>"I'd like to observe that myself, to see if a hypothesis I'm developing holds true. It seems that Minoriko grew larger than Nitori, then Shizuha grew larger than Minoriko, and and Meiling larger than them all. I would like to see if that trend holds."
>"You can. But if you can wait until I'm there, that would be most preferable. Buuuut, if you can't hold back, well, I understand."
>Shrug.>"Don't feel too obligated. If you can hold out, that's good. If not, I understand."
>"Nope.">Bow to Marisa. "Thanks!">Look to Shanghai and Hourai: "I'll see you to had home sometime this evening, or at least will send word if something comes up.">With that, venture back to Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>Approach and wave. "Hey Meiling! Everything ready?"
>"Don't worry, don't worry, she has special dispensation from the Mistress herself. I was there to see it and everything."
>"I'm sure you guys will do just fine. Shall we be off, Meiling?"
>Set off, generally back the way we came.>"I was thinking we could try someplace over in the human town, but I am open to suggestions elsewhere if you have something you'd like."
>What time is it about now, given sun position? And what do we expect it would take to get there?>"You think so?"
>"Well, we'll just be early for the night scene, then.">"Do they always give you such trouble when you leave?"
>"Huh. I wonder what was different this time?"
>"...You don't think someone was jealous, do you?"
>"Hard to say. Your mistress was certainly opposed to the idea at first, as well."
>"Eventually. Just how often do you get time off, anyways?"
>"Oh? Do tell."