Alice

True to the novel's script, Lilia with her mother was introduced to Alice the next day. Upon hearing the news, her mother remained quiet and excused herself. Her father allowed this while she was left staring at both him and Alice. To break the awkward silence, the count started speaking out again.

"Lilia, you know you are about the same age as Alice. I'm sure both of you will get along just fine."

"Yes, I do think we will get along well! Papa!"

Alice flashed Lilia her bright and innocent smile common to how children their age would usually act. She had resolved herself to stay calm and neutral as she is introduced to Alice but the child inside her just wanted to throw a tantrum and unwelcome her in their home. She knew that several days from now, her mother of this world will take her life because of the existence of Alice. She kinda felt sad about that but not as sad as she would be if she was her real world's mother.

Knowing that this is just a world inside a novel, she never really grew attached to her parents of this world. Count Horace, as well as his wife, just seemed so unreal to her. She felt like this world is just a long dream from which she will eventually wake up from. She knew that she should not be angry in any way at Alice but the fact that her half-sister, together with the crown prince, is the characters she had to surmount left a bad taste in her mouth and she just doesn't want to be her playmate, sister or anything at all. But as the saying goes, keep your friends close but your enemies closer.

"Indeed, I think so as well!"

Lilia flashed back her million dollars smile as she said this. The count was satisfied with their exchange and so left them to their own device. He reasoned out that he will just be in the way. Following his absence, a maid came and offered them snacks. Excited with having a new sister, Alice sat close to her and asked her all about her hobbies, her likes and dislike, as well as the details in their father's life.

"You know what, when papa comes to our house, he would give me delicious pastries and told me that the person who bakes it lives here."

Alice told her details of the count's act of unfaithfulness like it was a walk in the park. Alice suddenly grew quiet all of a sudden and continued.

"Sorry, I just remembered mama, it is sad that I will not be able to see her again but papa told me she is in a better place already and she will always be with us. You know the dazzling things up in the night sky? One of those is mama and I just know that what papa said is the truth!"

The talk with her continued on for hours. That was until a maid called them down for dinner. Lilia was quite exhausted talking with a five years old kid whose personality is just so like those dense heroines.