"Hired friend? Who hired you?"
"Your father, of course. Who else would hire a friend for you?" Cyprian stared at the girl like she had lost her ability to think. Even though she knew she was only a year older that Shikera, she could not help thinking her brain was several years older.
"So," Shikera started, "You accepted to be my friend in return for money?"
Cyprian shrugged her shoulders, as if to say it's not a big deal.
"I rejected the money, because I really wanted to be your friend... but then, it's unavoidable for me to take something from your father," she said, her voice loud enough for anyone passing outside the door to hear.
"Don't lie to me."
"I am not. Your father said if I am to fulfill my duties to the best of my ability, I have to attend the same school as you do, except you don't want me to," the older girl asked, her eyebrows raised in question.
"It's alright. Where is daddy?"