[His suddenly less cheerful tone didn't go by unnoticed by Ai as she walked beside him, her croissant in her hand as she chewed on it, the two of them now out of the bakery along with Lax. Her features displayed her curiosity as she took in both Diamond's words and what his body language was telling her. Perhaps she had hit a sore point without realizing it...]

That sounds like a good idea, Diamond-san. [She still answered, giving the boy a smile as she did.] I would like that. Perhaps there are even things you can teach me. [After all, she wasn't that skilled to manage everything on her own, and she would not be opposed to finding out more about potential otherworldly delicacies either.]

[But then she also wanted to ask as to what had brought the subtle shift in the boy's tone, doubtlessly caused by something she had said.]

...What is on your mind? [Another piece of her croissant was about to be gone while she waited for his answer.]