“What’s this? You look like a dried-up kernel of corn.”

From the first time we met, it was impossible to forget Ananta. My comrades all laughed at her words, and Vieira Dune shook her head. I suddenly had the desire to look at my reflection. I didn’t think I was ugly--did I really look that bad?

Ananta was always on the verge of crossing lines. She often said mean things like they were no big deal, and she had a sharp air that made it hard to approach her. Although the team members laughed at the things she said, they often asked me over and over why we had to keep her close.

However…why did she seem like a dog that was all bark and no bite to me? I wanted to get closer to her, even though that wasn’t part of the conditions Brahm gave me.

His brother’s first impression of Ananta had been that she was venomous…and lonely. Her loneliness underneath her mean exterior pulled his brother to her. ‘He always did like sticking his nose into others’ businesses.’ Although he used to be holed up in his room most of the time on Earth, he often caught onto things quickly and couldn’t resist interfering.

At first, Ananta had been annoyed that his brother followed her around, and she continued to insult him. At one point, she even attacked him with a sword. Eventually,...