Chapter 77: The Amulet (1/2)

By the time, the first orange hued rays of the sunrise peeked in through the windows, Lily was already awake. She was still clinging to Aiden's chest. She loved to listen to her steady breathing, it calmed her mind. In fact, it was this rhythm that eventually managed to bring her to sleep.

Looking at his resting face, she giggled, as she snuggled into his chest one last time, before reluctantly leaving him, and standing up.

”Rest well, brother! I will work hard today, so you can be proud of me when you finally wake up!”

Halfway to the door, she stopped, and with another giggle, she quickly scurried back and gave a peck on his cheeks. Then, giggling at her own mischief, she went to the bathroom to freshen up for the morning.

By the time she left the room, the dining table was already set, and both Number 3 and Granny was waiting for her.

Seeing her up and ready for the day, Granny couldn't help but think back to the little princess who used to yawn, still sleepy, still in her pajamas, as she came for her breakfast.

”Good Morning Lily. Are you feeling better?” Granny asked with her trademark gentle smile plastered on her face.

”Good Morning Granny, Good Morning Master! Yes, I'm much better!” she replied cheerfully.

Number 3 who was silently sipping from her tea, looked at her, and with an expressionless face, she curtly asked.

”How is he?”

Not minding her rude tone, Lilly giggled happily, thinking back to the kiss she gave him and cheerfully replied.

”Brother is still resting! He must still be tired!”

Number 3 gave a low ”Hmmm…” in response and simply continued to silently sip from her tea, not minding them in the slightest. She had a lot to accomplish today and was already thinking about them.

”Sit down dearie and enjoy a good breakfast with us!” Granny invited Lily, which she gladly accepted.

As they filled their plates and started enjoying the morning meal, Number 3 looked at Granny, signaling her to start the discussion.

Understanding the intent, she sighed and looked at Lilly.

”Dearie, we have something very important to talk to you about.”

”Hmm?” She asked, looking like a hamster with her cheeks filled to the brim with food.

”Oh gosh, swallow it down first. You are a lady, act like one!” Number 3 grumbled.

Chewing down the contents of her mouth, almost a minute had to pass before she could talk again. Embarrassed, she lowered her head as she answered.

”Ahh, sorry master!”

”It's alright Lily. Now, listen to Granny as what she needs to discuss with you is important, okay?” Number 3 answered.

”Sure master!” Then, turning towards Granny, Lily asked with curiosity shining in her eyes.

”Yes, Granny?”

Granny looked at her, wondering how she would react when she hears what they are about to ask of her. Would her cheerful smile fade, she wondered.

”Lily...” she began. ”You are no longer that small little princess, that used to be scared of everything. You are such a strong, brave girl now, it always amazes me.”

”I have promised brother that I will no longer be weak, and scared! I have to be strong, for him!” Lily interrupted with fervent determination shining in her eyes.

Hearing this, Number 3 smiled as she continued to sip her tea.

”That's very good, and just as luck would have it, you will get the chance to prove it to yourself and Aiden today.”