The Hidden Knave, Arlecchino In Who Made Me A Princess

Draw Those You Love!

If Arlecchino had learned one thing from her years of living, it would be that love can only exist due to two reasons. Either it was to use and manipulate you, so another is benefited... Or, the rare case, its pure, and seeks to improve everyone involved.

She was sure Lucas was the first option and that he was playing the long and grueling game of building rapport.

Maybe that's why she quickly adjusted to his new, but rather common attitude. He was still the same, annoying her with rough pats, giving her food she liked, teaching, and praising her. He even played with the cats and penguin more frequently.

So what was different? One simple word.

Responses. Just to be clear, let's compare these two examples. Let's say Arlecchino just mastered a new spell with incredible speed.

Old Lucas would've responded with a cocky grin, his arms crossed while declaring- "Of course. You're my daughter, after all."

Now, current Lucas laughs softly in response before ruffling her head. His grin contagious and bright, tone proud as he simply praises- "That's my girl. I knew you could do it."

Why the abrupt change?? Arle couldn't remember anything significant. She just fell asleep, and when she woke up, Lucas used a softer gaze while looking at her.

What happened?? Was this his new tactic?

Maybe her suspicious stare was obvious, since Lucas suddenly turned to face her with an amused smile. "What's with that look?"

Athy, who filled Felix's tea cup with imaginary tea beside Arle, answered instead. "You are acting creepy."

Clervie nodded, so did Felix before they both sipped from their miniature tea cups.

Lucas huffed and twirled his finger, filling the empty tea cups in their hands with a bitter substance. Clervie, already used to his changing temperament, managed to move it away before any of it entered her mouth.

Felix, on the other hand... Almost choked on it.

"Creepy, you say?" Lucas went over and sat beside Arle. The cats and penguin immediately ran to settle on his lap contently. Lyney and Lynette warm their spots on his thighs with their paws while Freminet settled in the very center.

"Is this any way to treat your guest?" Arle handed him a tea cup, while Athy huffed at his words. "Athy would not had invited you to this tea party if Arle didn't insist!"

Lucas smirked and glanced at the quiet girl beside him. "Is that so?"

Arle didn't glance at him.

"Well." Lucas moved his play cup closer to Athy. "Honor your sisters wishes and serve me, host."

With a loud scoff, Athy placed her tea cup on the table and stood up. "Athy will not serve you!" She went around Lucas to Arle and grabbed her hand.

"Athy doesn't want to play with you anymore!"

She pulled Arlecchino up and dragged her away. "Arle! Let's draw!"

She had no complains, and allowed Athy to have her way. Lilian expertly handed over the paper and crayons to them.

Lucas hummed and filled his cup with tea while Arlecchino knelt beside Athy.

"Arle! What should we draw!?" Her excited grin caused sparkles to appear in her eyes.

Before Arlecchino could respond, Athy gained an idea and laid her belly on the ground to draw it.

Seeing her so invested, made Arlecchino carefully consider what to use the paper for. She, had never drawn before. That was never encouraged with 'mother'.