Enora was sitting on a chair while staring at the talisman that was on a large wooden table. Her arms were crossed as she glared at it and stayed completely silent. From the talisman Reiki said. “Love, all I’m asking is to borrow Saria for a few hours. I’ll even give her a care package for you, Mora, and both your mothers.” Enora stayed silent as her pupils faintly glowed an icy blue, from the talisman she heard Reiki let out a sigh. He said. “Love, I’ve been trying my best to convince you for an entire five minutes now…”
Enora just stared at the talisman for a few seconds as Reiki let out another sigh from the talisman and said. “... Is there anything you want me to do so you’d agree-.” Before he could even finish his sentence Enora’s expression instantly turned cheerful as she spoke with a hint of coyness in her voice. She said. “How about you make it up to me by staying a week or so?” She had a hint of expectation on her face Reiki ruined her mood as she heard his answer from the talisman. He said. “I don’t have the time.”
Enora’s lips curled into a slight frown as she spoke in a sarcastic tone and said. “I see how it is,,, You have time to spend with a librarian but not a week in a house that real royalty stays in. I get it.” From the talisman she heard Reiki let out a wry laugh, he said. “It’s not like that. I’d do anything to spend more time with you and Mora. I just need to work on the company for our future.” Enora tried her best to prevent her lips from curling into a smile as the corner of her mouth slightly formed into a smile, she coughed and said. “With my wealth alone you’d never need to work a day in…”
Her cheeks turned tomato red as she somehow managed to continue her sentence, she said. “Our lives…” Enora heard Reiki’s laugh from the talisman, he said. “True, but I doubt others would look so fondly of me living off your family wealth.” The smile on Enora’s mouth slowly dissipated as it was replaced with a pondering expression, she thought. … He’s right… She said. “Then what about you staying here for the week?”
From the talisman she could hear Reiki let out a sigh of relief, he said. “I can at least do two nights, starting your own company isn’t easy.” Enora pretended to think as she intentionally drummed her fingers on the table a few times, she said. “Can I ask for some peanut butter in my care package? Oh, and what time do you need Saria to go over?” Reiki’s laugh could be heard from the talisman, he said. “I’ll make sure to put some extra jars of peanut butter in your box. As for Saria… I need her here about half an hour at noon.”
The door leading out of the room opened as a different female elf walked in and made her way to the trolley. Enora turned her head to the side and gestured at the table which made the female elf nod at her politely. Enora turned her head back to face the talisman as Reiki’s voice came out of it, he said. “Tell Saria we’ll meet at-.” Before he could finish Enora interrupted him and said. “Just be at the location where you need Saria to show up and she’ll be there.” The female elf carefully placed a plate in front of her along with eating utensils.
A few seconds of silence passed by as the female elf placed a glass on the right side of Enora’s plate. From the talisman Reiki said. “This talisman shows my location, doesn’t it.” Enora’s lips slowly curled into a smile while the female elf picked up a pitcher from the trolley. Enora said. “Took you long enough.” The female elf poured water into Enora’s glass as she placed it back onto the trolley and started preparing two more sets on the table. From the talisman Reiki said. “Thanks for helping me out Nora.”
Enora let out a chuckle as her mouth formed into a slight smug smile, she said. “That’s just me, being a-.” The door suddenly opened as Moranor glared at Enora with a cold expression, Enora thought. … Shit… I knew I should’ve finished the conversation when I sensed her from the front door. Moranor pointed at Enora as she walked closer to the table and said. “Elf whore we agreed that when Reiki calls we’ll immediately tell the other one!” Enora moved some stray hair behind her long and pointy ear and said. “My conversation with him just started-.”
Moranor’s pupils had a few strings of lightning traveling around them, she said. “Then I guess the maid who was carrying the shards of a broken plate was spreading false gossip around the house then?” The female elf finished setting up the other two sets of dining ware while Enora stared at Moranor for a few seconds and said. “Mora, why are you here?” Moranor crossed her arms as she glared at her, she said.”Mom said she was going to have breakfast here and told me to eat here.” The female elf was in the middle of pouring water into the glass as her long ears slightly perked up.
The elf finished pouring water as she made her way to the trolley while Enora was looking around the room, she thought. What can I say to get myself out of trouble?... The female elf took another set of dinner plates from the trolley while Moranor’s glare slowly moved to the talisman on the table. She opened her mouth to say something but heard a familiar voice from the talisman which made her stop. Reiki said. “Mora, don’t be too hard on her. I was just asking for help.” Moranor let out a scoff and said. “I could easily help you better than this elf.”
