But... Liu Bai's intuition told him that Gretel might have asked that on purpose.
(I'm overthinking it, right?)
Liu Bai shifted his gaze away from Gretel, who was leaning against Guinaifen's chest.
He had probably become a little too sensitive after being constantly subjected to the family's antics.
"I... I'm not in that kind of relationship with Lord Liu Bai."
Guinaifen answered somewhat stiffly.
She was not lying; they really were not—though in reality, things were even more of a mess.
"Is that so...?"
Gretel's tone was full of childish innocence, making it impossible to tell what she was feeling.
"Mm... no, that's not it."
However, Guinaifen clearly felt guilty because of that innocent tone, afraid Gretel would keep digging deeper—the things between her and Liu Bai were still a little too advanced for a child her age.
"Um, Gretel, how about big sis sings you a song?"
Guinaifen hurriedly changed the subject.
"Okay~!"
"Little Gretel~"
After dinner, someone called out to Gretel in the hallway.
"...Hu Tao?"
Gretel turned around and looked at the newcomer in confusion.
She was not familiar with the other person, but they had arrived around the same time, so they had interacted a little.
"Is something wrong?"
"You... did that on purpose, didn't you? At breakfast?"
Though it was phrased as a question, Hu Tao's tone was extremely certain.
"You're quite the schemer, little Gretel~"
"...Hu Tao?"
Gretel looked completely bewildered.
"What are you talking about?"
"It's fine if you don't understand~"
Hu Tao revealed a delighted expression. "But I have to give you a piece of advice... I don't know why you're targeting Liu Bai, but... when it comes to the role of 'little sister,' whether it's a tsundere little sister, a gentle little sister, an energetic little sister, or a mommy-type