Still, We Press On (3)

“B-By the way, there sure are a lot of children!”

Perhaps sensing the heavy mood between the two, Tina quickly changed the subject.

“Once they’re older, most of them want to join the Resistance... Everyone’s desperate to see the outside world. Everyone in the residential area is like family, so a few adults are enough to look after all the children.”

Tina had tried to change the gloomy mood, but Yuki only brought up something even heavier. Tina grimaced. Perhaps she had seen many adults die that way; Yuki carried a gloom no less deep than Alice and Kururu’s.

“P-Parna-san, help me.”

“Ah... Let’s just leave them be. Being too protective isn’t good, and they’ll probably cheer up on their own later. Come on, you should keep working, too. There’s someone waiting right in front of you.”

As Parna offered her advice while working steadily, Tina responded, “Huh?” and turned to face the customer. There stood a parent and child, both wearing hooded cloaks and holding bowls as they waited for their food. It was rare to see an adult among the residents.

Their hoods were pulled so low their faces were hidden, and their silence gave them an unsettling air.

“Y-You could’ve said something...”

Mumbling with a little embarrassment, Tina took their bowls and served them food...