From the talisman Reiki let out a laugh and said. “At least give her some credit, Nora did manage to convince me to stay over for a couple of days.” Moranor’s expression softened as she accidentally spoke in a happier tone, she said. “Really?!” From the corner of her eye she saw the smirk on Enora’s face while the female elf finished setting up the last set of dining ware beside Enora’s seat. From the talisman Reiki said. “Yep, I’m even going to send a care package to you, Mora, and both of your mothers.”
The elf made his way to the trolley to get the pitcher of water while both of Moranor’s feet were enveloped with a few strings of lightning as she was suddenly near the empty seat next to Enora. Moranor said. “What am I getting?” Enora stared at the floor which didn’t have any burnt marks on it, she thought. She’s getting better at controlling her lightning now. Moranor tried her best to keep a calm expression while she heard Reiki’s voice from the talisman. He said. “If I tell you now it won’t be much of a surprise.”
Enora picked up her glass and took a sip of water, she thought. I appreciate the save Reiki. She placed the glass back on the table while Reiki continued. “But, if you do want to know. Mora knows how it’s going to be delivered.” Enora's eyes slightly widened as her eyes instantly homed onto the talisman, she thought. I don’t want to be the one who tells Mora about Saria! The elf gave the two of them a slight bow, she started pushing the trolley out of the room but suddenly stopped and took a few steps back.
The door opened as Elora walked into the room and said. “Hello you two, I see you’re full of energy first thing in the morning.” Melanor walked in and gestured for the female elf to push the trolley out. Enora’s eyes widened in realization, she thought. Perfect timing! Moranor turned her head sideways and said. “Your majesty. Hi Mom.” Enora’s hand was enveloped with a thin layer of mana as she touched the talisman on the table and turned it off. Melanor walked to the head of the table and sat down, she said. “What were you three talking about? Can I join?”
Melanor sat on the seat next to Elora as she picked up her glass of water and said. “Though, it would seem that Reiki has decided to avoid a question.” She gave Enora a knowing smile as she let out a forced laugh. Elora let out a small yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, she said. “Then which one of you had a conversation with Reiki?” Moranor sat down on the seat next to Enora and said. “She did, I don’t know what the conversation between the two of them but Reiki is going to be staying for a couple of days sometime soon.”
Elora raised a brow at her daughter and said. “You convinced Reiki? No offense dear but I don’t buy it.” A smile slowly formed on Enora’s lips as she tried to act casually, she said. “What can I say? I have him wrapped around my finger.” Melanor hid her smile by taking a sip of water while Elora let out a hearty laugh and said. “Oh, do you know?” Moranor shook her head sideways as she let out an exaggerated cough, she said. “Ego.” She used the cough to cover what she said and pretended to clear her throat.
Melanor playfully pinched her daughter's cheek and said. “How was training? Destroyed another target practice again?” Moranor rubbed the spot where she was pinched, she said. “No… I just riddled another one with arrows again.” Melanor smiled at her daughter and said. “Same one from three days ago, isn’t it?” Moranor’s long pointy ears slightly drooped down as her gaze wandered onto her empty plate, she said. “... Yeah… They’re still searching for a new replacement.” Melanor placed a hand on top of her daughter's head and gently caressed it, she said. “You sound just like your father every time he used a target that was on the verge of breaking.”
Enora picked up her glass as she slowly swirled the liquid inside, she said. “And Reiki decided to be nice for once and thought of giving us a care package.” Melanor’s eyes slightly widened in surprise while Elora placed her elbow on the table and lazily rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Elora said. “Any chance you can convince him to get us more peanut butter?” Enora had a hint of confusion on her face and said. “Don’t we still have that large jar? I’m fairly sure it was two-thirds full when you took it from me.”
Melanor turned her head to look out the window while Elora avoided making eye contact with her daughter. Elora said. “Well… Me and Mela may or may not have snacked on said jar and now there’s barely any left of it now…” Moranor moved her gaze onto Elora while Enora’s eyes widened, the two elves spoke simultaneously and said. “What?!” Moranor turned her head as she moved her gaze onto her mother who was still staring out the window. Before either of the two young elves could say anything Elora glanced at the door from the corner of her eyes and said. “We’ll continue this conversation next time. Let’s eat.”
The moment she finished her sentence the door opened as a female elf pushed a trolley in the room that had a dozen cloches as the elf started placing them in the center of the table.
