A knock on the door brought Annie out of her daze.
She tidied her clothes before opening the door to find Ethan Walters standing there.
"Morning! Looks like you got a good rest," he said.
Before Annie could respond, Ethan pulled her into action.
He guided her to the dining table and sat her down, placing a mirror in front of her.
Then, he began to comb her hair.
After a night's sleep, Annie's blonde hair was fluffy and unruly, with a few stray strands sticking up adorably.
Annie fiddled with the hem of her sweater, puzzled as to why Ethan was doing this for her.
She should have objected.
Yet, the feeling of being cared for brought a sweetness she couldn't quite understand.
Ethan, observing Annie's reaction, smiled inwardly.
Through the black light virus, he had gained access to Annie's memories.
He understood her well.
Despite her icy exterior, Annie silently cherished others' kindness and longed for care.
It was why she yearned to return to her home in Marley, to her father.
Though, the father... well, that's another story.
"I can do it myself," Annie mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Ethan pretended not to hear, focusing instead on discussing matters at hand.
"About the world of giants, here's my plan. But first, some additional information..."
As he styled her hair, Ethan shared various secrets about the giant world.
Intrigued by the information, Annie allowed him to continue.
After finishing her braid, Ethan brought breakfast.
The two ate, and Ethan elaborated on his plan and the information, though he kept some details that weren't relevant to Annie to himself.
Once done, Ethan produced the Absolute Contract Code, opened it to the last page, and handed it to Annie.
The previous pages were filled with agreements, but the signature line was on the next.
His cunning was evident.
"If you agree with this plan, please sign your name here."
"Together, we can shape a future for humanity."
Ethan spoke grandly.
After contemplating, Annie nodded.
Though Ethan's plan was daunting, upon reflection, it seemed feasible.
She simply needed to assist.
So Annie signed her name on the code, unaware she had effectively sold herself to Ethan.
Ethan, pleased, put away the code with a smile.
"Let's go shopping for clothes and necessities. Annie, care to join? It'll be a chance to see more of the world."
Ethan invited, standing up.
At the mention of clothes, Annie glanced down.
With the sweater's loose fit, looking down revealed a vast view.
Annie blushed and nodded.
With that, they left the apartment to shop.
Outside, Annie noticed the sketch in Ethan's hand—the original comic manuscript for the giants.
"Why bring that?" she asked curiously.
Ethan followed her gaze and replied, "I plan to submit it. Earn the first pot of gold from the manuscript fees, then make money with money..."
Annie found his words odd.
To her, it was invaluable information.
The future of her world.
Ethan chuckled, tapping the manuscript on her head playfully.
"Those things are the past. Your world will chart a new path."
"To change, you must look forward and discard the useless old things."
Annie said no more.
The two exited the building.
However, next door, Eri Spencer observed from a window with wide eyes.
"A woman!"
"A woman leaving Ethan's place!"
"And they're laughing and talking intimately!!!"
Eri let out a wail.
How could the world be so cruel!
It hurt, it hurt!
Today was a complete defeat for Eri!
Unaware of Eri's plight, Ethan chatted with Annie on their way.
They reached Chiba's bustling commercial street.
Annie felt uneasy amidst the crowd.
For her, a large group of people signified danger.
Keeping an eye on the pedestrians, Annie gradually lagged behind, nearly losing contact with Ethan.
Ethan noticed her discomfort, understanding it couldn't be eased overnight.
So...
To avoid losing Annie, Ethan took her hand.
Unexpectedly, her palm was small and soft.
No calluses from training.
It must be the resilience granted by the giant's power.
Annie instinctively tried to pull away.
After two attempts, she gave up.
Looking at Ethan, Annie ceased her struggle.
Fingers interlocked, they navigated the bustling street like a pair of lovers.
Chiba was home to numerous clothing stores.
Spotting a renowned women's shop, Ethan led Annie inside.
A saleslady greeted them with a smile.
"Hello, may I assist you?"
Ethan nudged Annie forward.
"Please help her pick two or three outfits."
The clerk nodded cheerfully.
Annie, eyeing the store's attire, felt both intrigued and hesitant.
Shopping was new to her.
Fortunately, the store clerk was there to guide her.
Ethan watched Annie's reactions with a smile.
What was this inexplicable joy of raising a daughter?
But then, Ethan sensed someone watching him.
He glanced at the source—a girl with blonde hair, a single side ponytail, dressed adorably.