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«Why do I have to share my place with her?! The garden is huge, just give her another place! Why do you have to take away mine?!»
It was early afternoon in the La household. Two mothers and their ladies in waiting were standing near the dining table, discussing something before a young boy ran into the kitchen and overheard their conversation. Now he was standing in front of them, stomping his feet. He was clearly angry, showing it as much as he could. Both women exchanged glances, exchanging their thoughts silently. Finally, the woman with the dark green hair gave a quick bow with her head and left the room along with her lady-in-waiting.
«Junjie, now, listen to me carefully.»
«I don't want to! I was begging to get my own place in the garden, and now I will have to share it? Moreover, she always gets what she wants anyway, why should I let her have my piece of garden?!»
The lady-in-waiting who was left in the room next to the lady started whispering something to her, perhaps trying to calm her down. The woman just took a deep breath and looked down at the boy, who was at the edge of crying. What a pain. Wasn't he a bit too emotional for a future head of the clan? Especially about those stupid plants that have no value. At least the girl’s plants can make medicine and poisons, but his. Yes, of course, they can eat them, but it's easier to buy them than grow them on their own. He didn't want to save his time for something more important? Like studying, which he actually needs. That would be easily a shame on their clan.
«You will share your garden with Lakai. That's already decided and will not be discussed any further. It would be better if you instead went to studies and read a book or two.»
«That’s not fair! She always gets her way! I hate everyone here!»
The boy’s voice finally cracked in crying and he ran out of the room. Woman leaned with one arm on the table and started massaging her temple. What a disappointment of a boy. He was supposed to do something useful, he was supposed to do something great to later bring the fame to their clan and finally break that stupid shame on them of all the people in it being “eccentric” and “crazy”. They still had shame on their hands for the brother of the head of the clan being banished from the palace, and then her brother in-law marrying a courtesan and having a daughter with her. Moreover, he acts like this daughter is an actual princess! He gets her everything she wants, she even got the “La” in her name! She was allowed to give the “La” character only to her second son, her oldest doesn't have this in his name! Just how shameful it all is!
«My lady, shouldn't you go comfort young master? I mean… Gardening is his only hobby, it is normal that he is upset… He is also hard-working in his studies as well…»
«Quiet! He is old enough to understand what's important and what's not. If he can't learn how to share and accepts the decisions of others, he won't go far in life. Let him cry if he wants. What a shame on the clan…»
At the same time, the young boy finally stopped running when reached his garden. There wasn't much, just some potatoes, carrots and wheat. Yes, there were only basic, the easiet to grow types here, but they were no less dear to him. He didn't want to share this. This was his only thing, his only hobby that was allowed, and even it had to be shared. Out of all people with the spoiled princess as well! Yes, she never asked for much, but whenever she did – she always got her way. She was even kept away from politics, unlike him or his brother! That wasn't fair. She was free to do everything she wanted, could leave the residence at any moment if her nanny asked in time and got the guards with them. And he couldn't even step in the garden without asking for a permission! Maybe they should just raise her as someone who has to become the head of the clan, then it will thrive? That was no fair!
«Elder brother Junjie? Elder brother Junjie! Where are you?»
«Junjie! Grandfather is looking for us! Please, come out!»
Two high voices, one sounds more worried, while the other was pretty steady. Lakai and Lahan. They were looking for him. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? Especially her. She was the reason he was hiding near his small garden and crying right now. If she didn't want a place for her herbs, he wouldn't be crying. If she wasn't uncle’s daughter, she would have the same treatment as he or his brother. How can Lahan be so nice to her? That was simply unfair to both of them, but he never really complained. Is he really fine with how things are? Is he really fine with them being treated so unloved and uncaring by their mother and her receiving all the love in the household?
Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder. He quickly wiped away his tears and turned around to see his two siblings staring down at him. Lakai was wearing the green hanfu as usual. She was always wearing green colours, usually mixed with white or red with black. It was a bit annoying, because he and Lahan were only allowed to wear dark colours, while she could wear all the colours she wanted, even if they were too bright. Always getting better, always getting what she wanted. Lahan, standing right next to her, was fixing his stupid glasses. He once almost broke them when they were fighting and then they couldn't find them, only for their sister to bring them all cleaned in a second. After that, Lahan was kinder and a bit closer to the girl, which was also annoying.