________________________________________________________________________________
Reiki’s Room
Reiki was lying down on the bed while staring at the talisman he was holding, he thought. … Guess I just lost the opportunity to pass on Enora to tell Moranor that I’m going to have lunch with Saria here… He sat up on the bed and rubbed the chin of the albino crow on the drawer, Reiki said. “Cherry, wake up. It’s time for breakfast.” Cherry slowly opened her eyes as she let out a soft caw which made him let out a chuckle and said. “No five minutes. It’s already been ten or fifteen minutes since everyone started eating.”
He stood up from the bed and put on his white indoor slippers, Reiki continued. “Let’s go eat.” He made his way to the door as Cherry turned into a streak of white and appeared on his right shoulder. Reiki closed the door behind him and made his way down the staircase while hearing bits of the conversation from the first floor. He heard a familiar voice say. “Do we even have anything to do today?” Reiki made it to the living room as he turned his head and saw the girls sitting around the dining table.
Sachi shook her head sideways, she said. “Nope, not unless leader receives a personal request we’re spending the day at work.” Shiro was finally fully awake as she was munching on an onigiri with umeboshi filling, she used her hand that was holding the onigiri to wave at her older brother. Ketsueki noticed her little sister as she turned her head to the side and saw her little brother. Ketuseki said. “Reiki, you were in the bathroom a lot longer than I expected.” He stood near the chair his older sister was sitting on and said. “I don’t think talking about what went down in that bathroom is something to say while everyone is eating.”
Sachi took a sip of her glass of water, she swallowed and said. “Those two were just waiting on you to get back down while I’m trying to finish off my last onigiri.” She showed him the half-eaten onigiri with salmon filling. Namida pointed at the couch using her thumb, she said. “Want us to move over to the couch so you can eat?” Ketsueki was about to stand up when Reiki stopped her by grabbing his older sister's hand, he said. “Not yet, I still have to take the stems off the cherries for her.”
Reiki pointed at the albino crow on his right shoulder while sneakily playing with Ketsueki’s hand by gently squeezing it a few times which made her cheeks faintly blush. He suddenly stopped and made his way to the kitchen, Reiki said. “Alright, I need to get started on preparing Cherry’s meal.” He thought. How she’s still fine after eating nothing but cherries is beyond me. Sachi took a bite of the onigiri she was holding as she stared at Ketsueki who had a faint blush on her cheeks. Namida nodded at him and said. “Sure, when you’re done we’ll move to the couch.”
Reiki made his way to the kitchen while the three girls went back to their previous topic while Shiro was munching on her onigiri while listening. Namida poured some water into her glass and said. “I hope we don’t have to do anything today at work.” Sachi was in the middle of chewing as she swallowed, she said. “You and me both.” Shiro was holding onto her onigiri using both of her hands as she had an innocent expression on her face, she said. “Sachi-nee, Namida-nee… What are your jobs? Onee-chan won’t tell us what she does.”
Sachi intentionally took a bite of her onigiri as she glanced to the side while Ketsueki had a hint of nervousness in her expression. Ketsueki said. “Shiro, we had this conversation-.” Before she could even finish Namida spoke in a casual tone and said. “We’re accountants.” Shiro cutely tilted her head sideways as she furrowed her brows in confusion, she said. “Accountants?” Ketsueki gave her friend an odd look before her eyes slightly widened in realization and said. “That’s right, Shiro.” Sachi finished off her onigiri, she thought. She’s not wrong… We do handle a lot of dirty money.
She picked up her glass of water to wash down the onigiri while Namida nodded and continued. “Sachi specializes in… Following the flow of money while I on the other hand make a record of transactions using my laptop.” Shiro blinked a couple of times, she said. “You still haven’t told me what Onee-chan does…” Sachi let out a stifled laugh while Namida tried to ignore the smirk on Ketsueki’s face. Namida spoke in a blunt tone and said. “You’re sister's job is to make sure me and Sachi do our jobs properly.”
Shiro had a pondering expression on her face, she said. “Wouldn’t that mean Onee-chan is your boss?” Sachi was trying her best to contain her laughter while Ketsueki enjoyed watching her friend struggle with her little sister. Namida slowly nodded as she somehow managed to force the words out of her, she said. “Technically speaking… Yes…” Shiro pondered for a moment while Namida continued. “Got any more questions, cottontail?” Shiro nodded her head and said. “One more question… You said you three are accountants but… Onee-chans college course was-.” Reiki made his way to the dining table from the kitchen as he was carrying a large plate in each hand that had a pile of food on it.
