Since losing the bet, Mia has done nothing but to bug Ramza endlessly about her promised new sword. Everyday it was sword-this and sword-that and when. It wasn't as if he was putting it off, but where would he get one in the first place?

First off, the Kitsusagi realm was a relatively peaceful place. It wasn't anything like his world where any shop sells weapons, armor, or even battle-ready accessories. Basically every town had a shop that sold such items, and even then there were usually multiple stores to buy from. Here, such shops seemed like they didn't and would never exist! Kitsusagis were relatively laid back and friendly. Even those who wished ill-will against others were dealt with without any casualties. So it wasn't like he was putting it off, but rather he had no place to get her a shiny new sword. If he could make one, he would already have.

Of course, Mia didn't quite understand this concept of these shops not existing. Where did 'kasan get hers? Or 'tosan get his? Sigurd's? Or even some of her other siblings? They couldn't have magically appeared out of nowhere. There was no way she would buy the explanation of "mommy and daddy made them". Pfft, where would they get the raw materials in the first place?

"Ramza-nii~" She said in a whiny tone of voice, "Open up in there and let me have my new sword~" She whined as she knocked on the door.

"Hold on a minute. Just be patient for a while longer." He sighed, yelling through the door.

The gift he had in mind wasn't anything sword-like or weapon-like. But when he found it, it reminded him of her for some reason. It would go nicely with the color of her armor and she seemed like she would enjoy it; especially since it's from "Ramza-nii".

It was almost plain as day her feelings for him were more than just a simple house-mate/sibling relationship. Even her real older brother noticed it enough to give Ramza "the talk". Of course, Sigurd knew Ramza well enough that he wouldn't intentionally put Mia in harm's way both physically or emotionally. But it seemed like the brotherly thing to do and it told Ramza that Sigurd, as her brother, cared for her.

"Almost done," he whispered quietly to himself as he stringed the ribbon through the little golden latch. This was rather unexpectedly tough without thumbs. He then placed it inside a velvet-y crimson colored box and nervously made his way to the door.

When he opened the door, he expected a scolding from the impatient female, but instead she sat there with bright, puppy-dog eyes expecting her shiny and sharp gift.

"Now, Mia, I was not able to obtain a sword for you, but listen to me carefully before you speak another word. There are no shops around here that sell such things--at least to my knowledge. I know this is not what you had asked for, or even hoped for, but I hope you will find a liking to it just as much," he said with a small smile on his face, "Now, close your eyes and keep them closed until I instruct you to do otherwise."

She sat there patiently, eyes closed with a slight pout on her face, "Ramza-nii, what could be better than a sword? You know I'm still going to bother you about getting one since it's what we promised on." A soft sigh escaped from her maw as she impatiently waited for orders to open her eyes.

The purple-armored Kitsu stringed the ribbon around her neck, tying it up in the back with a simple butterfly knot. Surely she felt the cold, hard stone bang against her neck and the smooth, velvet feeling of the ribbon around her neck. But she sat there saying nothing, only waiting for Ramza to instruct her to open her eyes.

Holding up a small handheld mirror in front of her, "There," he said, "Open your eyes and let me know what you think of it. If you do not take a liking to it, I can always get you something else you would much rather have--such as a sword," he sighed at the thought, "But if you do find yourself enjoying it, then you must not pester me further about your promised sword. Do we have a deal?"

Of course she could guess as to what the item was being strung around her neck. It felt heavy and when it touched her skin it was cold. Obviously, some kind of necklace with some kind of gem or other accessory hanging off a ribbon. She wasn't a fool. So when her eyes opened staring into the mirror, why was she speechless?

There it was; this petite multicolored crystal attached to a simple pink ribbon decorating her neck. This didn't seem like a gift a brother would give to a sister, but more what a boyfriend would give a girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

"I know Valentine's Day has passed, but here is a belated present for you," he smiled shyly while lightly scratching his head out of embarrassment.

After she regained her composure, or quite possibly her consciousness she leapt toward him beaming. "This is gorgeous! Thank you, Ramza!" She beamed while blushing shyly. It seemed rather out of character for her considering how she was always trying to embarrass others. Without thinking, she gave him a small lick on the cheek as a way of thanking him.

Ramza tried to hide his embarrassment with little success as he blushed from her kiss. Shyly, he turned away from her slightly, "I am happy you like it. But now our promise of a sword is done, I hope?"

She nodded intensely, "Yes! This is a perfect replacement for the sword you promised me.