Chapter 8

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Of course, I knew I was being childish. But did I feel even a shred of guilt? Not at all.

If I were in an adult body, sure, it’d be embarrassing. But hey, I’m technically eight years old, right?

So, whatever I say now will just come off as a slightly cheeky little girl.

“You ugly thing…!”

Joshua’s face flushed crimson at my words. I’d clearly struck a nerve, bruising his precious pride.

But I wasn’t done yet. And he’d just called me ugly again?

How dare he insult Lilianne’s looks—the very face I admire in the mirror every morning!

“Then don’t eat it.”

I pulled the plate of tarts closer, my smile unwavering.

Julianne’s eyes widened in surprise as she scolded me. “Lilianne, what are you doing?”

“Let her be, Lia. Adults shouldn’t meddle in kids’ games.”

Michael, you’re spot on. As expected from the scheming mastermind—your brain works wonders.

I shot him a grateful smile in return, then picked up a tart and bit into it dramatically.

Apple tart this time.

The sweet apple jam mingled perfectly with the flaky, nutty pastry in my mouth.

Too good to share, honestly. But the best way to enjoy something delicious? Devour it right in front of everyone else.

I glanced at Joshua again, curling my lips into the same smug grin he’d given me earlier.

Hah, kiddo. Your flimsy pride can’t beat the power of capitalism.

I took another bite of the apple tart.

I should ask Michael where he gets these later. They’re divine—worth sneaking out for.

“Lili, how can you be so mean? What did I say earlier?”

Julianne frowned, clearly worried about my social skills.

It’s fine, sis. My people skills are world-class back in my original life; I’m just acting out today.

And I’m still mad at you.

I huffed and turned away, pouting dramatically.

I might get in trouble for this. Oh well, a scolding’s worth it.

Right now, fixing this brat’s attitude came first.

“You’re such a liar, aren’t you?”

I tilted my head innocently, addressing Joshua.

“I’m actually really, really pretty.”

“You…!”

“Tell the truth, and I’ll give you all the tarts.”

How’s that for a deal? Pretty generous, if you ask me.

I plastered on a saintly smile.

I’ve already had two anyway. Any more, and Julianne might ban desserts for a while.

…Though she’s already giving me that “dessert prohibition imminent” look. I’ll just make it up with extra cuteness later.

“Lili…”

She’s just like me.

Michael murmured from across the table, while Cedric nodded sadly in agreement.

This isn’t me being like you—it’s just an adult’s urge to tease a kid.

Though to everyone else, I probably look like a sly little fox.

“If you don’t want it, I’ll eat them all.”

So, over five tarts… or your tiny pride?

I fluttered my lashes and tilted my head. Joshua furrowed his brows in deep thought, bit his lip, and finally spoke with a pained expression.

“…You’re pretty.”

“And cute too?”

“That wasn’t part of the deal!”

“Hmm, but the tarts are mine…”

No matter how you squirm, you’re just a kid…

And judging by his obsession with sweets, he must be on a strict dessert ration at home too.

So drop the pride already. Life gets easier that way. Why do you think people bow to money…?

I tapped the plate lightly, smirking inwardly.

“…Cute.”

Joshua muttered, his face tomato-red, looking half-dead.

He blushes all over when embarrassed, huh? Unlike Cedric, who just gets red ears.

Despite their polar opposite personalities, teasing them feels equally fun.

I beamed at him and pushed the plate over.

Here, payment for your pride!

“Lili always keeps her promises!”

So I’m not totally rotten inside!

I said it loud enough for Julianne to hear. She let out a soft sigh.

Only Michael mirrored my smile, staring right at me.

Looks like I’ve won him over, separate from Julianne. I rolled my eyes away, dodging his gaze.

Even if I’m your type now, hands off sis.

Alliance dissolved…

***

Today, I finally understood why adults love teasing kids so much.

Joshua was the perfect target—his reactions were gold.

That tomato-face on the verge of exploding, yet he swallows his pride and does exactly what I say.

Thrilling, fresh every time—teasing is the best!

“I’m Lilianne. Call me Lili if you want. I introduced myself, so now you!”

“Why should I? You already know…”

“There’s a whole cake coming soon. It’ll be so tasty…”

“…I’m Joshua Winston.”