He was in the middle of chewing as Namida took this opportunity to stand up from her seat and said. “I think we should give Reiki the table.” Shiro’s brows were still furrowed as she was deep in thought as Namida playfully pinched her cheek, she continued. “Cottontail, don’t think too much into it.” Shiro looked up to her as she puffed her cheeks which made her look even cuter. Sachi emptied her glass of water and said. “The chopping board and I rarely agree but, does it matter what Ketsueki’s job is as long as she’s good at her job?”
Reiki placed the two plates on the table near his seat while Ketsueki playfully poked her little sister's cheek and said. “Now that you know what I do for a living, is your curiosity satisfied?” She gently tapped the tip of her little sister’s nose while Shiro had a hint of confusion. Shiro said. “I don’t get but if Onee-chan is doing it then it means she’s good at it.” Ketsueki smiled at her while Namida and Sachi headed toward the couch as they made themselves comfortable on it. Ketsueki thought. It hurts that she’s wholeheartedly complimenting me for being in this line of ‘work’...
She made her way to the couch and saw both her friends had already sat on it. Reiki came from the kitchen again holding a clean glass of water with his right hand and a large carton of milk. Shiro was holding onto the last couple of bites of an onigiri with her hands as she saw her older brother holding an onigiri with his mouth while pouring milk into his glass. Reiki managed to reach his seat as he finished the onigiri in his mouth, he raised the carton of milk he was holding and said. “Want some milk, Shiro?”
Shiro emptied her glass of water and said. “Yes, Onii-chan.” He poured some milk into his little sister’s glass while eating one of the leftover roasted chicken sandwich in two bites. Reiki placed the carton of milk on the table as he ate his food at a rapid pace while his little sister watched him in awe. Ketsueki was sitting on one of the armchairs, she said. “What time is it?” Sachi moved her gaze onto Namida who quickly pulled out her phone from her pocket. Namida said. “Forty-five minutes until seven.” Ketsueki stood up from the armchair and said. “I guess it’s time to head out.”
She made her way to the dining table and saw her little sister finish off a tall glass of milk while Reiki had already finished off all the onigiri and sandwiches on the plates. Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister’s head and said. “Alright, time to head to school you two.” Shiro looked up to her older sister, she said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” She stood up from her seat while Reiki placed his hand in his pocket and said. “Onee-chan, I’m not going to school today.” Namida and Sachi were heading toward the front door but stopped upon hearing what Reiki said.
The two girls turned their heads to watch while Namida gently elbowed Sachi in the forearm and said. “We get a free show so early in the morning.” Ketsueki stared at her little brother, she said. “Can you at least tell me why?” Reiki took out a tattered pouch from his pocket and said. “I have a… Thing to do today.” Ketsueki placed her hands on her hips, she said. “And you think I’ll just-.” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw a familiar dark wooden rectangular box. Ketsueki stared at it as she visibly gulped, she thought. … I know I shouldn’t but…
Ketsueki reached her hand out to grab the box as she turned her head to the side to avoid her little brother’s face, she said. “J-Just this once… Okay, Reiki?” Reiki gave his older sister a smile and said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” Shiro quickly tapped on the back of her older sister’s hand and said. “Since Onii-chan isn’t going to school today, I also want to stay home.” Ketsueki had a hesitant look on her face while Namida let out a soft sigh and said. “What a ripoff, I want my money back.” Sachi grabbed her friend by the hand, she said. “Let’s put on our shoes.”
Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “Shiro, don’t you have the bentos for both Mio and Yuki?” Shiro’s eyes widened in surprise, she said. “I completely forgot.” Ketsueki let out a chuckle while Reiki gently poked Shiro’s cheek and said. “Can’t have have your friends go hungry.” Shiro let out a sigh, she said. “... Yeah…” Reiki continued. “How about this, you go to school today and I’ll convince Onee-chan to let you have a slice of cake for dessert?” Shiro’s eyes sparkled like stars, she said. “Really?! Onii-chan!?” Reiki nodded his head while Ketsueki had a warm smile on her face.
He continued. “Make sure to listen to your teachers, study hard, and get along with your friends. Ok, Shiro?” Shiro gave him an energetic nod. Ketuskei said. “Reiki, make sure to lock the door before you go out.” Ketsueki and Shiro made their way to the front door while Reiki said. “Onee-chan, can I have a copy of the key to the front-.” Before he could even finish his older sister interrupted him, Ketsueki said. “We’ll talk about this next time.”
The two of them saw Sachi and Namida waiting near the door as they already had their outdoor shoes on. Reiki thought. That's what she said last time… I need to drop by school today… He sat back down on the chair by the dining table and continued his train of thought. It won’t matter if I’m late an hour or two.
