Meanwhile, Lily and Kaili met for the first time. Kaili had relocated to the library to continue keep her studies, but she couldn't say it was a better option than the classroom her teacher had her in.
Only the master and Jeanne read books but they didn't normally stay in the library so cleaning was at a bare minimum. This meant that Kaili couldn't escape finding dust whenever there was a slightly strong wind.
'Maybe I should move to my room. But then I'll lose focus.'
Around the time Kaili was considering her options, Jeanne entered the room with the young guest.
"So you were here Kaili."
"Big sis? Were calling me for some-?"
Mid-sentence, Kaili paused and focused her gaze on the expressionless little girl that was holding Jeanne's hand. They seemed to be around the same age, but it wasn't like she could be sure since demons didn't always match their age.
Normally, she would be happy to see someone who could be her own age, but she got a weird feeling as she looked at the eyes of this little girl.
While not as creepy as the slave merchants who treated her like a product to be sold, it felt like the girl was evaluating her. And the result of that evaluation,
"Normal. Too normal."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I meant it in a good way."
"Thanks?"
"You're welcome."
Jeanne smiled gently at the interaction between the two before raising an eyebrow at the state of the library.
"Kaili, you've been studying under these conditions?"
"Uh, I guess. To be honest I was thinking of moving when you called me."
"I'm surprised you didn't do so sooner. Really, I'm sorry I forgot to get this area cleaned up."
"No no, it's fine. It doesn't look like it gets much use after all."
"You're not wrong but, since you'll be using it from now on that will change. Take Lily here to your room while I handle things here. Don't be rude, okay?"
'So her name's Lily.'
"Got it."
After chuckling due to the sight of Kaili's salute, Jeanne exchanged places with her. Kaili was now beside Lily while Jeanne was in the library.
"Have fun you two."
"Okay."
"Mmm."
Kaili gave an enthusiastic reply while Lily's tone stayed flat. As they began walking away from library, Kaili thought about how she would take care of Lily like a reliable big sister. However, Lily took the initiative.
"Are you new here?" Lily asked.
"Hmm? Oh yeah, that's right. It's barely been a night since I've been here so I'm not familiar with the place. I know how to find my room though, probably."
Kaili thought it was a good answer for a sudden question, but Lily shook her head.
"That's not what I meant. I was trying to ask if you were new to this family, to that strangely handsome big brother and that cute big sister."
'Cute?! I mean, I guess Big sis does act cute sometimes...'
Kaili was sidetracked for a moment as she thought back to Jeanne's 'cute' moments, but she quickly returned to the topic.
"Um, yes but how can you tell?"
"It's obvious. You were trying to act happy and carefree but your expression was too stiff. Like you were afraid to upset her. You probably didn't want to be forced on babysitting duty."
"No, it's not that! It's not but..."
When Lily saw sadness and guilt rapidly cloud Kaili's face, she showed a charming smile and held her hand. Kaili twitched as she felt Lily's hand and admired the change to her dull expression.
Even though she was still the one leading the way, she couldn't help but wonder if their positions had been flipped.
'Wasn't I supposed to be the big sister?'
***
As Kaili and Lily bonded, I was engaging in some serious business with Lia.
If I said that last part out loud I could easily picture her teasing me because of my word choice, but the mood was serious for now.
"I did a search and believe that these four should be our first targets."
"Don't make it sound like we're gonna kill them or something."
Laid across the smooth wooden desk, were four bundles of paper, each containing information about a noble who could join our cause.
These four likely weren't the only ones unwilling to encourage the massive war that was being planned by the Demon King and the vampire faction, but it wasn't like I could meet every and any one of them right now.
Lia was a great help and if she had agreed to be the leader for this rebellion I would have no objections. However, Lia said that if I wasn't the leader then she wouldn't help.
"Still, are you sure they won't take one look at me and say something like, 'Hmph, no wonder it suddenly smells like commoner'?"
"Pfft! What's with that? These four won't say something like that."
"Good t-"
"But they might have worse words to use if you screw up."
"... right."
"Don't worry, I'm here. I'll make sure to teach you everything you need to know to act as a proper noble."
"Really?"
'Is this an angel?'
I imagined a halo above Lia's head and happily grabbed her hands that were laid on the table. At this moment, even my guard against her charm was lowered so I should have lost control since our hands were making contact, but oddly I was only filled with gratitude.
In fact, it was not me but Lia who reacted to this physical contact. Subconsciously, I was sure that she would think nothing of us holding hands, so I was surprised to see her face stiffen like she realized something earth-shattering.
"Lia?"
Calling her name did nothing, but she started waking out of her stupor once I shook her hands. After a short moment she was back to her usual self, surface-wise at least.
"Uh, yes, of course. I'm here to help you after all."
As she responded, Lia gently withdrew her hands from my grasp. I finally realized how embarrassing that was so I didn't stop her but I did find her behaviour strange.
The same Lia who would always tease me giving up an opportunity like this, impossible.
Maybe it would be cute and funny if she blushed like an innocent girl, but I didn't see nor did I expect that from her.
"Lia, are you okay?"
"Hmm? Why wouldn't I be?"
'She's playing dumb without counterattacking, that's not like her. But I can't push her to answer me.'
"Fine then, how much time do we have to prepare?"
"Well, given that we have to lay down our preparations before the official announcement of war I would say a month at most. I'll let you meet these four one by one but after that we'll have to blitz through the rest. The time limit is the lunar eclipse in four months. We'll be busy."
Each month in this world had twenty-eight days, but I wasn't sure if this would be enough. Therefore, I could only do my best.
"I know. I'll just have to endure while imagining how much free time I'll have once this is all over."
"Free time, huh? Kuku."
I had a foreboding feeling when Lia chuckled, so I nervously gulped before asking, "Are you trying to insinuate something?"
"No, I just think you should wait until we've reached the end to start making plans."