really fluffy ones—and babies. They're so precious when they smile at you. Oh, and flower crowns. I think those are very cute, too."

Alisa smiled at that. "Flower crowns sound like something you'd love, Emma. Very peaceful and idyllic."

Emma nodded, pleased, before her eyes shifted across the table toward Laura. "What about you, Laura? What sorts of things do you find cute?"

Laura, who had been quietly sipping her tea, glanced up at the question. "Hmm? Cute things?" She paused for a moment to consider, eyes flicking across the table. Then, without thinking, her gaze landed on Fie.

For a second, she opened her mouth as if to answer, her expression softening instinctively.

Fie, who had been slouched lazily in her chair with her arms crossed, tilted her head ever so slightly. "What?"

Laura caught herself, a faint heat rising in her cheeks as she smoothly redirected her answer. "Ah… well, let's see. I'd agree that animals are cute. I'm partial to snow owls. Oh, and children who are eager to learn or help their parents. There's something very endearing about their earnestness."

"That's very sweet, Laura. You're always such a dependable big-sister type," Emma said.

Laura smiled lightly and didn't respond, but she took another sip of her tea to occupy herself.

Emma turned her attention to Fie next, her expression curious and amused. "What about you, Fie? What do you think is cute?"

Fie blinked slowly, giving Emma a flat look before shrugging. "Cats."

"Just cats?" Emma giggled softly, already predicting her answer. "Well, I figured you'd say that. Is there anything else?"

Fie opened her mouth to respond, then paused. Her gaze drifted slightly as she thought it over. After a long moment, she sighed as if resigned to saying something mildly embarrassing. In a quiet voice, she mumbled, "…Mishy."

Emma's eyes lit up. "Mishy? The Mishy? The mascot character?"

Fie grunted, her cheeks tinged faintly pink. "Yeah. So what?"

Alisa's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you like Mishy? That's… unexpected."

Emma, meanwhile, looked absolutely delighted. "I think that's adorable, Fie! I wouldn't have guessed."

At the mention of Mishy, however, Laura's eyebrows lifted slightly, and a small, almost imperceptible smile curved her lips. "Mishy, you say?"

Fie glanced at her warily. "…What?"

Laura chuckled softly. "I just didn't expect you to admit that, but I think it's wonderful."

Alisa squinted at Laura. "Wait a minute… why does it sound like you know something about Mishy, Laura?"

Emma leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Don't tell me you're a fan too?"

Laura hesitated for only a second before offering an almost sheepish smile, looking unusually soft. "As a matter of fact… I am."

The table went silent for a beat, save for the faint ticking of the nearby clock.

"…What?!" Alisa burst out, gaping at Laura.

Fie's eyes shot wide open, turning toward Laura with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "You like Mishy?"

Laura nodded calmly, though a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "I always thought Mishy was quite charming. I've actually collected a few Mishy keychains and figurines over the years, though I don't display them openly."

Emma clapped her hands together with pure delight. "That's so cute, Laura! I never would've guessed!"

Alisa looked stunned. "You, the Sword Master's daughter, collecting Mishy merch? That's— I mean—" She burst out laughing, shaking her head. "You're full of surprises, Laura."

Fie, for her part, stared at Laura for a moment longer before a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "So all this time, you were a Mishy fan too, huh?"

Laura tilted her head slightly, her usual serene demeanor returning. "It seems so. Perhaps we have more in common than you realized, Fie."

Fie snorted softly, hiding the faint smile on her face by propping her chin on her palm. "Yeah, maybe."

Laura chuckled warmly, and the conversation drifted onward, filled with playful teasing and laughter. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the mood around the table remained lighthearted and easy.