Aurora's eyes dropped to the teacup for a moment before her voice came, quieter, more honest.
"I'm just enjoying that you're finally back, Master."
She paused.
"You didn't even stay long with us. You just… created us and disappeared."
Her tone shifted at the end—not angry, not accusing. Just… hurt. The kind of quiet frustration that had sat with her for too long.
Then she turned her head sharply, puffing her cheeks out and crossing her arms.
Her misty hair floated slightly with the motion, and she refused to meet his eyes.
She pouted.
Hiroshi blinked. A sweat drop formed as he stared at her.
'Is this how I created her?' he thought, deadpan, before slowly standing from his seat.
He stepped toward her and gently placed a hand on her head. His touch was light, but firm—like grounding mist with a single gesture.
"Forgive me, child," he said softly, his voice carrying more than just guilt. It carried years—Omni Years—of absence. Of silence.
"I was… irresponsible."
