“Oh?” Sanshoku mused. Her tail curled over her hindquarters, her vines swaying gently in the sea breeze. She raised her head up proudly, somehow still managing to keep her muzzle touching his in the same motion. “What are you afraid of then, little bird?” The words came out barely above a whisper, as though daring him to confide in her, to open up to her. Her glowing lantern eyes held a similar challenge.

She would not beg. None of her line would ever lower themselves to begging. However, she could maneuver Rambaldi as though he were a chess piece, making him answer to his inner desires and thoughts. She wouldn’t force herself on him; he had to come to the decision himself on if he wanted her or not, and she could help him over those obstacles that were holding him back.