beta
Y'all are annoying for misinterpreting the story without considering context... Ashtarte and Rion's meeting was lifechanging for the both of them - they each experienced loneliness and deprivation and were able to connect through those feelings. Rion was the one who helped Ashtarte acknowledge her family's cowardice and accept the people closest to her as family. She's still a very sheltered princess but it's not fair to write off the character growth she's experienced. Not to mention, Rion was the first person Ashtarte trusted outside of her immediate retainers/family. He's the only one outside of that circle who gets the first name treatment, and Ashtarte being concerned about his feelings in regard to Isaiah's request makes sense.