«Why are you here? What do you want?» He quickly flinched away from the youngers. His eyes and face were red and wet from tears and constant rubbing with his hands on them. He was still sobbing, trying to calm down from crying. He watched as two standing siblings exchanged glances, and the girl took out a handkerchief from somewhere inside her robes. She slowly approached him and got down on her knees, after that the handkerchief was gently rubbing his cheeks.
«Why were you crying, elder brother? We were looking for you everywhere! Grandfather asked us to meet him in our shared srudy. Let’s calm you down and go see him.»
How could she be like that? That was not fair to him! First, she asks for his garden, and now she comes here and acts like she doesn't know anything! How can she be so cruel! His mother was right, she was truly like her parents: selfish and cruel. But she didn't stop. She was just wiping his face dry, while his own brother was nodding along. How could he always be around her? He should be on his side, not on hers. He should be his brother, not hers.
«Here you go. If grandfather learns that you were crying, we all will get punished with more studying. Come on, let's go.»
She didn't wait for his answer and just took his arm to help him stand from the ground. When he finally gave up and followed her to standing on his feet, she hid her handkerchief back and took his hand in hers. His other hand was taken by his brother, and both of them were now dragging him inside the building. When did they learn to communicate without actually speaking aloud? Was it because they were only a few months ago? He was older than both of them for a couple of years, so that's not weird that they were closer to each other than him, but it still made him jealous. After all, he with his brother and the girl were cousins, not really siblings, even if people still called them that for their own convenience.
Finally, they reached the study and made him stand in the middle of them, instead of behind them. They all fixed their clothes and Lahan knocked on the door, then slowly opened it and all of them walked in, giving a slight bow.
«You wanted to see us, Grandfather?» Lahan was doing all the talking for them, thankfully. His voice was steady and overall his usual voice, nothing new was in it. He tried his best to kind of hide Junjie behind himself, or at least his face. No matter how hard Lakai tried, it was still noticeable that Junjie was crying before coming here. And he still didn't tell them the reason why. He didn't get the chance, actually, as their sister was wiping his face dry, to at least assure that there would be no wet traces on his face. She did a pretty good job, but their fathers, who were also present on each side by the head of the clan, would still be able to notice.
«Yes. There is something that I need to discuss with you. More with Lakai and Junjie, so you are free to go play, if you want, Lahan. You are always free to stay.»
For some reason their grandfather’s voice was softer and gentler than usual. Should they be worried? Lahan surely did not, he was dismissed after all, and was specifically told to “go play”, which actually in this situation means “ get out of here, you are not needed here ”. Under normal circumstances, he would be out of the door in a second, like it was usually. But it involved not one, but two of his siblings. If their fathers are also present, it can't be anything good. Something happened and now the kids will be questioned, as it seems. That is usually what happens when one of them destroys or breaks something, but the cultrip is not clear, so they call all three inside and then dismiss them one by one, till the cultrip is clear. But they never said then, who they needed to talk to exactly. He looked at his siblings, who were standing slightly behind him, since he was the one speaking. Junjie was shaking and gripping Lakai’s arm, which she had not taken from him once they walked in, as it seems. Lakai herself was worriedly running her eyes around, looking at the shaking Junjie next to her, then on Lahan, who was also not in his best look, then to her father, as if asking for a hint of what's going on, but he didn't show anything on his face.
«Thank you, Grandfather. But I think I will stay with my siblings, if that's alright?»
He didn't get an answer, just a nod from his father and did a motion, which he usually does when he can't speak, but needs him to come closer. He threw a glance at his siblings and gave a quick pat on the shoulder to Junjie, then rushed to his father's side. Once he reached him, he turned around and was looking at his two siblings, who were left to stand under their grandfather's gaze.
«So. I called you today to discuss something about the garden. It got to my attention that you, Lakai, want a small part of the garden to plant and grow some herbs. Is that right?»
«Yes, Grandfather. Granduncle showed me this cool herb that is easy to grow and that can serve as a painkiller if mixed with water and honey. He said that if I manage to grow some, then I can even start making my very own medicine. So I told dad about it, and he said that he will figure something out.»
Lakai was still holding on her brother's hand, who was standing right next to her. He was shaking. The garden was always an off topic for them, because how they were told “It's for the beauty, not for your hobbies”. They weren't even allowed to have much hobbies. In fact, the only one who was allowed more freely to do what he wanted was Lahan, because the numbers were his obsession it was of great help to the clan. Grandfather was semi allowing her to mess with the medicine, because it is not as useful, of course, but having someone smart being knowledgeable in this could be useful, especially if later they would manage to put her in the palace for their games as well. But gardening? Growing vegetables? That was useless. Especially for someone who might become the head of the clan. What sort of fame would he bring to the clan? Only shame and nothing else. That was all the adults were always telling them. Wasn't that a bit unfair calling the eldest out of them a failure just because he wasn't talented in something they wanted him to be talented at?
