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Chapter 343: Brotherly Love, Sisterly Respect
Chapter 343: Brotherly Love, Sisterly Respect
Unbeknownst to them, a silent battle was brewing between the siblings over their allowance for the upcoming year. As Anna stepped out of the carriage, she was greeted by the glaring eyes of William and Melanie.
"Where's Big Brother?" Melanie asked, looking around the doorway but not spotting Lyon.
"He went to pick up the gifts," Anna replied, lifting Melanie under her arms and placing her in the carriage. She reached out to hug William as well, saying casually, "Your sister, Ellie, hasn't been feeling well, so she hasn't been attending school or going out much. Big Brother wants to make her birthday special, so he ordered some gifts."
"But because of the tight schedule, even with extra payment, the gifts will only be ready this morning. That's why Big Brother went to collect them early and will be waiting for us at the street corner over there."
"Oh..."
After hearing Anna's explanation, a hint of envy flashed through Melanie's bright eyes.
How wonderful, she thought. William and I have never received customized gifts before.
William, refusing Anna's help, climbed into the carriage on his own. Noticing the envy in her eyes, he patted her hand and reassured her like a little adult, "Don't worry, you'll get something on your birthday too. Big Brother is stingy only with himself. He always gives us whatever he has.
In the past, we didn't celebrate birthdays because our family was poor, so we had to be frugal. Now that we're more well-off, I'm sure he'll prepare something nice for our next birthday, given his character."
Hmm... That's true...
Remembering Lyon's past kindness, the hint of jealousy in Melanie's heart instantly vanished.
Thinking further about the little girl who had to stay home due to her health, not even having anyone to accompany her for egg poaching, Melanie felt a twinge of guilt. She realized that her jealousy over Big Brother's favoritism towards a poor little girl was truly inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Anna, listening to their conversation, felt a sudden softness in her heart. She couldn't help but reach out and pat William's head, her eyes carrying a subtle hint of guilt.
In truth... Although they might be a bit mischievous, both William and Melanie were good kids. They cherished those who treated them well, remembering them in their hearts. They knew what was right and wrong and never crossed the line...
Hmm... There might be some doubt about that, but at the very least, they could guarantee that they wouldn't do anything excessive. Overall, they were reasonable, and her earlier worry about them bullying others was perhaps a bit unfounded.
Squeezing her still-plump purse, Anna felt a twinge of guilt. With the intention of compensating her 'wronged' brother and sister, she promised, "Alright, since you've been well-behaved lately, I'll buy each of you a gift when we return tonight. What do you want?"
What?! Upon hearing Anna's promise, not only did Melanie's face light up with joy, but even William showed surprise.
Compared to their usually 'generous' Big Brother, Anna had always been the thrifty one. She would rather break every copper coin into eight pieces and use them all.
And aside from being stingy, Anna was rarely this generous. This was an opportunity they had to seize!
Additionally, knowing Anna's character, they understood that the total budget for the gifts was limited. Even with their current financial comfort, seven or eight copper coins would likely be the maximum. Moreover, this budget was to be shared between the two of them. So...
Whoever asked for a cheaper gift would get it! Instinctively, they exchanged glances, seeing the burning determination in each other's eyes. In that moment, their thoughts synchronized, realizing they were on the same page. The battle for the gift budget was about to begin!
"I want a doll and new shoes!" Melanie blurted out, her mind racing faster than William's. She immediately selected two gifts totaling five copper coins, claiming a significant portion of the budget.
After calculating the prices of the two gifts, Anna couldn't help but hesitate, but after glancing at Melanie's slightly small shoes, she nodded slightly.
Earning money isn't easy for Big Brother, and I didn't plan to buy them anything too expensive. Seven or eight copper wheels would be enough.
Although Melanie took up most of the budget, her shoes were indeed a bit small, and it was time for a new pair. If William wanted toys or something similar, then it would be okay to spend a bit less.
After all, boys' toys break quickly. Whether it's a five-copper-wheel clockwork soldier or a three-copper-wheel tin frog, they usually don't last more than two months before falling apart. So, if I can save, I'll save a little...
After calculating the distribution of the budget, Anna nodded slightly, agreeing to Melanie's request.
"Okay... What about you, William? What do you want?"
"For me..."
Looking at himself with a self-satisfied expression, William couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly, returning her a faint smile.
"Buy me a few books!"
?!?!
As Melanie's eyes widened in dismay, William took out a folded piece of parchment from his pocket and recited:
"Sister Anna, I want to read books like 'History of the Pancontinental War', 'Our Kingdom', 'How the Parliament Was Formed', and 'Guide to Armament of Various Kingdoms'..."
After reciting a long list of book titles, William handed the parchment to Anna and modestly offered:
"Although I prepared a list, we don't need to buy all of them. Just a portion will do.
Even though these books were recommended by my teacher and will benefit my studies, Melanie's toys are also important. As for my grades, I can improve them later, and it won't hinder anything. Sister Anna, you can buy her toys first."
"..."
...
Phew... That's good timing.
Looking at the carriage approaching, she recognized the passenger's silhouette. At the entrance to Red Cedar Avenue, Lyon waved at the carriage, and it pulled over.
"Continue forward, all the way to the end, and stop at the entrance of Fleur Manor."
After instructing the carriage driver, Lyon handed over the token of passage and stepped into the carriage. Just as he was about to ask if they were ready, he noticed the odd behavior of the two children.
William, though still as serious as ever, with a childlike demeanor, had a slightly raised chin, revealing his inner joy.
As for Melanie beside him, she looked like a defeated rooster, sitting dejectedly in her seat. She even kicked William secretly when Anna moved aside to make room for her.
"..."
Looking at the six or seven grayish shoe prints on the side of his pants, William maintained a victorious smile on his face, causing Lyon to frown and rub his forehead.
Although there was no evidence for this judgment, Lyon couldn't shake the feeling that agreeing to bring these two troublemakers to celebrate Ellie's birthday with Emma would be a very wrong decision...
(End of Chapter)
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