At close range, the statue's foot and Columbina's foot were almost identical in shape. Credit to those craftsmen—the restoration was spot-on.
Smooth and fine like white jade, tender enough that you could almost make out faint veins. The toes were delicate and youthful, round and full, the kind that made you want to take them in your hands and examine them carefully.
He wasn't a foot fetishist. He simply appreciated beauty—feet included.
"What's wrong?"
Columbina immediately noticed Koji's gaze. Why was he staring at her feet? What was so interesting about them?
Naive Columbina didn't know that a pretty, jade-like pair of feet could be extremely attractive to certain people.
"Nothing. They're… nice-looking," Koji said.
"?"
Columbina blinked. People had praised her face before, but she couldn't remember anyone ever complimenting her feet.
For some reason, a strange feeling rippled through her chest.
So this was… embarrassment?
"Don't keep staring," Columbina said.
Koji nodded. Truthfully, he wanted to reach out and toy with them a little, but Columbina clearly wouldn't allow it.
"Columbina, which Harbinger do you dislike the most?"
Columbina thought for a moment, then answered, "Dottore."
"I can feel it. In his eyes, there's only greed—for my power, and for my body. He just hasn't had a chance to make a move on me."
To Dottore, she was nothing more than a beautiful little plaything—something to use as he pleased.
Back in Snezhnaya, Dottore had asked her to cooperate. She refused without hesitation.
Work with him? Not in this lifetime.
"And Scaramouche, too. His mouth is filthy. He's annoying."
Mentioning the Balladeer reminded her of something—he was still alive. Such a strange person: he looked at everyone with that "I'm amazing" expression, like the whole world owed him money.
His strength wasn't even that special, yet he loved acting superior. Was he not afraid someone would assassinate him?
Koji shrugged. That guy really was hard to like.
No matter who he met, he had to snap at them. Was it just to prove he existed?
"This was delicious. Thank you."
Columbina finished several boxed meals by herself, eating cleanly—she didn't waste a single grain of rice.
Koji was surprised. With her slender build, she didn't look like someone who could eat much, yet her appetite was huge. Maybe she'd gone a long time without eating.
"Do you want me to bring food again next time?"
Columbina's long lashes fluttered slightly. "Is… that allowed?"
She sounded almost hopeful. After all, there was nothing edible here, and she couldn't exactly live off the flowers growing on the ground.
"Of course. But come with me when I leave. Being alone all the time… isn't that boring?" Koji invited.
Columbina hesitated. "The Fatui are looking for me. They want to take me back to Snezhnaya."
"If I leave, they'll definitely notice."
She wasn't in her peak state right now, and she didn't want a direct clash with the Fatui.
"Relax. I'll give you a blessing. Basically no one will be able to detect you," Koji said with certainty.
Bringing the Damselette along wasn't just safer—it was also… pleasant to look at. Lumine and the others would probably welcome her too.
"…Okay."
Columbina nodded. If she could avoid being discovered, she didn't plan on staying in Nod-Krai forever.
…
Adventurers' Guild
"You came out?" Sandrone stared at Columbina.
Koji didn't count as "Fatui" anyway. At most, he was an off-the-books outsider.
"I came out to see you," Columbina said, tilting her head.
"Stop it. Hide again. If they drag you back to Snezhnaya, you might not get out," Sandrone said, rolling her eyes. She didn't believe Columbina had left her hiding place just to visit.
"This isn't 'caring.' It's just basic collegial courtesy," Sandrone said stubbornly.
Columbina could be irritating sometimes—singing to distract her—but their relationship really was good.
"I'm leaving Nod-Krai with Koji. I came to tell you," Columbina said.
"What?"
Sandrone almost thought she'd misheard. Columbina was leaving Nod-Krai?
Here, she had the advantage—hardly anyone could find her. But going out meant exposing her trail.
"Columbina—was this your decision, or did this guy talk you into it?" Sandrone frowned, looking at Koji.
She didn't believe Columbina would choose to leave on her own. Koji had to be the one pushing.
"I'm the one taking her. She's alone in there—of course she's bored," Koji admitted.
Sandrone fell silent. She knew Columbina was bored.
"Don't worry. I can keep her safe," Koji said.
Columbina let a bit of her aura leak out. A terrifying pressure rolled outward from her body.
"Your strength…?"
Sandrone's pupils contracted. This felt like Columbina at her peak—overwhelming in both intensity and weight.
"Koji helped me recover a little. You can relax now, right?" Columbina laughed softly.
"What do I have to relax about? If you want to leave, then leave," Sandrone said, still acting tough and tsundere.
Then, right at the end—
"Be careful."
She still couldn't help reminding her. Columbina's body right now was… special. Sensitive.
"Mm. I know. You be careful too. If I have time, I'll come see you," Columbina said, nodding.
"What do I need to be careful about?" Sandrone looked baffled. Once she went back, she'd bury herself in her workshop and do research. Other than being summoned for Harbinger meetings, she basically never went out.
"And who asked you to visit? Honestly, it's better if you leave. Then nobody will sing and interfere with my work."
Koji laughed. Her stubbornness was on the same level as Lisa's.
She was clearly close with Columbina, but she refused to say it out loud. It was… kind of cute.
"Do I sing that badly?" Columbina asked.
"That's not the point. I'm not suited to listening to songs," Sandrone said.
She had to admit it: Columbina's humming was heavenly. But research required a quiet, focused mind.
Columbina nodded thoughtfully.
So… singing while Sandrone used the bathroom or took a shower should be fine, right?
(End of Chapter)
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