«But I want my own garden. Not someone else's. My very own garden away from all the other plants. Maybe I can plant some herbs near Granduncle's annex? He said it will be fine and even perfect for these specific herbs to be plant there.»
She felt her hand to be gripped tighter. It was a bit painful, which got a short scream out of her and made her give the boy next to her a look. He was on the edge of crying. Again. She had just used her handkerchief to make sure he looks alright, and all of this for nothing. Did he know something that she didn't?
«How nice of my worth-for-nothing brother to let you do whatever you want in the place, where he doesn't live anymore. Junjie, you will need to gave a small part of your garden to Lakai for her plants. That is out of consideration. It's either this way or you both will be without gardens. Is that clear?»
Suddenly her hand was finally released from a strong hold, and she heard stomping beside her and crying.
«That’s not fair! I have been asking for the garden for months and you were never allowing it, but now that Lakai wants to plant as well, you are allowing it instantly and taking away part of my garden! That's not fair! You are unfair!»
With that he just turned around and ran out of the room, slamming the door loudly behind him, which caused the old man in the chair in the middle of the room to click his tongue.
«Ungrateful brat. Just look how you are growing your sons, Lakou. You should be a little harsher on Junjie, he only cries all the time, like a baby. Even Lakai stopped crying sooner.»
«Yes, Father. I shall try my best.»
Lahan tried to move and run after his brother, but instead he felt a hold on his shoulder. He looked up annoyed, only to meet with his father's serious gaze. It sent a shiver down his spine. His father was a serious man, like a heir to the clan should be, he knew that, but he never looked at his children like that… His gaze was cold and was filling the air with the feeling of disapproval, not something Lahan is used to. After all, he was mostly praised for being so smart and seeing the littlest details and acknowledging them. But this was not a gaze of approval for sure, so he just fixed his posture and looked in hopes to his sister.
The girl was standing there in disbelief. She didn't even need that much of a space, she asked to plant her herbs near the annex. She has already been mad, because she wasn't allowed to enter the annex by her granduncle, but he did allow her to play around it and to even plant something. Of course, she needs her grandfather's approval, since he's the head of the clan and kind of owns the whole residence. But that felt a bit of a betrayal from her grandfather. She didn't need the garden specifically. She didn't need her brother's garden even more. She just ran to her father and stomped her leg.
«That’s not fair! Dad, do something! I don't want Junjie’s garden! I just want to plant herbs near the annex, where granduncle lived! Dad, tell him! Do something! You can do anything, right?»
«Great. Lakan, I asked you multiple times to do something about your daughter's attitude. She's not a princess and will not always get her way, yet you treat her like it. I knew I should've never allowed her to be playmates with the Moon Prince, look how she acts!»
Lakan didn't say anything. He just threw a death glare to his father and then shifted his whole attention to his daughter, picking her up and wiping away small tears that started to appear in the corners of her eyes.
«Father, I did tell you only about the annex. It was solely your decision to hurt two of your grandchildren. Three, considering that Lahan is close with both of them and it hurts him as much. And my sweet Lakai should be treated like a princess, as she is one. She's the princess of the La clan and the only one. You gave her this title when she was born as well, so don't act like that, it's not a good look. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to take care of my hurt daughter.»
He didn't even look at the head of the clan, who was just stunned. He was going to say something, but it was not for him to hear, as he just walked outside, holding his daughter tightly and caressing her hair as she started sobbing. Poor child. She was doing so much for the family without even realising it. Being friends with the member of the Imperial family was more than favourable for them, as sometimes the Imperial family can close their eyes on things the clan does. Moreover, Lakai was specifically invited to be a playmate with the prince. All three of the La kids were invited, but he took the most liking in playing with the youngest out of them. Wasn't so surprising, Lakan was already helping the Crown prince a lot, and now his daughter was a playmate to his younger brother. Some might've joked that the La family is slowly becoming the second Ma, but it was quickly dismissed in a way that princes just needed someone eccentric next to them. He was slowly walking towards his and his wife’s room, gently rocking his daughter in his hands from side to side. Her small hands were around his neck and her head was on his shoulder, as she was sobbing about the situation.