Enora was sitting on a chair while staring at the talisman that was on a large wooden table. Her arms were crossed as she glared at it and stayed completely silent. From the talisman Reiki said. “Love, all I’m asking is to borrow Saria for a few hours. I’ll even give her a care package for you, Mora, and both your mothers.” Enora stayed silent as her pupils faintly glowed an icy blue, from the talisman she heard Reiki let out a sigh. He said. “Love, I’ve been trying my best to convince you for an entire five minutes now…”
Enora just stared at the talisman for a few seconds as Reiki let out another sigh from the talisman and said. “... Is there anything you want me to do so you’d agree-.” Before he could even finish his sentence Enora’s expression instantly turned cheerful as she spoke with a hint of coyness in her voice. She said. “How about you make it up to me by staying a week or so?” She had a hint of expectation on her face Reiki ruined her mood as she heard his answer from the talisman. He said. “I don’t have the time.”
Enora’s lips curled into a slight frown as she spoke in a sarcastic tone and said. “I see how it is,,, You have time to spend with a librarian but not a week in a house that real royalty stays in. I get it.” From the talisman she heard Reiki let out a wry laugh, he said. “It’s not like that. I’d do anything to spend more time with you and Mora. I just need to work on the company for our future.” Enora tried her best to prevent her lips from curling into a smile as the corner of her mouth slightly formed into a smile, she coughed and said. “With my wealth alone you’d never need to work a day in…”
Her cheeks turned tomato red as she somehow managed to continue her sentence, she said. “Our lives…” Enora heard Reiki’s laugh from the talisman, he said. “True, but I doubt others would look so fondly of me living off your family wealth.” The smile on Enora’s mouth slowly dissipated as it was replaced with a pondering expression, she thought. … He’s right… She said. “Then what about you staying here for the week?”
From the talisman she could hear Reiki let out a sigh of relief, he said. “I can at least do two nights, starting your own company isn’t easy.” Enora pretended to think as she intentionally drummed her fingers on the table a few times, she said. “Can I ask for some peanut butter in my care package? Oh, and what time do you need Saria to go over?” Reiki’s laugh could be heard from the talisman, he said. “I’ll make sure to put some extra jars of peanut butter in your box. As for Saria… I need her here about half an hour at noon.”
The door leading out of the room opened as a different female elf walked in and made her way to the trolley. Enora turned her head to the side and gestured at the table which made the female elf nod at her politely. Enora turned her head back to face the talisman as Reiki’s voice came out of it, he said. “Tell Saria we’ll meet at-.” Before he could finish Enora interrupted him and said. “Just be at the location where you need Saria to show up and she’ll be there.” The female elf carefully placed a plate in front of her along with eating utensils.
A few seconds of silence passed by as the female elf placed a glass on the right side of Enora’s plate. From the talisman Reiki said. “This talisman shows my location, doesn’t it.” Enora’s lips slowly curled into a smile while the female elf picked up a pitcher from the trolley. Enora said. “Took you long enough.” The female elf poured water into Enora’s glass as she placed it back onto the trolley and started preparing two more sets on the table. From the talisman Reiki said. “Thanks for helping me out Nora.”
Enora let out a chuckle as her mouth formed into a slight smug smile, she said. “That’s just me, being a-.” The door suddenly opened as Moranor glared at Enora with a cold expression, Enora thought. … Shit… I knew I should’ve finished the conversation when I sensed her from the front door. Moranor pointed at Enora as she walked closer to the table and said. “Elf whore we agreed that when Reiki calls we’ll immediately tell the other one!” Enora moved some stray hair behind her long and pointy ear and said. “My conversation with him just started-.”
Moranor’s pupils had a few strings of lightning traveling around them, she said. “Then I guess the maid who was carrying the shards of a broken plate was spreading false gossip around the house then?” The female elf finished setting up the other two sets of dining ware while Enora stared at Moranor for a few seconds and said. “Mora, why are you here?” Moranor crossed her arms as she glared at her, she said.”Mom said she was going to have breakfast here and told me to eat here.” The female elf was in the middle of pouring water into the glass as her long ears slightly perked up.
The elf finished pouring water as she made her way to the trolley while Enora was looking around the room, she thought. What can I say to get myself out of trouble?... The female elf took another set of dinner plates from the trolley while Moranor’s glare slowly moved to the talisman on the table. She opened her mouth to say something but heard a familiar voice from the talisman which made her stop. Reiki said. “Mora, don’t be too hard on her. I was just asking for help.” Moranor let out a scoff and said. “I could easily help you better than this elf.”
