Chapter 256

Chapter 256Previous

Side story 3 Liloas Chapter 1: The Fruit

If you are so curious about the sea, then read this book first.

The lord then placed Monferrand, the Foolish Fisherman in her hands. Looking at the illustrations, she could tell it was a fairy tale specially created for children.

This book provides an excellent description of the capricious nature of the sea.

Unfortunately, Liloa could only prove reason through silence.

But if I cannot speak, how can others know of my ability to think? What is this stuffy feeling?

Liloa nodded her head exaggeratedly so as not to reveal her true thoughts. When the lord realised that Liloa had obeyed him, he was finally satisfied.

That same night, Liloa crept into the study. However, the Maritime History of the Oceans and Empires was on the highest shelf, which she couldnt reach even with a ladder. It was placed far enough that even if Liloa reached the top of the ladder and stretched her hand out, the light from the candlestick would barely reach the book.

Liloa looking up at the tall bookshelf.

Its impossible for me to pick up the book and read it again not only now but also in the future It isnt because Im short. It also isnt that I dont dare to step on a ladder either

Liloa knew. Even if she grew as tall as the bookshelf, and even if her courage was as endless as the sea, she would never be able to read that book again. It was the first thing she realised that she wasnt allowed to do.

While blankly gazing up, Liloa felt something eerie behind her and quickly turned around. She was clearly the only one in the study, but nonetheless, she heard a faint laugh from somewhere. Liloa initially assumed the sound was coming from the garden outside but soon realised it was coming from the darkness on the other side of the bookshelf.

Liloa held the candlestick up to her eyes.

Who goes there?

However, the being wasnt standing in the dark. The being was the darkness itself. Such darkness had neither lighter or darker parts, but Liloa was able to distinguish its mouth.

The black maw smiled sinisterly and muttered.

Hello? Its been a while since I last saw you, my dear little customer

Who

I came to take your eyes

As Charlotte clicked her tongue, an interjection came from the other side.

Yes, someone has to do the work, but is asking for a title not a little too much? I think that getting a title is beyond what they deserve. People need to have a certain identity, and it is funnily unpleasant when they are overly greedy like this.

Do the rest of the people from Obernyu share the same opinion? You are such a conservative, Ann.

Charlotte replied sharply, but the truth was, neither Ann or Charlotte had a deep enough reason to engage in a further debate. Liloa was frustrated by her limited access to information. One time, when she asked a question out loud at a salon, she was later scolded by Charlotte for acting undignified. If a child acted recklessly or showed excessive interest in one of the topics, they could even be banned from entering the next salon.

For the time being, Liloa had no choice but to keep the image of a young girl visiting the salon, who was taking her time to emulate the manners of the ladies of the salon. Those same ladies all sat upright as they nodded their heads in agreement with the mens passionate speeches. And the only time they opened their mouths was to praise the speaker.

Liloa even learned how to use a fan as instructed by Ann, and it wasnt until much later that she was finally able to reap the rewards of her diligent practice of precociousness. Over time, when Charlotte and Ann had gone off to enjoy their brief love affairs again, Liloa had her own means to utilise her free time and often joined a group of kids her age at the entrance of the alley where the villas were located.

Today, she stuck next to a girl whose face she was already familiar with.

Where are we going today, Louisa?

Louisa, a girl with curly red hair, greeted Liloa warmly.

Ah, Liloa! Why havent you come lately?

Ive been going to the salon

Why did you go to such a boring place? I was sad because I couldnt see you. And you have no idea how proud Charles was that you didnt see him snoring!

I wasnt there because I was having fun either

Louisa wasnt interested in salons, so she shrugged her shoulders once and hooked her arm with Liloas. With Liloa tucked to her side, Louisa held her head up high. The reason? Liloa was a wonderful friend who knew how to deal with boys.

Louisa then purposely quickened her steps and approached Charles, who was in the lead.

Hey, Liloa is here.

Charles eyebrows flinched upon hearing Liloas name, whereas the latter stuck her head out from behind Louisa and waved leisurely.

Hello, Charles.

After Liloa came to Malus, sudden rules were established among their group. Before that, even when simply playing games, the rules could be twisted and changed by a specific person, but since her arrival Liloa never hesitated to protest and raise the issue that such practice was unfair. Of course, in the beginning, there was some backlash against the newcomer named Liloa. But because Liloa argued in earnest, there was no other child who could properly refute he