«What if elder brother hates me now? Will he not play with me anymore? Will he just avoid me? Was it wrong to ask to plant herbs near the annex? But Granduncle said I can, why didn't grandfather allow it then, daddy?»
«I know, my little princess. I am sorry that it turned out that way. Perhaps we can think of a way out?»
Lakai didn't say anything to this. He felt like his daughter's head just did a nod motion and that was enough for him to understand her. His little daughter was so smart and so caring about others. He and Fengxian were raising her right. There was nothing wrong with letting her get her way once in a while, she truly didn't ask for much, the old man just hates everyone and can't admit to it. He was never good enough at anything and couldn't make his clan better, so now takes it out on those who can, on those who are actually better than him in something. Poor children, they do not deserve that.
Lahan finally was able to leave the room and immediately ran to search for his brother. He probably won't go see their mother, since he was crying because of her before he and Lakai found him. Could he be in the same place as where they found him the last time? He doubted that, but checking never hurt anyone. Besides, he had no other idea where to look. He ran past servants, who were trying to catch him or calm him down and ask not to run around so much. He didn't listen to them. He had a mission to calm down his brother. Lakai had her father and mother, their mother never comforted them, only scolded, and their father could do much, because he was scared to go against their grandfather. That left him the only one who could bring at least some comfort to his older brother.
Finally, his legs brought him to the garden, to the same spot where some time ago he and his sister found Junjie. He was in the same place, hugging his knees and looking at his plants. He was mumbling something and sobbing, trying to calm himself down by slightly rocking back and forth. Lahan didn't say anything, he just sat next to him silently and hugged him, slowly starting to caress his back. The older of the two almost immediately hugged back, tightly. Really tightly. It was a bit hard to breathe because of this hold, but he can take this much once. Just this one time. They didn't exchange a word, Junjie was just crying on his shoulder, while he continued to caress his back, trying to calm him down.
«There you are boys. Junjie, are you alright?»
There was a voice somewhere from above. Both boys immediately raised their heads scared and confused, only to be met with a caring and lovely gaze of red eyes. The woman's voice was as caring as her gaze. Her beautiful, soft hands that never knew a day of work reached out to them, waiting for whatever they would decide. She was wearing dark green robes with a dark red belt around her waist. She always wore darker colours and dressed her daughter, who was standing right behind her and peeking from there. Lahan didn't move, but Junjie did. He almost instantly jumped into her hands, starting to cry all over again.
«Auntie! Grandfather hates me! He wants to take away my garden! That's unfair! Why can't he treat us all equally!»
«I know, my dear, I know. It must hurt a lot. Let's think of some way out. We don't have to tell him everything we do, right? Now, now, come here, dearest. Let me comfort you.»
Fengxian was no strong woman, but she could carry one child at a time. Even if he was pretty big. He was ten years old, after all, but from time to time there is nothing wrong in carrying him in the arms as well. It was hard for her, but she managed to stand up with him in her hands, once his hands were around her neck and his legs around her waist, holding tightly. Poor child didn't know the comfort of his own parents and had to cling to the first one who offered it. She started slowly walking in small circles, rocking from side to side to calm him down.
Lakai and Lahan were left near the hiding spot, looking up at them. The boy was still sitting on the ground and his sister just sat next to him, placing her head on his shoulder. He didn't object, just fixed his glasses and took a quick glance at her face. There were some wet traces, but you wouldn't really see them if you weren't close enough. His hand reached on its own and wiped one of the traces away, receiving an annoyed look from her and a hit on his toes by her leg.
«Ouch! I didn't mean to do it! But were you actually crying? Why?»
«That’s what you get for touching someone without asking first. And because grandfather is unfair. I never asked for garden… I only wanted to plant some herbs near the Granduncle's annex, because he said it would be the best place for it. Isn't that unfair? He takes away what we both wanted just because he thinks it's right. Zui was right, our grandfather is a bitch.»
«Lakai, language! Where did you learn that word?»
A girl got a glare from her mother and immediately hid her face in embarrassment. She shouldn't have said it, but it just worked best in this situation. Her mother only rolled her eyes and continued walking in circles with Junjie hugging her. She didn't feel jealous at this, she knew that her mother was the only one who could really comfort any of them, so she just learned not to feel jealous over it and let them also have something that they don't. Lahan chuckled a bit and patted his sister on the shoulder, which led to her giving him a confused look.
