Under Lierre's obstruction, Theresa was unable to punish the "insolent" Kiana on the spot.
Only after Lierre pulled Kiana and Theresa away from the chaotic scene of the snack street did Theresa slowly regain her composure.
Observing the change in mood, Kiana let out a quiet sigh of relief when she saw that Theresa was no longer angry.
That really scared me just now. I thought Theresa was actually going to beat me in public.
She hadn't even started formally helping the two cultivate their relationship; if she were chased away now, Himeko and the others would definitely make fun of her.
Kiana rallied her spirits, deciding to strike while the iron was hot and act as a proper wingman. She looked left and right, scanning the surroundings for a suitable opportunity.
"Our next stop is Homu Theme Park. Kiana, why don't you come with us? It's a good time to make good on what I promised you yesterday."
Lierre shook the flyer in her hand.
This was the largest amusement park in the city, deeply loved by the citizens—especially children. After all, the Homu series was one of the most popular mascots in this world.
Cecilia had been very deliberate in choosing this place; Theresa loved the Homu manga series, so she would be more relaxed playing at the theme park. It was an excellent opportunity to build favor.
Not that Lierre intended to do such a thing, of course.
Theresa thought for a moment and said, "Let's go together, Kiana. On a rare day off like today, it wouldn't be right if only the two of us were having fun."
Although she worried Kiana might cause more trouble and embarrass her, she had to admit that with Kiana around, the atmosphere between her and Lierre wasn't as awkward as it was at the beginning.
"Great! Let's head out now!"
Kiana's eyes lit up as a brilliant idea occurred to her, and she agreed without the slightest hesitation.
Lierre hailed a taxi by the roadside, and the three of them set off for Homu Theme Park.
After the trio left, Raiden Mei and Murata Himeko emerged from behind.
"Kiana was too reckless at the snack street. Lierre didn't seem to mind, but Principal Theresa looked like she was about to faint from shame," Raiden Mei recalled, watching the car pull away.
She truly couldn't tell if Kiana's actions were deliberate or just unintentional.
Murata Himeko, however, laughed happily. "But looking at it now, Kiana's involvement has actually played a significant role. Do you think Theresa will still have such a big reaction the next time Kiana calls her that?"
"...Probably not. After all, Overseer Otto will arrive at St. Freya Academy the day after tomorrow. The formal announcement isn't far off."
"Exactly. Kiana is basically helping Theresa desensitize ahead of time, helping her slowly accept this current layer of relationship with Lierre."
Himeko nodded slightly.
A moment later, they also hailed a taxi.
Aside from simply enjoying the gossip, they were also acting as guards in the shadows.
Homu Theme Park, ticket counter.
The ticket seller looked at the two cute small heads in front of the counter and gave a heartfelt, healed smile. She then spoke to Kiana, who was standing behind the two: "Hello, would you like to purchase two child tickets and one student ticket?"
"Ch... Child tickets..."
The smile on Theresa's face nearly failed to hold.
It wasn't the first or second time she had been mistaken for a child, but encountering it again was still a bit hard to accept.
"Change the child tickets to two adult tickets, please. Thank you."
Lierre slapped her forged ID card onto the counter with a pa.
Immediately after, she pulled out Kiana and Theresa's fake documents; after all, they hadn't brought their real ones on this outing.
Seeing her own ID being produced, Theresa instinctively opened her mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing.
After checking Lierre and Theresa's IDs and realizing they were both adults, the ticket seller felt a surge of respect.
Legal lolis actually exist—seeing is truly believing!
While the ticket seller was registering them, Kiana pulled out her phone and volunteered, "I want to take some photos of you as souvenirs. From now on, let your good niece help you take some super beautiful photos to bring back!"
Lierre nodded. "I'm looking forward to it."
"I'll allow it as long as you don't cause trouble. But Kiana, you should join us for a few photos too; this is a rare opportunity," Theresa suggested.
Siegfried, the father, had left Kiana out of necessity, and because of Lierre, Cecilia had only been back by Kiana's side for less than a month.
Thus, she wanted to give Kiana more familial love, accompanying her as much as possible on Cecilia's behalf.
"Sure, no problem!"
As Kiana spoke, she looked toward the amusement park entrance. When she saw the families holding their children's hands, a wave of emotion struck her heart.
In her moment of daze, Lierre had already bought the tickets and called out to her, "Kiana, it's time to go."
Kiana snapped back to reality and turned to see Lierre waving at her and Theresa watching her with crossed arms and a worried look.
She shook her head to cast aside her stray thoughts, a smile appearing on her face as she ran forward. "Coming!"
This was Lierre and Theresa's date; she couldn't let herself ruin it.
If there was a chance in the future—once she found her missing sister and her nowhere-to-be-found "ugly old man"—then she would come back here with Mom for a stroll.
Kiana made a silent wish in her heart.
A short while later.
"I'm going to take a photo of you! Don't stand so far apart, there's a gap of dozens of centimeters between you. Are you planning to split up the family?!"
"...That's more like it! Now closer, interlock your fingers..."
"What? Aunt Theresa, why are you refusing? Aren't you two about to get married?! Why be so shy, just do it!"
"Oh oh oh! This is the angle. Bring your faces a little closer... just a little more!"
Lierre looked at Theresa's exquisite face mere inches away. She released her right hand from their interlocked fingers and said, "Is this child a bit overdue for a lesson? She actually dares to toy with us like this."
If this continued, they were actually going to kiss. Kiana really had the nerve to push it this far.
Theresa's face was bright red, her heart pounding. She said crossly, "It's because you spoiled her! I was going to refuse just now, but you were the one who kept convincing me to cooperate with Kiana's nonsense!"
"Kiana has suffered for so many years; she's long past the age where she should be raised in hardship. What's wrong with me pampering her a little!"
"You used that excuse just now!"
Across from them, Kiana saw the two suddenly separate to bicker and cried out anxiously, "Don't move! Hurry up and hold each other again, I haven't finished the shot yet!"
Hearing this, Lierre and Theresa stopped arguing and looked at each other.
"You're still going to let her have her way?" Theresa asked.
"My eyesight isn't very good right now. Do as you please."
Lierre closed her eyes.
A moment later, the sound of Kiana's cry of pain and Theresa's tireless lecturing echoed in her ears.
Ah, it's good to be young.