From the talisman Reiki let out a laugh and said. “At least give her some credit, Nora did manage to convince me to stay over for a couple of days.” Moranor’s expression softened as she accidentally spoke in a happier tone, she said. “Really?!” From the corner of her eye she saw the smirk on Enora’s face while the female elf finished setting up the last set of dining ware beside Enora’s seat. From the talisman Reiki said. “Yep, I’m even going to send a care package to you, Mora, and both of your mothers.”
The elf made his way to the trolley to get the pitcher of water while both of Moranor’s feet were enveloped with a few strings of lightning as she was suddenly near the empty seat next to Enora. Moranor said. “What am I getting?” Enora stared at the floor which didn’t have any burnt marks on it, she thought. She’s getting better at controlling her lightning now. Moranor tried her best to keep a calm expression while she heard Reiki’s voice from the talisman. He said. “If I tell you now it won’t be much of a surprise.”
Enora picked up her glass and took a sip of water, she thought. I appreciate the save Reiki. She placed the glass back on the table while Reiki continued. “But, if you do want to know. Mora knows how it’s going to be delivered.” Enora's eyes slightly widened as her eyes instantly homed onto the talisman, she thought. I don’t want to be the one who tells Mora about Saria! The elf gave the two of them a slight bow, she started pushing the trolley out of the room but suddenly stopped and took a few steps back.
The door opened as Elora walked into the room and said. “Hello you two, I see you’re full of energy first thing in the morning.” Melanor walked in and gestured for the female elf to push the trolley out. Enora’s eyes widened in realization, she thought. Perfect timing! Moranor turned her head sideways and said. “Your majesty. Hi Mom.” Enora’s hand was enveloped with a thin layer of mana as she touched the talisman on the table and turned it off. Melanor walked to the head of the table and sat down, she said. “What were you three talking about? Can I join?”
Melanor sat on the seat next to Elora as she picked up her glass of water and said. “Though, it would seem that Reiki has decided to avoid a question.” She gave Enora a knowing smile as she let out a forced laugh. Elora let out a small yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, she said. “Then which one of you had a conversation with Reiki?” Moranor sat down on the seat next to Enora and said. “She did, I don’t know what the conversation between the two of them but Reiki is going to be staying for a couple of days sometime soon.”
Elora raised a brow at her daughter and said. “You convinced Reiki? No offense dear but I don’t buy it.” A smile slowly formed on Enora’s lips as she tried to act casually, she said. “What can I say? I have him wrapped around my finger.” Melanor hid her smile by taking a sip of water while Elora let out a hearty laugh and said. “Oh, do you know?” Moranor shook her head sideways as she let out an exaggerated cough, she said. “Ego.” She used the cough to cover what she said and pretended to clear her throat.
Melanor playfully pinched her daughter's cheek and said. “How was training? Destroyed another target practice again?” Moranor rubbed the spot where she was pinched, she said. “No… I just riddled another one with arrows again.” Melanor smiled at her daughter and said. “Same one from three days ago, isn’t it?” Moranor’s long pointy ears slightly drooped down as her gaze wandered onto her empty plate, she said. “... Yeah… They’re still searching for a new replacement.” Melanor placed a hand on top of her daughter's head and gently caressed it, she said. “You sound just like your father every time he used a target that was on the verge of breaking.”
Enora picked up her glass as she slowly swirled the liquid inside, she said. “And Reiki decided to be nice for once and thought of giving us a care package.” Melanor’s eyes slightly widened in surprise while Elora placed her elbow on the table and lazily rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Elora said. “Any chance you can convince him to get us more peanut butter?” Enora had a hint of confusion on her face and said. “Don’t we still have that large jar? I’m fairly sure it was two-thirds full when you took it from me.”
Melanor turned her head to look out the window while Elora avoided making eye contact with her daughter. Elora said. “Well… Me and Mela may or may not have snacked on said jar and now there’s barely any left of it now…” Moranor moved her gaze onto Elora while Enora’s eyes widened, the two elves spoke simultaneously and said. “What?!” Moranor turned her head as she moved her gaze onto her mother who was still staring out the window. Before either of the two young elves could say anything Elora glanced at the door from the corner of her eyes and said. “We’ll continue this conversation next time. Let’s eat.”
The moment she finished her sentence the door opened as a female elf pushed a trolley in the room that had a dozen cloches as the elf started placing them in the center of the table.