«What are you going to do? It's not like you can do it just because you want, right?»
«Daddy said I can. Grandfather doesn't check the annex anyway, so what if there would be something growing. As long as I don't get caught by someone who cares about him more, I shouldn't be scared to do what I want. That's what daddy told me. But I still need to plant something next to Junjie, or grandfather will understand that something is wrong… I don't want to take away part of his, what should I do?»
He didn't say anything. Instead, his fingers started rubbing his chin as he started to calculate. The area Junjie’s garden wasn't really big, not even big enough to have more than one of each type that he had been growing. If they take away too much, he won't be able to grow even half as much as he grows right now. What if they take part of the area, where he has carrots? It's not like they like carrots, it's just something that sometimes is added to the stew when someone gets ill, not something they eat everyday, because grandfather doesn't like carrots. But they also need a small area with nothing between their gardens, so they would know what and where belongs to who.
«Maomao, dear, come to me, will you?»
Lakai’s mother sometimes would call her Maomao. No one ever knew why. No one ever questioned it. Lahan or Junjie were never allowed to leave the household without their parents, but Lakai was, if she had a guard and a nanny with her. That was the only reason why she had a nanny – to go out. At times like this, she would be called Maomao, not Lakai, which was weird for him, but he never really asked. When he did – he was always dismissed, so eventually he gave up. Auntie put Junjie down from her embrace and now both of them were sitting on the grass, where just a few seconds ago they were walking. Lahan stood up himself first and then helped his sister, who was also fixing her skirt, and then they came and stood in front of the mother and their brother together.
«Junjie, will you give your sister a small part of it, so she can grow herbs? She doesn't need much, just a bit, right, dear?»
«Yes. Granduncle allowed me to plant my herbs near the annex anyway, so I'm going to do just that. I just need a small space here, since grandfather said that we should share, to make him think that I actually listen to him. Which I rarely do.»
«See? Then Junjie, please, share with your sister. Otherwise your grandfather can take it away from both of you. Han, say, how do you think it's best for them to share, so that Jun doesn't lose much and it's still believable that Kai can actually grow something there?»
Lahan blinked fast a few times in question, pointing with his index finger at himself. After receiving a nod of approval, the same finger raised to his chin and started rubbing it, indicating that he was thinking of something. How should he say what he was thinking? His idea is not too bad, after all, it was the best they could get. But should they really use the place of carrots? Maybe wheat instead? There wasn't a lot of it anyway, so it can't be really used for anything, but… He should just suggest multiple solutions and leave it to them to choose the right one.
«Since Kaikai doesn't need much space, why don't you give her some that you use for carrots or wheat? It's not like we need much of both of these anyway, so you can choose whatever. And also we need a little bit of space between your garden and Kaikai’s, so you won't accidentally ruin the other’s plants. That is genius, right?»
He looked for a reaction in all three faces. He was quite proud of himself for this. It was a perfect way out of their problem. Especially since he hated carrots and would rather die, then see them again on the table. Lakai just nodded in approval, as well as her mother. They even nodded in the same way and speed. No one questioned if they were actually related ever, but if someone did, this scene would make their questions disappear at once. The only one who didn't look so happy about the whole idea was Junjie. Well, he couldn't be happy, one or the other way, part of his garden will be taken away.
«Carrots… I will give away some carrots… Can I just not do it right now?...»
«No one is forcing you to do it right now. Look, the sun is pretty low. I think it's time for your bath and dinner soon. Let's go inside and get you changed, you are so dirty from sitting on the ground… Come on, let's go, my dears.»
Fengxian stood up and adjusted her robes, then helped Junjie to stand up as well. Lakai and Lahan didn't really wait for them and started slowly walking towards the building themselves with their hands hidden in their sleeves. The oldest of the three didn't try to be on one level with them, instead, decided to stay behind with his sister's mother, who gave him a little pat on the head.
°•°
Junjie was looking at his garden with his younger brother beside him. They were trying to figure something out, drawing with the stick on the wet dirt as it was raining at night.
«What if this part goes to Lakai, and then this area will be for nothing, and the rest is for you? I think it's the best we can get. I don't think Lakai cares much about how or where her part is, so this is perfect. What do you think?»
Junjie took a careful look on it. A small square was driven on the ground. It's enough to plant at least three more carrots… But he needs to share this with his sister, so maybe it's not that bad… After all, better be without three extra carrots than without the garden at all. A heavy disappointment sigh left him, as he turned away from his plants.
