Chapter 23: A Birthday Gift
"The first ruler of the empire, Elione Tyamasaki had won the battle against the monsters and beasts and laid the foundation of our empire." Abi stared at Olivia with glittering eyes as she answered the fifth question.
Olivia sighed. It was much less than it should have been in her age. But those eyes.. Olivia clapped hard, "bravo! My little angel did so well. I am proud of you." Abi giggled with her eyes shining and full of joy.
Olivia tried to ignore how Abi was touching her hair and jewels again and again. She had worn her best dress and was not even sitting to make sure she did not have any crease on her clothes. It was hard to ignore her attempts to look her best.
"Thank you! I studied the whole morning. Do you think my mother would be proud of me too?" Olivia felt a needle prick her heart. She did not find a way to convince her sister to come here.
"Ah, yes, my sister is proud of you. But she might not come today." Abi’s smile froze and her eyes dimmed immediately. She bit her lips to complain but the stark change of her expressions was hard to ignore.
"Ah! Is that so? I thought.." she tried as she looked around. Not sure what to say as she looked at her pretty frilled dress. It was brought by her mother two years ago. It did not fit her well anymore. Yet she wore it to show how much she cherished it.
"Yes, she wanted to bring that gift for you. But do you know.." Olivia swapped the little thin girl in her arms. She was so skinny! "That lord Damon’s birthday is in two days. She is busy with the preparations. Abi, would you like to send a gift to Damon too?"
Abi paused. She had never thought her intimidating first brother liked her. He would not care if she gave him the gift, no?
Looking at the gloomy face, Olivia added, "it is sad to not get a gift from your family. Damon is your brother. He would be happy if you send him something." the girl laughed immediately. Delighted by the word family, Abi nodded at once without hesitation.