"Onii-chan~"
Nathan opened his eyes.
Ayaka was crouched in front of him at eye level, smiling.
Her amber kimono had survived the ceremony in good order. Her hair had developed two small escaped strands that she hadn't noticed yet.
Akane stood just behind her, composed and straight, though the slight warmth around her eyes communicated that she had found Nathan's nap considerably more charming than she was going to admit directly.
"You slept through the entire blessing," Ayaka informed him with cheerful accusation.
"I was aware it was happening," Nathan said, pushing off the tree and straightening with unhurried ease.
"You were asleep."
"I was resting with awareness."
Ayaka stared at him for two full seconds.
"That is the most ridiculous thing you have ever said to me," she declared, "and you once told me with a straight face that kidnapping Rena was a reasonable diplomatic strategy."