Ahaha, this is hilarious.

I smiled brightly at his golden hair.

This is why people tease kids! It’s addictive—especially with Joshua!

“Hi, Lili!”

Just as I was deep in my Joshua-teasing session, Allen Lowell burst into the parlor with his usual flair.

With everyone here, our house feels like a social hub.

I waved half-heartedly and stared expectantly.

You didn’t forget the promise, did you?

“I brought the whole cake as promised.”

It’s hidden with magic right now. Took effort to sneak it past Julianne.

He leaned in, whispering sweetly in my ear.

I grinned wide.

Good, you’re a man of your word. I’ll endure the check-up happily today.

“Who’s this kid?”

He kinda looks like Cedric.

Allen spotted Joshua and asked. While Julianne and Michael were in a meeting, Cedric—knitting in his seat—answered instead.

“My nephew.”

“Why bring him here?”

“I’m watching him for a bit.”

“Ah.”

After that soulless exchange, Allen turned back to me, uninterested.

“Alright, gentlemen, step back. I’ll make this quick, Lili.”

“…What are you doing?”

Joshua’s blue eyes widened curiously—like a typical kid.

They never listen: stay back when told, run when warned, don’t touch what you’re not supposed to…

See? Allen said step back, but he edges closer.

I sighed at Joshua. He froze, startled.

Guess my glare trained him in that short time.

Fine by me. I put on a serious face and declared,

“Josie, this is…”

His throat bobbed nervously. Kid’s tense.

“Really, really painful and scary.”

“Lili?”

“It hurts so much. Just getting close might shock you.”

I narrowed my eyes, pouring my soul into the act. Joshua shrank back further.

Quick-witted Allen caught on to my prank and nodded silently.

Everyone here’s so perceptive—except maybe Julianne.

No, wait, there’s that poor little deer too.

I delivered the finale to Joshua.

“Run away quick, Josie!”

“Aaaah!”

He screamed and bolted straight into Cedric’s arms.

Seriously, for real…

So adorable I could die. Are all kids like this?

“Haha, ahaha, Josie, you dummy!”

I burst out laughing uncontrollably.

Every eye in the parlor turned to me—even Julianne and Michael paused their meeting.

But it’s too funny!

Aaaah, that little scamper!

“Lili, your personality is something else…”

Allen shook his head, chuckling as he activated his magic. I kept giggling at the flushed Joshua.

Ahaha, haha…

This is the best.

Still, he might be mad from the prank, so I’ll share extra cake later.

From the table, I heard Julianne murmur, “Our Lili, what am I going to do with you?” But let’s ignore that.

I smiled sweetly at her, then glanced at Josie, clinging to Cedric.

…Did I go too far?

Kinda feel bad. Extra cake for him, definitely.

***

“Lili, say hi. These are your new playmates starting today.”

Julianne spoke warmly, pointing to three kids staring blankly at me.

Let’s recap the situation.

I blinked slowly.

So, the day Allen brought the cake—the same day Cedric showed up with Joshua.

It started rocky, but teasing Joshua turned it into a blast.

Was that the problem? I tilted my head.

I did laugh a bit too hard during the check-up. Maybe that’s when alarm bells rang in Julianne’s head.

Like, “At this rate, Lili’s social skills are doomed.”

So this must be “Operation: Make Lili Friends.”

I don’t need that.

Sis is enough…

Plus, I gave Joshua the whole cake as atonement last time. I reflected and everything.

“I don’t need friends…”

“Play nice, and I’ll double your desserts.”

“I love friends, actually.”

Double desserts? She must be really worried about my social life.

Guess I’ll save the kid-teasing for when she’s not around.

Anyway, the real question: where’d she find these kids…?

I scanned the boys in front of me.

I know Joshua already. Sadly, no girls in the mix.

“Sis, why no girls like me?”

I’d prefer girls! We could braid hair, play house, hide-and-seek!

I pouted sulkily. Julianne stroked my hair soothingly.

“The brothers brought their nephews and little brothers, but no girls, unfortunately. Still, you’ll get along great with them, right?”

She smiled that magical, anger-melting smile.

When she smiles like that, my resolve crumbles…

I quickly looked away, eyeing the boys.

So these are the kids the male leads candidates brought…

Genes don’t lie—they’re all cute.

