[ Despite Riza's feeling of being bone-tired after the time she's spent basically fighting a war in the Down, the sight of her dog is enough to get her to smile. She drops her keys onto the table near the front door and drops down to greet Black Hayate, giving the very happy dog rubs and scratches behind the ears. ]

Were you good for Mey-Rin?

[ She murmurs softly, then straightens back to her feet to smile at the maid. ]

You don't have to bow.

[ She pauses, kicks off one shoe, then the other and then finally stumbles forward a little. She feels worn down and exhausted, and yet she manages to reach out and take hold of Mey-Rin's shoulders. ]

I'm back, safe and sound. Thank you for taking care of things while I was gone, Mey-Rin. It's good to see you.