"Selfish…?"
"Yes, selfish. I spoke so much about my daughter so you could understand my request."
In the distance, the laughter of Lili and Kaido reached them, drawing their attention. Both looked in the same direction, letting that sound fill the space between them. Anne smiled—a weary smile.
"Emilie tells me everything. I know how much she annoys you…" she made a small pause, softening her tone— "but I also know it's because she admires you. You're one of the few people who faces her without holding back."
Asuka didn't respond, she remained silent, just listening. Anne held the teacup between her hands and looked at her.
"My selfish request… is that you continue to stay by Emilie's side. Even when she exaggerates. Even when she is… too much Lili."
Asuka blinked, caught by surprise. Anne's expression remained firm, giving her no way out. She looked away immediately, fixing her gaze on Lili, who gestured as she talked with Kaido.
"Mendokusai…" she murmured, rolling her eyes.
She turned back to Anne, who was waiting, as she raised the cup to her lips. Asuka's gaze drifted again to Lili, who smiled, amused. Then returned to Anne… and again to Lili.
Damn… this irritates me.
She's more dangerous than Lili…
She manipulated me… and I fell for it like an idiot.
Asuka, kono baka!
"Wakatta, wakatta… fine…" she grumbled, leaning forward, resting her elbow on the table and her hand on her chin.
Anne brought a hand to her mouth, holding back a laugh.
"Merci, Asuka."
Asuka looked away again, uncomfortable with the gratitude. She lowered her head to hide her face, her bangs falling and partially covering her eyes.
"Tch… she better not overdo it."
Anne smiled, grateful, while the tea table settled into the silence between them. Asuka raised her head and let her gaze wander through the garden. Beyond the hedge wall to the left, a wider area could be seen.
"Is that… a tennis court?" she asked, pointing with her chin.
"It is, if you'd like, you can play a match later." Anne confirmed, then turned to the right and continued. "And on the other side is the flower garden… and the gym."
Asuka began to turn her gaze to the right, but the movement stopped halfway when she ended up crossing Kaido's face. Her face warmed immediately. She looked away in a startle and only then continued the movement, fixing her eyes on the opposite side of the garden.
"Haa…" She sighed, trying to compose herself.
Anne carefully placed the porcelain teacup on the saucer while observing them.
Oh dear… children.
Then she fixed her gaze on Asuka.
Forgive me, my daughter… but she needs this.
"If you allow me… I would like to give you some advice."
"Huh? …Yes?"
Anne studied her for a moment.
"Asuka… perhaps it is time for you to talk about your feelings for Kaido." she said with tenderness.
A shiver ran down Asuka's spine, and she froze, her face igniting red.
"Ehh…" she stammered, trying to deny "N-no, I-I don't feel anything for that baka…"
But, as she met seeing Anne's patient gaze, Asuka swallowed hard and asked,
"Uh… Is it that obvious?"
Anne let out a delicate laugh.
"Mais oui, it is, my dear. You don't need to worry… just act."
Asuka looked down.
"I don't know if I have the courage to do that…" she murmured, rubbing her arm.
Anne reached out and gently cupped Asuka's face, her thumb brushing against her skin as she lifted her head.
"Even a warrior has difficulties with feelings."
Asuka's face burned even more, and she looked away for a moment.
"You don't need to think too much," Anne continued, removing her hand and holding the teacup. "Just say what you feel and let things unfold. You might be surprised."
Before taking a sip, she added,
"But remember… you must act as soon as possible."
Asuka closed her eyes, took a deep breath. Then she turned to Kaido, who stood with his back to her near the fountain, with Lili facing him. She clenched her fist.
Yes… I will do that.
At that moment, Megumi appeared running, with her clothes slightly disheveled and her hair still damp. As she entered the veranda, a gust of wind lifted her skirt.
"Kyaaa!" she let out a little cry, trying to hold it down with both hands.
The sound made Asuka jolt and turn immediately.
"Megumi?!"
Megumi quickly straightened her skirt, still blushing, and bowed in a small, clumsy gesture.
"S-sorry!" she hurried to say, out of breath. "I didn't want to keep you waiting…"
She raised her head, embarrassed, clasping her hands in front of her clothes.
"You startled me…"
"S-sorry!" Megumi bowed again, distressed.
"It's fine… just sit."
Megumi hurried to obey, settling into the chair while still adjusting her clothes. Anne, however, had turned her attention to the garden, a sudden expression of astonishment lighting her face.
"Oh là là… mon dieu…" she breathed, her eyes wide as she covered her mouth.
Hearing that, Asuka frowned in confusion,
"What?" she asked, turning in the same direction.
Further on, near the fountain, bathed in sunlight, Lili and Kaido were close—too close. For Asuka, everything blurred until only they remained. Lili reached out, her hand resting on his chest, pulling him into her space…
No…
…and then, the kiss.