Aqua led the way, his steps unusually brisk as he guided the group toward a stream Ace had always assumed was just a decorative feature.
But the moment they arrived, Ace was met with a bizarre sight.
Fishes leaped from the water in synchronized arcs, diving back down only to jump again moments later—like performers in some aquatic acrobatics show.
His brows twitched. "…Why aren't they swimming? Why are they being so—athletic?"
Aqua's face, inexplicably, flushed a deep red. He gave a deliberate cough, trying to maintain his composure.
"Well… this was the best I could get from my trades with the Spirit Chickens." His throat bobbed as he gulped.
Inside, however, his thoughts were far less composed—
[I already did the best I could! But master isn't satisfied... There's no way I'm gonna get a spirit pork even if I ask now, would I?]
Before Ace could comment, Lily, who had been quietly observing, decided to speak up in Aqua's defense.
