Three days later, a sleek black car arrived at Klara's home to pick her up. As they drove through a private community, she gazed out the window at the sprawling mansions, pristine lawns, and the distant view of a country club with a sparkling pool.
"We've arrived, Lady Klara," the driver announced.
Before her stood not just a mansion, but a palace. The gates opened to a long driveway lined with manicured gardens. Klara stepped out as the car drove off.
A fair maid with short black hair and kind eyes greeted her. "This way, Miss Klara," she said with a bow. Two butlers opened the doors as Klara entered the house.
The marble floors gleamed beneath her feet, and rare paintings and gemstones decorated the halls.
"So this is the house, huh? They sure are rich," Klara mumbled, expressionless despite her curiosity.
At last, the maid opened a large door revealing Kevin, a beautiful woman, and a young boy between them.
The woman was a fair-skinned Russian with flowing green hair and crystal-blue eyes, dressed elegantly in a red silk gown. Her smile was warm and radiant.
"So, you're the boy named Shio?" Klara asked, giving a cursory glance at the fair-skinned boy slightly shorter than her. His long green hair was tied into a ponytail, and his bright yellow eyes glimmered. He wore a blue shirt, matching pants, and slippers.
"Mama, she's so beautiful! Is she my playmate?" Shio asked eagerly.
"No, dear. Your father says she'll be teaching you," the woman said sweetly, pinching his cheeks.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Shio Barton, and this is my mum, Iris, and my dad, Kevin," Shio said proudly.
"It's nice to see you again, Sir Kevin, and it's nice to meet you, Mrs. Iris," Klara said with a curtsey. "I'm Klara Aswidu."
Kevin smiled and ruffled her hair. "Glad you came, kiddo."
Klara swatted his hand away. "Please refrain from messing up my neatly combed hair."
"Honey, this child's so mean to me," Kevin whined, hiding against his wife's chest.
"Are you my new playmate?" Shio asked.
Klara shook her head. "No, I'll be teaching you."
"How can a kid like you teach?" Shio teased.
"Well, we'll find out," Klara said with a small smile. Shio blushed at her unexpected warmth.
"Well, I don't care if you'll teach me, but you must also be my friend!" Shio declared, his face red.
"Aww, since you two are getting along, I'll get some cookies," Iris laughed as she and Kevin left the room.
From that day on, Klara came every four days to teach Shio, while continuing her own studies.