Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 80: Innocence in her Eyes~

Leora took Jiu to the very bottom floor and straight to the servants kitchen, giggling.
"I have a new friend!" Leora proclaimed proudly to the servants.
They didn't bother to look at her, but smiled nonetheless, occupied with preparing food.
"Very nice, miss Leora."
"That's the fourth friend you've made this week, no?"
"Miss Leora is so cute, befriending everything in the house, don't you think?"
Leora puffed her cheeks," I'm not cute! I'm a lady, which means I have to make a good impression on everyone."
"Ah yes, everyone, including the footstool."
"Why you..." Leora huffed, warily.
Jiu couldn't help but chuckle at the cute absurdity of it all. It was so Leora. Leora's eyes lit up hearing him laugh, looking at him wide wide, sparkling eyes.
"You have my favourite laugh!" The toddler proclaimed, no filter.
Jiu blinked in shock, blushing slightly," Er...thank you-?"
Leora took his hand again and pulled him over to the servant table, she clambered onto a chair and grabbed a bowl of icing that the servants had left on the table. She grinned triumphantly, taking the spoon and licking it, before holding it out for Jiu to try.
"Will the others appreciate our saliva on that?" Jiu chuckled.
Leora shrugged," Who cares."

Jiu leaned down and took a small lick of it. It tasted like pure sugar on a spoon. It was alright, he supposed. Leora looked up at him expectantly, as if she was the one who had made it. Something about the toddler's hopeful expression made him feel like she wanted his approval.
Jiu forced a wry smile," It's good."
"Isn't it?" Leora beamed.
She shoved the whole spoonful in her mouth, sucking on the icing. Jiu laughed at the sight. One of the cooks hit the girl playfully across the head, making her spit out the spoon with a yelp.
"I don't remember letting you do that Miss Leora?" The cook snorted.
Leora puffed her chest," I'm the Lady of the house, I should be able to eat as much icing as I wish! In fact, I request more!"
"That's not how it works, I'm afraid," The cook chuckled," Too bad, too sad, miss. Though, if you're desperate, there are some pastry scraps over there that I was going to throw away."
Leora's eyes shone, and she rushed over to that counter without hesitation, not even waiting for Jiu. Jiu deadpanned. Did she seriously betray me over pastry scraps?

He made his way over, crossing his arms over his chest with a miserable pout. The toddler glanced up, stuffing her face with the things, blinking slowly.
"Jiu...sad?" She tilted her head.
Jiu chuckled," Not really, just pretending."
Leora grabbed a piece of pastry and stuffed it in his mouth. Jiu chewed it thoughtfully. It was much better than the icing in his opinion, that much he was certain of. There was a loud thump upstairs, both glanced up at the floor.
"Hm? What was that?" Jiu furrowed his eyebrows.
Leora giggled," Daddy is probably dancing again!"
She ate another pastry scrap. There was another thump, this time much heavier. Jiu's breath caught in his throat. Something didn't feel right.
"Come on, let's go," Jiu murmured, holding his hand out for her to take.
Leora hopped off from the chair, taking his hand, still chewing on the piece of pastry.
"Are we playing upstairs, Jiu?"
"Yeah..." Jiu muttered, his mind focused on the noises upstairs," We are, is that okay?"
Leora nodded.