Such a life lasted a week. I learned a lot from Sakura. However, I can't teach you everything in just a week. I just can't afford to be absent from school anymore, that's all. In the future, I'll teach during my free time—like when I wake up or before bed.
Lilia hasn't worn her school uniform in a while. It's a white sailor outfit.
— "I've been wondering, how long have these clothes been around?"
"If you're asking about its history, it's a tradition that has lasted for over a hundred years."
— "Yeah... I figured there was something more to it than just me…"
Lilia frowned at Sakura's words. It was as though there had been some kind of sarcastic undertone in the past. But I can't say for sure that there hasn't been one either.
Lilia can't prove the existence of Sakura.
After getting dressed, Sakura headed to the dining room for breakfast.
The dining room was already full of the family. Everyone's gaze turned to Lilia, eyes wide with surprise at seeing her in uniform. Lilia took her seat, feeling slightly more at ease with their reaction.
"Lilia, are you going to school?" my father asked.
Lilia nodded and answered.
"Yes. I'm heading to the dorm today. Thank you for your concern."
As Lilia spoke and bowed her head, my father started speaking in a pompous tone. Though I was surprised, I noticed that Sakura was quietly stifling a laugh, her shoulders shaking slightly.
"But so suddenly... there's a carriage arranged?"
"Don't worry. I didn't want to trouble you, so I made arrangements here. Alisa and the others took care of it."
"Oh, well... But you know, that's fine…"
My father slumped his shoulders, looking a bit deflated. It wasn't anything majestic; I wasn't sure why he was reacting like this, but I decided not to dwell on it, since breakfast was already laid out on the table.
"Well, let's eat. But first... Cross! Put that paperwork down!"
I nearly choked on my food from my father's sudden anger. A little farther away, I saw my brother trying to read some paperwork.
"Cross!"
My father's voice rang out again. When my brother glanced up at our father, he clicked his tongue and set the documents aside. I thought my father would snap at him for that, but apparently, it didn't bother him. It felt like someone else was making a scene at the breakfast table.
"Well... Let's eat."
After finishing her pre-meal prayers, Lilia took the bread in front of her.
Sakura seemed to be in a very good mood during breakfast. Even though she knew Lilia was listening, she kept humming a little tune to herself. I didn't really mind it—her singing wasn't off-key or annoying. I just wondered why she was so cheerful.
– Delicious dinner.
It was a brief answer, but that's why it's easy to understand. Sakura, who shares her senses with Lilia, seems to feel happy too whenever Lilia enjoys something delicious.
I recalled the conversation from that time, though it was a bit blurry.
"Cross! Come on!"
My father's anger flared again. His loud voice filled the room, and I glanced at my brother. He had also picked up some paperwork, furrowing his brows as he studied it.
"How many times do I have to tell you? Don't work during meals!"
"Father, this is important. It's something that needs to be dealt with immediately. If this document is correct, then someone has been misusing our funds. We should focus on this now, not on food."
"It's not going to be a problem if we wait until after the meal."
"That's too sweet, Father. This could lead to fraud, so we need to address it as soon as possible."
Even now, my brother's insistence made my father's face harden. It was clear my father and brother didn't see eye to eye on this.
– Well, it's none of my business.
– Lilia. Aren't you going to stop them?
– Oh. Should I? If you say so, I'll try.
I asked that, but I already knew what Sakura would say. If Sakura thought we should stop the argument, she would tell Lilia to intervene before I even had a chance to speak.
– I won't say anything. After all, it's just a woman's place to stay quiet, right?
– I guess. I can totally imagine that.
– Yeah. Anyway, let's get ready for school. You should study a little once you're ready.
– Yes, sir.
Lilia glanced at her father and brother, then her gaze shifted to her mother. When my mother noticed, she gave me a bitter look, as if she could guess what Lilia was thinking. With a slight nod, Lilia sat down, while my father and brother continued to argue without noticing.
"Sister. I'm coming too."
My brother, Theo, tugged at Lilia's sleeve, a small, endearing gesture. Lilia immediately smiled when she noticed him. I think her smile has gotten warmer over the past week.
"Alright. Shall we go?"
"Yes."
Theo also sat down, and as he was about to head toward the door, the papers on the table caught his eye.
– Oh… This isn't just a trivial issue.
The documents listed how the money had been spent and what income we had received. They weren't itemized, so the details were complicated. It felt like the documents were deliberately made difficult to understand, almost like they were trying to cover up a mistake.
In fact, both the person who prepared this paperwork and the brother who confirmed it were mistaken.
Lilia let out a small sigh, feeling forced to speak up.
"Brother."
"What? Don't let her out," he responded dismissively.
I frowned, sensing the tension. My father looked like he wanted to say something, clearly uncomfortable with my brother's words, but Lilia decided to intervene before things escalated. She quickly spoke up, hoping to avoid any further argument and slip away.
"I'm in a hurry too, so just one thing. Here—this part is wrong."
"What...?"
My brother's gaze dropped to the papers. He went silent for a moment, then blinked in disbelief.
"Excuse me, then."
Lilia said this and gave a slight bow before heading toward the dining room door. I wasn't keen on getting involved in the argument between my father and brother, so I took Theo and quietly left the room.