«I think it's good enough. Thank you, Lahan. Now we should just ask Lakai what she thinks… Oh, and there she is.»
Junjie’s voice was quite quiet as his throat was a bit sore after crying a lot the day before. But it lit up once he saw his sister slowly approaching them with something in her arms. Perhaps she has already brought the herbs she wanted to plant, but it didn’t seem to be the case, as the object was round. What could it be? And she didn’t look as usual. Yes, the hanfu and everything were the same, but her hair… Usually, she would have her hair half down, as her mother simply adored this hairstyle on her, and the strands that were left down would usually be with beads or any other accessory on the ends of them. This time, however, she had her hair up in two buns with green ribbons around them. That could possibly mean only one thing – today she was going to play a lot.
«Little Kaikai, you look adorable today. Do you want to play today instead of looking after the garden?»
«If it’s possible, then yes. We can take care of the garden later, if it’s ok with you.»
«Take a look at what we have in mind first. If it’s not like you want it, then I should think of the other way. I am not really in the mood to play.» Lahan emerged his way into their conversation. He also made his voice louder, so neither of the two others would be able to interrupt him. He stepped aside, so his sister would be able to see what they had in mind, and pointed at the lines. «So. Our idea is that all that small space is for you and your herbs, since you will be mostly planting everything near the annex anyway, and the rest is left for Junjie. What do you think?»
Maomao didn’t say anything. She was still holding a colorful ball in her hands when she came closer to their small piece of garden. It was decent enough. She really didn’t need much space, it was mostly to drive away attention from her actually planting everything near the annex, so it was even perfect.
«Yes, that’s perfect for me. Now, Jun, do you mind playing ball with me? Han hates playing this one because it rings only when someone catches it, but if you shake it, then there is no sound inside. I don’t understand how it works and don’t really want to. All I know is that we need to get a really high score, but it counts only when everyone who plays catches the ball. So, can you help me train in catching?»
«Of course. Lahan, are you going to be alright?»
«Please, don’t bother me with that ball game. Are you going to visit the Moon Prince again?»
They all started slowly walking towards their usual play area. It was closer to the annex, as it gave them both more open space under the shadow and fewer obstacles to worry about when playing. Lahan sat down on the grass and leaned with his back against the annex wall, watching his siblings stand across from each other to play that stupid ball game that he hated so much.
«Are you jealous that Zui liked me more and even allowed me to call him by name? In fact, I do. He even sent me an invitation that he wrote himself. This time I am going to his palace and not the Empress’s.» Lakai smirked and threw a ball to her older brother. The second the ball touched Junjie’s hands, it made a quiet sound of the bell, indicating that the ball was caught successfully. Lakai looked at her brother, who was sitting and just staring at the two siblings. He only shrugged and let his hands rest on his knees.
«Kaikai, that is really awesome. By the way, where did you get a ball like this? One of the Moon Prince’s gifts?» This time, the eldest of the siblings was speaking to her as the ball was thrown to her. When she caught it and the sound of the bell was heard again, Lahan from the side silently counted it as “One”, meaning that they got a point. It made both kids smile as the game continued.
«Yes. He also gifted me those ribbons. He said they suit me more than him. I don’t know who gave them to him, but now I have them, and Zui was the one to give them to me, so I don’t care. Do you think I should bring some snacks or better some toys? I don’t have a lot, but maybe there will be one to his liking.» The ball ringed again as it was caught by Lakai, and the sitting sibling counted with “Two” this time. Their voices weren’t too loud, loud enough for them to hear, but too quiet for the servant, who was watching them from some distance. This time, she also jumped a little when she threw a ball.
«You can try both. You don’t have many toys anyway. Also, why did you jump? Is it a new rule or something?» Junjie caught a ball without much effort and was now looking with confusion at his younger sister. He tried to imitate what she did, and thankfully, she caught the ball. Again, successfully, as Lahan announced “Three” to their happiness.
«It’s just something Zui added. When we get to ten, he tries to make it harder, so I need to train for that as well. Don’t want to make the Prince sad.»
The ball was again thrown to Junjie, but, unfortunately, he was thinking about his sister’s words and missed it, causing all their points to go in vain. The ball was rolling away from them to the garden, where they came from, which led Lakai to scold him endlessly with her annoyed voice as she was running after the ball. Lahan could only quietly laugh at them, hoping that his sister wouldn’t hear him and stomp on his toes once again.