Thread of Fate

Chapter 6

(Lilianne)

"Good morning, Lilianne" I looked up from my book and saw Shizuku.

I smiled. "Good morning, Shizuku"

"You seem to be busy reading." She looked at the book on my desk.

"Well... Not really." It was the book Chrollo lent me. Normally, I wouldn't read a book from a guy who just turned me into his slave but Chrollo has good literary taste so I let it slide. Besides, the book is quite the work of art itself.

"How was your first weekend?"

I stiffened. "Well" I laughed a little nervously. "It was... all right... I think..."

"Ohhh..."

"Thanks for working hard. Here's your pay for the couple of days you worked here. Danchou hopes it's enough." Pakunoda handed me a thick envelope before I leave the mansion.

The setting sun was dyed a brilliant orange that time. I always make sure to leave before nightfall so travel wouldn't be so dangerous. I took the envelope and thanked her. I didn't dare open it until I got home that night.

"Holy egg rolls!" The thickness of the envelope wasn't just for show. I counted the bills and I realized I was able to get 10,000 jenny in two days! "This is..." I knelt on the wooden floor in my room and stared at the cash in disbelief. "It's... more than enough... But how can I get mom treated without her knowing about my job? Without her knowing I got a job?"

I tried thinking of a way but then sighed in defeat. "It's no use. I'll have to tell her sooner or later. But not now. I'll just earn more to get her into a good hospital and stabilize the budget."

"All right, everyone, to your seats." The teacher came in and the discussions and classes have started for the day.

Later on, it was finally lunch time. Jonah went to my classroom to fetch me, also to make sure that he'll be there to protect me if Sylvia nee-sama appears again. Jonah doesn't trust anyone among the Welthes, even Pierre nii-sama who's usually so quiet and kind.

"I tried a different recipe today. I hope you don't mind, oujo-sama" Jonah handed me a bento box.

"Oh, hold on." I looked back in the classroom so I can introduce Shizuku to Jonah. "I want you to meet someone."

"Oh, oujo-sama has made a new friend?" He smiled gently at me, almost making me look like a child in a playroom.

I didn't pay any heed though and I just scanned the room for Shizuku but she isn't here anymore. "I think she left already."

We started walking down the corridor.

"Who was it anyway?" Jonah asked, curious.

"Her name's Shizuku. She approached me on the first day."

"Shizuku... Shizuku Vuoto?" Jonah asked.

I nodded. "You know her?"

"She's part of the student council. She handles the funds. She looks pretty airheaded but she's actually very smart. Well, you two are in the same class."

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah but I didn't expect her to be part of the student council."

Then a running girl with tanned skin and long red orange hair tied up to a ponytail stopped in front of us.

"Excuse me" She smiled. "But Sylvia-sama wishes to eat with you, Ms. Lilianne."

"You are?" Jonah stepped forward.

"Valmet Duovet. I am Sylvia-sama's classmate in 4A. Just like you to Ms. Lilianne, I am also Sylvia-sama's childhood friend." Her smile was completely formal.

"If Lilianne oujo-sama is going to eat with Sylvia, then it is a requirement that I join." Jonah said firmly.

"Oh, I see... Well, we are mere retainers, Jonathan. We cannot join them unless we are given permission. Even I won't be eating with Sylvia-sama. Or I suppose, I will be sitting at different table not too far from her. You may join me there."

"I will not-"

"All right, that's fine" I finally stepped in and Jonah looked at me as he was about to protest but I shot him a look and he immediately sealed his lips. "I'd rather eat with nee-sama than starve during classes. I'll be fine, Jonah. Just sit tight and have a good conversation with Valmet"

And with that, we followed Valmet to the cafeteria where there was actually a table reserved for me and Sylvia nee-sama. I suppose it's safe to assume that nee-sama has also gained power here in the school in such short notice. Well, such is the life of a Welthe. The table was situated in a far corner of the cafeteria.

"Good day, dear Lilianne" Nee-sama flashed me one of her sweet psychotic smiles and I took a seat in front of her, putting the bento box on the table.

"Good day, Sylvia nee-sama" I greeted professionally and unwrapped the bento box.

"Oh, how cold. Can't you be a little more cheerful when you're with me, sweet sister? It's not everyday we get to spend time like this. And you used to smile so much when we were young, just playing in your yard" Sylvia nee-sama took a bite out of her sandwich.

