Oh, so bright!
And it wasn’t just a trick of the light.
From afar, it hadn’t seemed like much.
However, more than the temporary blinding, the ladies realized that they had an even bigger problem.
While they figured they hadn’t really said anything untoward, some people would really rightfully raise hell with the mere mention of their names.
"Ah—!"
"We didn’t mean to—!"
"We were being presumptuous—!"
"It’s fine!" Ollie said quickly, waving both hands.
"...?"
They blinked.
Only to be met the sight of Luca Kyros and Oliver Mylor standing side by side, both smiling at them.
Eh?
But of course they looked serious.
Especially when they were both itching to learn from people who clearly knew more than they did.
They were just looking for the restroom together. That was it.
So ideally, they had no business listening in on something private.
Not when they started hearing their names.
Then came the words that made them stop.
Spark.
"Without appeal, relationships wouldn’t progress into something more mature."
There was curiosity there, but also a trace of horror.
Just a little.
Because clearly, this was important.
Because the group of ladies seemed to know quite a lot about something that even Luca found harder to understand than mecha manufacturing.
There were clear parameters, correct answers, and a relative guarantee that results could be replicated under the same conditions.
That was different.
As someone who also cared about their relationship, he also wanted to take initiative.
To contribute.
It was an admirable resolve.
Clearly, these two couldn’t possibly be classified as little bro—
Protect them.
"...???"
Whenever they looked at Aziel, it felt like staring into a brewing thunderstorm.
Then there it was again.
Uh.
Protect them?
"..."
One of the ladies slowly raised her arm and flexed it, as if coming to terms with something she hadn’t expected.
The rest quickly caught on.
They really did.
But unfortunately, the three people standing in front of them didn’t hear a single word of that silent realization.
A little defeated.
Then finally, fully resigned.
Ollie and his good brother looked at the women who looked like they were suddenly mourning something.
Do they really have no sort of appeal?

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