Say Something Good

“That’s not an excuse.”

Knocks came to the door, and Wolfram darted a glare at Lena. The maid poked her head from the gap and asked, “M-Master? Are you finished? Miss Eine wants to see her dress.”

Wolfram was wearing a maroon shirt, so he just closed his clothes to hide the injury. He got up from the bed and walked out to meet Eine. Delta was left there on her own, wiping her lips clean from her saliva and the blood. As her tongue glided across her teeth, she remembered how Wolfram’s tasted in her mouth. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to forget.

“Mommy, are you okay?” Eine looked at her mother’s dazed eyes. She just saw how Wolfram patted her head and held onto his shoulder after.

“Hmm? Yes, dear.” Delta smiled before getting to her feet. She then walked her daughter to the vanity chair. “Let Big Sister Lena comb your hair and prepare your dress. I will have to get out of my dress before I stain it.”

Delta said that, but she already spotted a red stain on one of the sleeves. However, since the puffed sleeve was red, it wasn’t easy to spot. However, when the blood dried and darkened, she would take a while to remove it. It was best to launder it now after she potentially dirtied it.

…

The main lobby was a lazy place. At least Delta thought it was the best place to laze around. She could get close to the phonograph and switch to a different vinyl record. Then she would dance on her own in her beige A-shaped dress. The rug was like the grass, and she would dance until Foxley’s drone shows up to fly around like a fly.

Of course, the same drone was also flying around the front yard while they were waiting. Wolfram was only watching Foxley’s control over the drone, and the maids grew attentive to it. After all, the ninja would suddenly pick a spot to climb and jump from.

“Did we take too long?” Delta walked out of the house with her daughter, Eine. Wolfram would say something, but his tongue was caught in his mouth.

Unlike her doll-like dress, Delta found a dress hidden in those piles shoved in her closet. It was a coral high-low mermaid dress with a ruffled skirt and an off-shoulder neckline. On her neck was a lace choker with a ruby in the middle. Her wrists were also adorned by gold bangles.

Delta looked up at the man, her makeup not as childish and doll-like as the one from yesterday. “You can blame Lena for suddenly asking me to wear a different dress for today. The hem ends where the corset did, so even if it’s smooth, the corset doesn’t show. Or so she said.”

“It’s fine. You really look like you’re putting effort into this.” Wolfram’s eyes couldn’t even move away from her dress. He couldn’t decide whether it was because he could see her chest and her knees or because he could fully map her shape.

Delta felt the weight of his gaze. “Is the dress really that pretty?”

“Me, Wolfie! Am I pretty?” Eine ran up to Wolfram and held his hand. When she showed up, even Foxley ran up to stand closer as well.

“Say something good about me, too...” Foxley huffed. He placed the drone down first before grabbing Wolfram’s fingers with his vacant hand. He was still holding onto the controller.

Wolfram would frown, but he figured these two were still projecting onto him. After all, they seemed to have grown up without a father. He complimented both children since they chose their clothes on their own. Now that they had many, they had the privilege to choose.

Delta only watched them with a small smile. Soon enough, these two would have to choose between her and Wolfram. She hoped that whoever they did could take care of them.

The car pulled up, and Wolfram had everyone sit inside the black limousine. When the children saw the interior, they wondered why the seats were different. Moreover, the car was looong—yes, with three O’s.

“Are we going to the supermarket with this?” Eine asked as she looked out the wide window. She could see people turning to see the long car she was in. Whenever someone did, she would lower her head to escape their gazes.

“Not really. We’re only using this car for special occasions.” Wolfram said so, but he could definitely use this car whenever he wanted.

Delta looked out as well. She had grown accustomed to spotting dangerous men whenever she was out in public. “I’m surprised your paparazzi didn’t follow you in the open.”

Wolfram only hummed. His attention was taken by what Foxley was watching. He then looked at the child, who looked so engrossed. “They’re playing a video game. Do you want to play that game, too? I’ll get someone to buy you the console and the game.”

“Wolfie, can’t we buy it ourselves?” Foxley paused the video and looked up at him with a smile. “Let’s go out to the mall and buy toys. Eat delicious food…”

“…I’ll find time next week—” Wolfram said that, but he turned away and frowned a little. He then smiled at the boy. “You know what? Let’s go tomorrow. It’s Sunday, so I don’t have work. Unlike your mom, I don’t have to sell oranges every day.”

Eine heard the conversation and moved to carefully walk toward Wolfram. She held onto Wolfram’s knee to keep balance. She even smiled at the man. “Silly Wolfie. Mommy doesn’t have oranges to sell anymore. She won’t have to wait for Sunday to take the day off.”

Wolfram was reminded that Delta was most likely staying at home ever since they started living with him. The diligent orange vendor was now resting like a queen, while the prince became the automaton. His eye would twitch, but he promised his ill father. All he had to do was to have someone to take care of everything in his stead.

His eyes glanced at the hardworking mom, and Delta seemed to like the gaze he gave for a moment. He could already tell what was on her mind.