They probably dragged them here at Julianne’s request, hoping I’d be distracted and leave her alone.

“You said you wouldn’t come back, Josie?”

“I’m not here because I want to!”

I teased, and he yelled back. Even that’s endearing now.

He doesn’t call me ugly anymore, at least.

I ignored him lightly and greeted the others.

Gotta show sis.

I have perfect social skills without them.

“Hi, I’m Lili!”

I chirped brightly. The middle boy nodded first.

Black hair, golden eyes, cool vibe.

Eyes like Michael’s—must be his. But the aura’s totally different.

“H-Hi, Lili. I’m Aiden Evans.”

He mumbled shyly, voice barely audible.

I clamped my mouth shut.

He’s a total Cedric clone!

Wow. Bet he’d give great reactions to teasing…

Fine, no girls means I can tease freely without holding back.

“I’m Luca Lowell. Allen Lowell’s my big brother! You’re super cute!”

Right after Aiden, Luca shook my hand enthusiastically.

Literally a mini Allen—down to the fluffy sky-blue hair and deeper blue eyes.

Family genes, huh? He could pass as Allen’s son.

I shook back, nodding.

I am cute—checked the mirror this morning.

“Okay, have fun here. Got it?”

Proud of my smooth greetings, Julianne beamed and patted my head.

Looks like she’s ditching us in this big garden to go off alone.

No, sis! I need to fend off those guys eyeing you!

Though they’ll probably fight among themselves anyway.

“Sis, wait…!”

I grabbed her hem.

“Lili, play with brother instead.”

Cedric smiled kindly from behind the kids.

I was dumbfounded.

Why you? Go compete—you’re short on time!

This whole setup baffled me.

Sis suddenly cares about my socializing, Cedric volunteers as babysitter instead of joining the fray.

“Don’t you have work?”

“Huh?”

Oops, wrong phrasing.

He’d misinterpret as “why keep coming here?”

I shook my head and rephrased gently.

“Don’t you need to be with sis?”

Nice. Direct but polite.

I sighed inwardly. Cedric’s ears reddened as he replied softly.

“I don’t want to bother Julianne… And I like playing with you all.”

He flashed his harmless smile, contrasting his usual sharp, stoic look.

Truly a prim, gentle knight. Hard to believe he’s a knight captain.

…Though his frequent visits raise the same doubts.

Lost in thought, Cedric softened his brows and asked,

“Lili, do you not want to play with me?”

“No!”

Of course—adults make teasing easier! Especially a tease-worthy one!

Just worried about your naive kindness…

“Thanks so much, Cedric. I was worried about leaving the kids alone while working.”

Julianne smiled gratefully, folding her eyes prettily.

In a way, he picked the right move—unintentionally, probably.

Can’t force him to “stick with her” if he wants this.

And at least during work, Michael keeps his hands off.

I’ll endure playtime till then.

I waved as Julianne walked away, turning only when she vanished.

Joshua’s figured out now. Aiden’s like a fragile deer, ready to pop.

Luca might be the tough one to tease.

“Lili?”

Cedric called worriedly as I pondered.

I blinked up at his face.

Male lead material—sunlight makes him glow.

“Lili, if you’re uncomfortable, say so. Okay?”

He spoke gently, eyes full of concern. I nodded silently.

I was planning to tease your nephew… Your worry makes me feel like a villain…

No choice. Can’t distress Cedric twice—I’ll hide my true nature today.

I grinned at the three boys and shouted,

“Wanna eat desserts?”

Allen and Michael brought tons of goodies today.

Feeling generous—I’ll share with you all!

The kids’ eyes sparkled instantly.

So kid-like.

Reminds me of volunteering: snack time, they’d rush to wash hands and wait eagerly.

…Wait. They need to wash hands too?

“You guys want desserts?”

“Yeah!”

All three nodded eagerly. Felt like teaching fresh elementary schoolers.

Cedric’s here, but he’s more protector than enforcer.

I declared firmly,

“Then…”

Joshua reacted first, shrinking and eyeing me warily.

Not teasing this time, promise.

I shrugged and continued,

“Wash your hands first!”

“Got it!”

And just like that, they sprinted toward the manor.

I smiled at their retreating backs.

You don’t need to go that far to wash up, dummies.