Alix's gaze remains steady.
"You're confused," he says.
It's not a question.
Tsia nods faintly.
"Yes, my lord."
"Confused why I'm doing this," he continues.
Another small nod.
Alix looks at the table, then back at her.
"That's normal," he says. "You've lived one way for too long. Change doesn't feel real at first."
He pauses for a moment.
"Eat first," he adds. "After you're done, I'll explain."
Tsia blinks slightly.
She didn't expect that.
"...Yes, my lord," she says quietly.
Beside her, Liri suddenly speaks up, her mouth still half full, completely unable to hold back what's on her mind.
"My lord!"
Tsia stiffens immediately.
"Liri—"
But it's too late.
Liri looks at Alix with bright, shining eyes, her earlier fear completely gone, replaced by something simple and sincere.
"Thank you for freeing all the monster slaves in this city," she says, her voice soft but full of emotion. "Everyone looks so happy now."
She grips her bread a little tighter.