You mean I used to be so naive that I would willingly do anything you tell me.

"Those were nice days indeed, nee-sama, but little birds always learn to fly from their nests." And I began eating the lunch Jonah prepared.

(Jonah)

I sat across of Valmet, anxiously keeping an eye on Lilianne oujo-sama. We're not so far but they were out of our earshot.

"Why so anxious, Jonathan? Sylvia-sama wouldn't bite anyone, especially not her own sister." Valmet took a bite out of her sandwich which is the same as Sylvia's.

"You're not such a good liar, you know that?" I faced her and started eating my own lunch.

"Oh, really?" She gave a small smile. "And here I thought I was doing a good job."

"What does Sylvia want?" I clenched my fork and spoon tighter.

"Well..." Valmet smiled slyly. "You already know the answer to that."

I was filled with dread. I couldn't stomach it and in the process, I lost my appetite. I looked anxiously at oujo-sama who seems to be having a normal and leisurely conversation with Sylvia but I know the game these siblings play. They speak a language only they can understand. Valmet, confident of Sylvia's abilities, just continued eating her sandwich. The moment she finished, Sylvia was at our table.

"Valmet, it's time to leave." Sylvia called and the Valmet stood up.

"Of course, Sylvia-sama" She gave me a smirk before walking after Sylvia.

I watched as they leave the cafeteria, students giving way for them.

"Jonah"

I looked at saw oujo-sama behind me, a stoic expression on her face as though nothing happened.

"Yes?"

"Let's go."

And just like that, we left the cafeteria.

"By the way, Jonah, I'll need a new locker."

I immediately stopped in my tracks and she stopped and looked at me with the same stoic expression.

Can't you please show a little more fear or concern on the matter?

(Lilianne)

Jonah looked pretty surprised and almost immediately, he ran away from me. I followed suit, knowing where he's headed. Students looked at us or avoided us in surprise.

"Jonah, it's no big deal." I called catching up to him but he doesn't seem to hear. He looks so intent on getting to my locker.

We arrived in front of it and he almost dropped his lunchbox in shock.

"This is..." His clenched fist whitened and trembled in anger, his jaw stiffened and his facial expression was pure disbelief. The locker door was spray painted in red with the words 'slut', 'scum', 'Die!' "This is already Vandalism of School Property! Why would those people go so far?"

He was so pissed off and concerned that I had to smile. He looked so childishly endearing for some reason. I gave a sigh and patted his head, lightly ruffling his white hair. He calmed down and looked at me puzzled.

"Oujo-sama?"

"Calm down, Jonah. Just get me a new locker." I smiled gently yet sadly at him. I can't say these assaults aren't affecting me but... I can't show anyone my weakness. The world is merciless. If these girls were to see me affected, wouldn't they pick it up a notch? The smartest way to deal with it is to act indifferent to their efforts.

"But... We can't just let this go! This isn't just bullying! It's vandalism of school property!" Jonah reasoned.

"Hey, now, calm down a bit more, will you, Jonathan? You're better off doing what your princess tells you... That is... if someone hasn't accomplished it first." We turned and saw Chrollo. Immediately, he threw a key at me which I instinctively caught with my hands. "Your new locker is located near Jonah's... and mine." Chrollo grinned.

I can see Jonah glaring at the corner of my eyes.

I seem to be getting myself deeper into the crossfire.

"All right. Thank you, Chrollo." I said out of courtesy.

"How cold... But gratitude is still gratitude." And Chrollo flashed me one of his grand and genuine smiles. "You're welcome"

The shrill squeals of fangirls were blocked off as I myself was stunned. Mentally slapping myself, I sighed. "So troublesome"

The smile was plastered on his face and he said, "So, shall I show you to your new locker?"

Before I can answer, Jonah stepped up and said, "I believe I can do that for her, Chrollo. It is the locker between ours, isn't that right?"

Chrollo nodded, the genuine smile gone from his lips. "Right." And he turned around and left.

"Jonah, next period's about to start. We can move my things to the new locker later, after class." I said and pocketed the locker key.

Jonah nodded and we both walked back to our classrooms.


Hello, everyone! I'm officially back! Workload isn't as much as before but that doesn't mean I'm completely free. Therefore, don't expect the same frequency of posts-2 chapters/week. It's not going to be as often but I'll try as best as I can to update once a week at least. ^^ Thank you for you support and consideration!