________________________________________________________________________________
Reiki’s Room
Reiki was lying down on the bed while staring at the talisman he was holding, he thought. … Guess I just lost the opportunity to pass on Enora to tell Moranor that I’m going to have lunch with Saria here… He sat up on the bed and rubbed the chin of the albino crow on the drawer, Reiki said. “Cherry, wake up. It’s time for breakfast.” Cherry slowly opened her eyes as she let out a soft caw which made him let out a chuckle and said. “No five minutes. It’s already been ten or fifteen minutes since everyone started eating.”
He stood up from the bed and put on his white indoor slippers, Reiki continued. “Let’s go eat.” He made his way to the door as Cherry turned into a streak of white and appeared on his right shoulder. Reiki closed the door behind him and made his way down the staircase while hearing bits of the conversation from the first floor. He heard a familiar voice say. “Do we even have anything to do today?” Reiki made it to the living room as he turned his head and saw the girls sitting around the dining table.
Sachi shook her head sideways, she said. “Nope, not unless leader receives a personal request we’re spending the day at work.” Shiro was finally fully awake as she was munching on an onigiri with umeboshi filling, she used her hand that was holding the onigiri to wave at her older brother. Ketsueki noticed her little sister as she turned her head to the side and saw her little brother. Ketuseki said. “Reiki, you were in the bathroom a lot longer than I expected.” He stood near the chair his older sister was sitting on and said. “I don’t think talking about what went down in that bathroom is something to say while everyone is eating.”
Sachi took a sip of her glass of water, she swallowed and said. “Those two were just waiting on you to get back down while I’m trying to finish off my last onigiri.” She showed him the half-eaten onigiri with salmon filling. Namida pointed at the couch using her thumb, she said. “Want us to move over to the couch so you can eat?” Ketsueki was about to stand up when Reiki stopped her by grabbing his older sister's hand, he said. “Not yet, I still have to take the stems off the cherries for her.”
Reiki pointed at the albino crow on his right shoulder while sneakily playing with Ketsueki’s hand by gently squeezing it a few times which made her cheeks faintly blush. He suddenly stopped and made his way to the kitchen, Reiki said. “Alright, I need to get started on preparing Cherry’s meal.” He thought. How she’s still fine after eating nothing but cherries is beyond me. Sachi took a bite of the onigiri she was holding as she stared at Ketsueki who had a faint blush on her cheeks. Namida nodded at him and said. “Sure, when you’re done we’ll move to the couch.”
Reiki made his way to the kitchen while the three girls went back to their previous topic while Shiro was munching on her onigiri while listening. Namida poured some water into her glass and said. “I hope we don’t have to do anything today at work.” Sachi was in the middle of chewing as she swallowed, she said. “You and me both.” Shiro was holding onto her onigiri using both of her hands as she had an innocent expression on her face, she said. “Sachi-nee, Namida-nee… What are your jobs? Onee-chan won’t tell us what she does.”
Sachi intentionally took a bite of her onigiri as she glanced to the side while Ketsueki had a hint of nervousness in her expression. Ketsueki said. “Shiro, we had this conversation-.” Before she could even finish Namida spoke in a casual tone and said. “We’re accountants.” Shiro cutely tilted her head sideways as she furrowed her brows in confusion, she said. “Accountants?” Ketsueki gave her friend an odd look before her eyes slightly widened in realization and said. “That’s right, Shiro.” Sachi finished off her onigiri, she thought. She’s not wrong… We do handle a lot of dirty money.
She picked up her glass of water to wash down the onigiri while Namida nodded and continued. “Sachi specializes in… Following the flow of money while I on the other hand make a record of transactions using my laptop.” Shiro blinked a couple of times, she said. “You still haven’t told me what Onee-chan does…” Sachi let out a stifled laugh while Namida tried to ignore the smirk on Ketsueki’s face. Namida spoke in a blunt tone and said. “You’re sister's job is to make sure me and Sachi do our jobs properly.”
Shiro had a pondering expression on her face, she said. “Wouldn’t that mean Onee-chan is your boss?” Sachi was trying her best to contain her laughter while Ketsueki enjoyed watching her friend struggle with her little sister. Namida slowly nodded as she somehow managed to force the words out of her, she said. “Technically speaking… Yes…” Shiro pondered for a moment while Namida continued. “Got any more questions, cottontail?” Shiro nodded her head and said. “One more question… You said you three are accountants but… Onee-chans college course was-.” Reiki made his way to the dining table from the kitchen as he was carrying a large plate in each hand that had a pile of food on it.
