"Please wait just a moment."0

After placing his order, Ian nodded at the employee's words. As he did, he let his eyes pass over the menu on the counter one more time.0

Just as I thought. Only things I've tried before are listed.0

The menu selection felt distinctly unnatural. Then again, that absolutely no one batted an eye at Moro slumped down near the entrance was already unnatural. The beast was lying with its belly flat on the floor, resting its chin there.0

Maybe I should have ordered something for Moro. At least some sugar cubes. 2

Smiling silently at the idea, he looked back toward the table.0

Ahead, the sight of Lucia and Yog sitting side-by-side caught his eye. 0

So there was a reason they seemed to get along, thought Ia.0

Yog sat with one leg crossed casually over the other, tapping its foot as it surveyed the cafe. Beside it, Lucia sat rigidly upright, staring intently at the glass Ian had left on the table, likely wondering about the ice and the dubious-colored coffee that had been inside. 0

They almost looked like friends the same age—even if one of them was merely imitating a human.0

"Your order is ready," the employee called out.0

Ian's gaze shifted to the tray on the counter, where two slices of cake, an ice cream waffle, a strawberry smoothie, and a green grape smoothie were...0