But next time would be his last lesson.
If he didn't say it then...
Maybe he'd never get another chance to see Little Red.
Thinking of that, the child finally made up his mind.
"Sure."
Xiao Xiao nodded.
"But..."
The child froze.
But?
"Just don't call it Little Red in front of the Hundred Illusions Butterfly."
Xiao Xiao smiled. "It'll get upset."
"Oh, okay."
The child nodded instinctively.
"Huh?"
A moment later, the child asked in confusion, "Why would it get upset?"
"I've called it that before, too."
"That was before."
Xiao Xiao shook his head slightly. "Don't call it that in front of it from now on."
"It doesn't like that name."
"It doesn't?"
The child grew even more confused.
"But I think it sounds nice."
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved into a smile. "I think so, too."
"But we should respect the opinion of the one involved... or, in this case, the demon."
"Right?"
"Then what should I call Little Red?"
The child was puzzled.
"You don't have to call it by a special name."
Seeing that the child still looked hesitant, Xiao Xiao's lips lifted. "Or you can just call it the Hundred Illusions Butterfly."
"Oh, okay."
The child nodded.
Back in the courtyard, Xiao Xiao looked at the white plum tree.
Even without moving, the beautiful demon easily drew everyone's attention.
"Hundred Illusions Butterfly."
Xiao Xiao smiled.
He knew that if the demon was willing to listen, it could hear him.
"Linlin wants to see you again."
"Do you remember Linlin?"
"He's the child who's friends with Little Blue."
"The day after tomorrow is my last lesson at his house."
"I don't know when I'll see him again after that."
"Would you like to go see him?"
The Hundred Illusions Butterfly showed no