He was in the middle of chewing as Namida took this opportunity to stand up from her seat and said. “I think we should give Reiki the table.” Shiro’s brows were still furrowed as she was deep in thought as Namida playfully pinched her cheek, she continued. “Cottontail, don’t think too much into it.” Shiro looked up to her as she puffed her cheeks which made her look even cuter. Sachi emptied her glass of water and said. “The chopping board and I rarely agree but, does it matter what Ketsueki’s job is as long as she’s good at her job?”
Reiki placed the two plates on the table near his seat while Ketsueki playfully poked her little sister's cheek and said. “Now that you know what I do for a living, is your curiosity satisfied?” She gently tapped the tip of her little sister’s nose while Shiro had a hint of confusion. Shiro said. “I don’t get but if Onee-chan is doing it then it means she’s good at it.” Ketsueki smiled at her while Namida and Sachi headed toward the couch as they made themselves comfortable on it. Ketsueki thought. It hurts that she’s wholeheartedly complimenting me for being in this line of ‘work’...
She made her way to the couch and saw both her friends had already sat on it. Reiki came from the kitchen again holding a clean glass of water with his right hand and a large carton of milk. Shiro was holding onto the last couple of bites of an onigiri with her hands as she saw her older brother holding an onigiri with his mouth while pouring milk into his glass. Reiki managed to reach his seat as he finished the onigiri in his mouth, he raised the carton of milk he was holding and said. “Want some milk, Shiro?”
Shiro emptied her glass of water and said. “Yes, Onii-chan.” He poured some milk into his little sister’s glass while eating one of the leftover roasted chicken sandwich in two bites. Reiki placed the carton of milk on the table as he ate his food at a rapid pace while his little sister watched him in awe. Ketsueki was sitting on one of the armchairs, she said. “What time is it?” Sachi moved her gaze onto Namida who quickly pulled out her phone from her pocket. Namida said. “Forty-five minutes until seven.” Ketsueki stood up from the armchair and said. “I guess it’s time to head out.”
She made her way to the dining table and saw her little sister finish off a tall glass of milk while Reiki had already finished off all the onigiri and sandwiches on the plates. Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister’s head and said. “Alright, time to head to school you two.” Shiro looked up to her older sister, she said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” She stood up from her seat while Reiki placed his hand in his pocket and said. “Onee-chan, I’m not going to school today.” Namida and Sachi were heading toward the front door but stopped upon hearing what Reiki said.
The two girls turned their heads to watch while Namida gently elbowed Sachi in the forearm and said. “We get a free show so early in the morning.” Ketsueki stared at her little brother, she said. “Can you at least tell me why?” Reiki took out a tattered pouch from his pocket and said. “I have a… Thing to do today.” Ketsueki placed her hands on her hips, she said. “And you think I’ll just-.” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw a familiar dark wooden rectangular box. Ketsueki stared at it as she visibly gulped, she thought. … I know I shouldn’t but…
Ketsueki reached her hand out to grab the box as she turned her head to the side to avoid her little brother’s face, she said. “J-Just this once… Okay, Reiki?” Reiki gave his older sister a smile and said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” Shiro quickly tapped on the back of her older sister’s hand and said. “Since Onii-chan isn’t going to school today, I also want to stay home.” Ketsueki had a hesitant look on her face while Namida let out a soft sigh and said. “What a ripoff, I want my money back.” Sachi grabbed her friend by the hand, she said. “Let’s put on our shoes.”
Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “Shiro, don’t you have the bentos for both Mio and Yuki?” Shiro’s eyes widened in surprise, she said. “I completely forgot.” Ketsueki let out a chuckle while Reiki gently poked Shiro’s cheek and said. “Can’t have have your friends go hungry.” Shiro let out a sigh, she said. “... Yeah…” Reiki continued. “How about this, you go to school today and I’ll convince Onee-chan to let you have a slice of cake for dessert?” Shiro’s eyes sparkled like stars, she said. “Really?! Onii-chan!?” Reiki nodded his head while Ketsueki had a warm smile on her face.
He continued. “Make sure to listen to your teachers, study hard, and get along with your friends. Ok, Shiro?” Shiro gave him an energetic nod. Ketuskei said. “Reiki, make sure to lock the door before you go out.” Ketsueki and Shiro made their way to the front door while Reiki said. “Onee-chan, can I have a copy of the key to the front-.” Before he could even finish his older sister interrupted him, Ketsueki said. “We’ll talk about this next time.”
The two of them saw Sachi and Namida waiting near the door as they already had their outdoor shoes on. Reiki thought. That's what she said last time… I need to drop by school today… He sat back down on the chair by the dining table and continued his train of thought. It won’t matter if I’m late an hour or two.
