The trio stomped down the hallway, all business… well, as much business as Kirian could manage while striking dramatic heroic poses in every doorway. Emilia rolled her eyes, muttering something about "future legend of embarrassment."
They reached a door painted a cheerful yellow, sprinkled with hand-painted moons and stars. Soft giggles floated out.
"Brace yourselves," Emilia said, her voice sharp. "Lili's room."
They pushed it open.
Inside, Lili was seated cross-legged on a cushion, a delicate tea set arranged perfectly around her. Around her, dozens of teddy bears and plushies were set like guests at the table, some with little napkins tucked under their chins. She sipped from a tiny cup without even looking up.
"Good morning," she said calmly. "Would you like to hear the story of the legendary Pastry Hero?"
Kirian blinked. "Uh… storytime?"
"Yes," Lili said, holding up a book like it was sacred. "He was a croissant knight who saved the village of Sugarvale from the evil mold monsters." She paused dramatically. "Also, he invented chocolate sprinkles."
Emilia groaned. "Of course. How heroic."
Kirian, meanwhile, was mesmerized. "Chocolate sprinkles? That is… amazing. I must memorize this!"
The room was a riot of color. Curtains shimmered like silk, shelves stacked with storybooks, and one entire section gleamed with neatly arranged crystals. The sunlight caught the surfaces, scattering rainbows across the floor. Emilia's eyes practically sparkled.
"Whoa… how many colors are here?" she asked, leaning in closer.
"All of them," Lili said, her expression serious. "Except vermillion. Vermillion is… disgusting. It reminds me of… that one time I got mustard on my hat in the third grade and it never came off. Horrible color. Evil color. I will not have it near me."
Emilia smirked, then leaned closer with a grin. "Okay, listen. We need you to come with us. Think about it: unique snacks. Only for you. We've heard of these. Weird, exotic, never-before-seen things. You could taste them and… report back on quality control."
Lili lifted an eyebrow, pretending not to be swayed. "Hmm… snacks, huh? I'm only going for… quality control. Not because I like snacks. Definitely not." She gave a pointed glance at Kirian and Emilia. "I must ensure the snacks are up to… standards."
Kirian rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure. That's what every hero says."
Lili finally stood, brushing off her skirt. She grabbed her umbrella, the long handle curving like a crescent moon. She turned to Emilia, smirk curling on her lips.
"And if these snacks disappoint me… you will hear about it."
Emilia laughed. "Fair enough. But you'll thank me later. Maybe."
The trio, with Lili now in tow, stepped out of the house. Lili glanced back at her colorful sanctuary one last time, then clicked her umbrella open with a soft snap. The teddies remained, silent witnesses to another chapter in the chaos of their lives.
"Alright," she said, walking ahead like a tiny general inspecting recruits. "Let's see what kind of trouble you've gotten yourselves into this time."
Kirian puffed his chest out, striking a heroic pose mid-step. Emilia muttered something under her breath about "future legends being ridiculous," but secretly, she knew this was going to be fun.
And just like that, the legendary trio grew by one—though no one could yet say whether Lili would bring grace, chaos, or a sharp tongue that could slice through both.