To School (1)

Evening came and I was back in my room— working on my art projects on my laptop and drawing tablet. Well.. today I had to update my Arthub profile, it's a weekly thing. An illustration a week.

For the next illustration, I'm working on a collaborative piece with another artist I met online. I'm thinking the character should have dark red hair— I found this hair colour to be rare amongst the many anime illustrations I've seen.

Thankfully I had my father's guidance when it came to art, he's an artist after all— even managed to publish his own books— books that are rated R-18. He's super well known in the art community.. or so I think.

As both an architect and artist, he gets so much work done so quickly— he has such an unfair TALENT..

Okay. Time for a break.

Oh, an interesting video about ducks swimming round and round.

I'll send the video link to my father.

I saw the old conversations I had with Prune while I was scrolling through my messaging app. It's been weeks since I last texted her.

My hands hovered over the keyboard, but I could think of any topics to discuss. Most of the time, our conversations were about homework or school projects. Asides sharing fun videos to watch... there wasn't really anything we had in common.

I shook my head and was about to resume drawing when I heard a knock on the door.

I walked over and pulled the door open.

"Good night," Liliath curtsied. This time she wore a beautiful purple nightgown. Not the transparent kind, fortunately.

"Good night."

*

I returned to Novelle-sama's room after saying my regards to Noel-sama.

Novelle-sama's room was not large but was sizable enough to fit both of us comfortably. She slept on the bed whereas I should have slept on the floor.. but by her command, I was told to accept her kindness and sleep together with her.

There were a number of cushioned toys that reminded me of my childhood-- one which I knew I would never return to.

I saw Novelle-sama lying on her bed with a book in her hands.

That book.

"Novelle, may I ask where you got that book from?"

"Ah, you're back. So how did it go? Did big brother do anything weird?"

I understood what she was suggesting but I hold no such feeling towards him— at the moment.

"This book huh?" Novelle-sama turned the book over to observe the cover. Yes, I did look relatively similar to the one Diana-sama recommended to me, "I got it from my father's office. Do you want to read some? I have a few in my book shelf over there."

I thought of borrowing the sequel to the first book I read. I picked up the book which I left on a nearby table and showed it to Novelle-sama.

"Do you perhaps have a continuation to this?"

Shameful! Shameful! Heaven's please spare me.. I only want to read a little more...

Novelle-sama got off the bed to examine the book. I held the it closer to my chest consciously. Unnaturally, Novelle-sama tilted her head, one of her brows raised as she glanced at me confused.

Her confusion soon cleared up. She revealed a bright smile which would be likened to a grin.

"Follow me, but be quiet and don't tell anyone okay?" In a tip-toe, she whispered into my ear.

I nodded hastily.

Novelle-sama checked the corridors of the small castle— or house? I don't understand the vocabulary used by the people living in this era or the world. Perhaps this isn't a castle but rather a house?

"Coast is clear, let's go," she gestured her hand with a playful smile.

I followed behind, down the dim corridor. The sole light source present was the little line that leaked from her room.

Passing by Noel-sama's room, you could see that he has yet to sleep.

Novelle-sama's every step was soundless. We soon reached 'the office'.

Novelle-sama scrutinized her surroundings once more before shutting the door behind, plunging us into darkness.

"N-Novelle?"

"I'm finding the switch— ah, found it."

The lights blew up the room in white, I covered my eyes. Slowly adjusting my vision, what I saw was a large, supposedly dark-oak desk with unusual flat screen machines. It looked like a smaller version of what Novelle-sama called 'television'. Three panels lined up side by side. Behind the machine was a large cushion chair.

Novelle-sama bounced over and plopped herself down the seat. She spun herself in a loop

"There is the library!" She raised a suppressed shout full of glee. Her finger pointed towards another entrance.

I found myself standing in front of an incredibly small library. There were no tables or chairs, only books neatly arranged in vertical positions.

My fingers tranced the edge of the first book— this was literature that I've never seen before.

I glanced at the opus I held in one hand— the one I feel ashamed of reading— and began to search.

"Big sister Liliath, it's here," Novelle-sama called out.

