bena

Oh, don't learn to keep mum as well, Annie, that won't do!

*sigh* Come on, we're going to find that doll together.

Alright.

But from what I heard, it was awfully hard to find it. Sometimes it even runs away when it's seen. Do you really think you can fetch it again?

Yes.

We're friends.

Hmph... So you've started making friends behind my back to boot. Naughty.

Follow me.

Right, let's be going.

Erm... why are we here again?

This is the dolls' nest.

Ah-ha, so it is!

What a mountainous pile of playmates.

Let me see where that little rapscallion is hidden.

Hm...

Not this one.

Nor this one, I don't think.

Beehhh~

This one's woolly!

Hum. So there are sound-making dolls nowadays?

Err... the color's right, but it hasn't any knives, and it's not shabby, so I wouldn't think so...

Ah, you're the one!

This is Morte, Bena.

There's a hint of evil about it...

Still...

(Lifts up Morte)

What exquisite needlework. And sewn with some marvelous cloth, too.

Its owner must care for it very much.

Morte says you can make your wish.

A wish... Ooh, let me think.

We'll come right back...

Get out of my sight and never come back!

Let this be your home from now on, little lamb.

Hello, I'm Iris. We'll be friends from now on.

There's oodles of toys in the playroom, and plenty of people to play with them together, so what's the harm in staying a little longer?

Well, then—

I'll have an apple.

There you are, Morte.

An apple?

(Ah, I remember her. Shamare, I think? Hilariously difficult to get along with.)

(She just doesn't like to talk.)

(Last time I asked if she wanted to safekeep anything, she put a curse on me!)

(Because you kept pestering her. It was very annoying.)

(It's called affection!)

Your apple.

Th—Thank you...

Come on, Morte.

(Falls limply into Bena's arms)

Hmm.

I—I didn't do anything.

I know.

(Takes Morte)

It's Morte. I can only patch it up. It'll always fall apart.

(Takes out sewing kit and book)

Bena.

I know, I'm thinking too.

Alright, alright, I'll go and do it.

Shamare, preparing your symbols <i>and</i> doing this patchwork must be a terrible burden.

I can handle the patchwork half for you. Think of it as thanks for the apple.

How did you know...?

Morte...

(Plays dead)

I guessed.

Because someone made me too.

Then you take Morte. I'll draw my symbols.

(Hands over sewing kit)

Good, a complete set of tools. Looks like it gets damaged quite often.

Speaking of which, Annie.

Mm?

Does needlework like this hurt it?

Does it hurt me?

Hmm... I'm fairly sure it does. I can feel it.

But that's alright. I'm still here.

You're still here, Bena.

Annie...

Mm?

Next time, could you just ask Kirara to lend me that adventure game for a few days?

Look at you. Your mouth is covered in honey.

Mm.

*sigh* Let's get started. I'd feel bad about eating her apples before I finish darning, after all.

Mm.

Finally, imprint the symbol...

We're done.

It says you sewed it very well.

Thank you.

No, no, it's nothing. I'm a dab hand when it comes to handiwork, you know.

Let's go home, Morte.

Bye, Morte.

(Brandishes a miniature knife at Bena)

What's that supposed to mean?

Thumbs up.

I still get that uncanny feeling...

*sigh* Who knew wishes could come real so fast?

Oh, the apple.

How sweet.

I'm surprised she likes her apples this sweet. You'd never guess from how unapproachable she is.

Bena, no judging books by their covers.

Fair enough.

*crunch*.

Do you think it's sweet?