So thats how it was.

He brought him home without consulting me, and Papa is terrible. He told me that Leo would be my playmate. Besides, he wanted me to know that there are children from all walks of life in this world.

Rishe somehow understood the reason for Myrias frustration.

I told my maidservants about it, and do you know what they said? Your father is awful. If its a friend, he should at least be a girl. Others also said, I wish he considered your feelings. Or something like, How about getting a puppy then? Theyre not what I meant. What I dont like is

Because it seems that Leos own wishes were not taken into account, right?

!!

Rishes guess made Myrias eyes widen.

No matter what circumstances Leo was born into, he should live as Leo. Hes neither your playmate nor a teaching tool for you to learn about the world. And yet he was only concerned about you, so you hated it, right?

So

After a heaving blink, Myria muttered, Yeah.

After speaking, she chewed on each word as she continued.

I really didnt like it. Why should Leo be taken in for those reasons just because he grew up in an orphanage? He might have had his own reasons for fighting with the other kids. But I couldnt believe that Papa, who never listened to me before he took Leo in, listened to his opinions.

Id like to agree with your thoughts, Myria-sama. But, you know there are things wrong with you too, dont you?

When questioned, the tips of Myrias brows lowered.

I guess I never properly explained my feelings to Papa and always felt angry at him?

Yes. Yesterday and today, you havent told your father much about your feelings, have you? Why dont you tell him that this isnt just an inconsiderate whim, but that you have your own thoughts and circumstances?

Youre so honest with me, so there must be a reason why you dont do so with your father.

That said, Myrias face increasingly turned cloudy.

Nope. I dont think shes in the mood to talk about it.

She showed this kind of expression whenever she felt that. Rishe knew this all too well from her experience in her previous life.

So, she gave up listening and picked up a lemon colored ribbon.

Look, Myria-sama. How about this?

Well, its lovely!

Myria let out a cheerful voice when she saw her reflection in the mirror.

Rishe finished her hairstyle, making a ring of hair high on each side and clipping them high.

Like the ears of a small bear, she curled them up on either side. As a finishing treatment, she braided the edges and tied them together at the back of her head with a ribbon. It was a simple yet lovely hairstyle that suited Myria well.

Whats this? Its so cute!!

This was your favorite hairstyle when you were a little girl.

Rishe smiled, reminiscing the old days.

As Myria grew older, she didnt ask much for it. But for ten-year-old Myria, she found it very satisfying.

Thank you very much, Rishe-sama! This is perfect for rehearsal!

Hahaha, lets go. Can you greet your father waiting for you in the hallway with a big smile?

Huh, thats no good! It must be an elegant and ladylike greeting, befitting this hairdo!

Myria ran quickly toward the door with an excited smile. Rishe also followed her, planning on her next move.

Ive still got a lot of work to do. But I cant let this opportunity pass me by.