There is a pinched expression on Daisaku-sama 's face when Shiki finally returns to the compound. Which is unsurprising, although the elderly man is quick to smooth it away into his usual mask of something calm and unreadable as Shiki takes a seat at the low tea table.

For a long moment, he does not speak, and the two sit across from each other in absolute silence.

' ' Did you enjoy yourself, at least? '

The little girl blinks.

Well, that 's unexpected.

Her outward reaction is perhaps a tad too obvious, if the wry look that the elder gives her is anything to go by.

'Contrary to what you and Satoru-kun might think, ' the old man drawls, 'I, in fact, do

not

derive any enjoyment from making children miserable. Even if that tends to be an unfortunate side-effect more often than not, admittedly ' but nonetheless necessary. '