Following her gaze, I saw a small stack on the floor. Novelle-sama placed aside half the pile and raised a single book to my face, "This one, right?"

I blinked a few times, timidly receiving the opus.

"My highest thanks to Novelle-sama," I bowed flustered.

She chuckled. After which she looked at me with a scheming grin. "There are 17 volumes all in all, you know?"

"Volumes?"

"Hm.. you don't know what volumes are.. it's something like the number of books in a complete series?"

I looked at the books in my hands, the covers were different but the characters were the same. Novelle-sama then pushed a few more on me. I ended up with 5 books— or as Novelle-sama regards as: volumes.

"This should be enough for now. Let's get back to my room. When you finish that I'll help you get the next ones."

My throat felt dry. For Novelle-sama and me to partake in such shameful acts.. what a disgrace..

*

I woke up, got myself washed and with the spare time, helped my mom in the kitchen. I may not be all that great as a chef, I at least have the necessary knife skills to cut the meat and vegetables slightly better than a novice.

"It's getting late," I looked at the clock that hung on the wall. "Mom, I'll go call them up."

"Alright. Tell them that breakfast is almost ready."

My sister should've been up at this sort of time. I wonder why she's late today.

I went upstairs and knocked on her door, "Novelle, Liliath."

And as a brother, I have the responsibility to call them up.. maybe

"Got it." was the muffle-sounding response I got.

I envisioned the scene of my sister stretching her body in her pajamas and Liliath whose nightgown came loose, the lace down her shoulders, exposing her cleavage— shut up.

"I'll leave it to you then," I said one last time before returning down the stairs to help settle the plates on the kitchen table.

Novelle yawing, one hand supporting Liliath who had her head hanging, swaying.

Liliath isn't an early riser? I wonder what's the usual time she wakes up?

They both went to the bathroom. Liliath then came to sit on the kitchen table, all drowsy. Novelle would be taking a bath first.

My mom placed down the last dish on the table. Though the aroma of the food was enticing— it didn't really seem to help Liliath recover from her lethargic mood.

She raised her head to look at me, then at my mom. She bowed, almost slamming her head on the table.

"Good morning."

"Yeah... good morning Liliath."

"Good morning," my mom chuckled.

"We're going to school today right?" Liliath tried desperately to keep herself awake. She looked like the ghost in movies where their hair would dangle in front, covering the face.

"Yeah. So you better wipe that sleepiness off your face."

Liliath bobbed her head up and down.

Ah what am I even saying. No, rather, is this what a Princess looks like behind the scenes?

*

With assistance from my mom, Liliath took a bath and came back to the kitchen table.

Turning around, I saw her wearing a resplendent black-laced dress. Her collar bone was exposed.. together with the majority of her back—

Like.. what.

She sat down beside me.

"Um.. Are you sure you're going to choose this outfit?"

Liliath looked at me puzzled. Her previously dazed look was nowhere to be seen, "We are going to an official event aren't we?"

My sister tried to contain her laughter. My mom only smiled.

"Um.. can I suggest you were something less.. alluring?"

"Is there something wrong with wearing this? You yourself are wearing a proper uniform aren't you?"

Wait.. what.. why is she so adamant about wearing a dress? This is the first time I've seen this side of her. Could it be because she was once a Princess? Could be, could be... but still.. we're going to a school, not some political meeting.

"It's different.. this is a school uniform, your's is a dress."

"Noel, why not just let her be. Today is your last day of the semester after all," My mom said.

NO— not you too mom.

"Liliath, remember to tie your hair alright? You remember how to do it right?"

"Yes," Liliath nodded. After which she took out a hair band that had a crystal accessory, pulled her hair up into a ponytail and tied her hair, leaving her neckline exposed.

All the while revealing her underarm that let off an odd fragrant that tickled me silly.. OH FUCK ME.

"Your face is all red big brother," the little devil grinned. Both her hands supported her head on the table while her legs swung back and front in her seat.

FUCK.

I bit my tongue.

"Let's get breakfast started shall we," My mom chided by clapping her hands.

I can't help but sneak a few looks at Liliath. I'll say it once, I'll say it again: She's literally.. quite literally the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life.