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“TO think the new apprentice was such a sweet girl! I didn’t know you were close to Leo’s age. The boy doesn’t tell us a thing in his letters!” Leo’s mother cooed.
Ever since Lille had arrived at their house, his mother had been exceedingly welcoming. His father was very smiley, too, and they seemed like a cheerful, talkative couple. Although Lille could see a physical resemblance between Leo and his mother, his personality was nothing like either of his parents’.
Leo shrugged. “Why would I bother writing about stuff that doesn’t really matter?”
“I do apologize for him, Lille. He’s far too blunt,” his mother sighed, giving her a rueful look. “He’s not bullying you at all, is he?”
“No, not at all,” she said, shaking her head. “Leo’s taught me all sorts of things. He’s very patient.”
“Oh, my—really?” His mother blinked. “…Well, perhaps he has a soft spot for girls.”
“I do not!” Leo huffed. “Lille’s not telling the truth, anyway!”
“Goodness… So, you are bullying her?” his mother said in feigned shock.
“No! I…” He gritted his teeth. Lille had been a little surprised to find out he was just as grumpy with his family as he was with her, but his mother was a master at dealing with his ill temper.
“He’s in his rebellious phase, you see. It’s simply adorable,” she teased, grinning.
“Leo! Hug me!” his little sister demanded sweetly.
“All right, fine,” he conceded. His sister stopped tugging on Lille’s sleeve, and tottered over to Leo instead, climbing onto his lap.
“Can you do my hair like hers? I wan’ a braid, too!” she said, pointing at Lille.
“Sure. I’ll do it for you later.”
Her cute, round face lit up with a wide smile. It appeared that Leo really did have a soft spot for his sister.
“Would you like some more tea, Lille?” Leo’s mother asked cheerfully, holding the refilled teapot out toward Lille’s cup. Whether it was thanks to the quality of the leaves or how skillfully it was brewed, Lille didn’t know, but she was taken aback by just how delicious the tea Leo’s mother made was. She thought the tea she made at home was good, but it didn’t even compare.
“Thank you, but I don’t think I could manage another drop,” she replied. Her stomach was so full of liquid that it would probably wobble like jelly if she poked it.
“Oh dear! I’m sorry—I suppose I did force too much on you…”
“No, no.” Lille shook her head politely. “I just kept drinking because it was so delicious. I should be the one apologizing for eating so many of your snacks.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” She grinned. “Let’s pull out all the stops for dinner, too! Do you prefer fish or meat, Lille? Cream stew or tomato stew?”
“I like chicken and white fish. I’m happy with any kind of stew, but…if I had to choose, I’d say tomato.”
“My wife’s doting on you so much because Leo’s never brought a girlfriend home before,” Leo’s father chuckled. Lille thought he was a calm, gentle man—but with that one sentence, he effectively threw a grenade into the room.
“SHE’S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!” As expected, Leo exploded, yelling at the top of his lungs. His skin burned bright red all the way to the tips of his ears. “Hmph! I’m going to my room! Unless dinner’s ready, don’t you DARE speak to me!”
He left the room, his stomps thundering across the floor. As she watched him go, Leo’s mother whispered, “After seeing his face as red as a tomato, I admit I’m a little hungry. Let’s have tomato stew with dinner.”
In that moment, Lille realized that Leo’s mother was the backbone of the household. His father was the head of the family, and Leo himself had a very strong will, but his mother had the most amazing ability to remain unfazed by anything and everything.