Chapter 252: Reduced to Tears
Red Death Eater: Thank you, I really like it.
Black Butler: Huh? Do I get one too? After all, I havent really talked much with you Heh, its quite nice though.
Deya: White Queen, lets just let it go this time. After all, we didnt tell her in advance.
Exactly, exactly. Lise nodded vigorously. Its all the shopping channels fault, with their endless variety of attractive items. If its not a limited-time deal, then its a special sale day, or theyre giving away a free gift I didnt do it on purpose.
Seeing Lises pitiful look, White Queen sighed, Just spoil her! In the end, if anything goes wrong, well still be the ones to handle it.
Its a habit. Black Butler remarked, Isnt it always us who clean up after Deyas messes? Whether its herding one sheep or two, it makes no difference.
Red Death Eater: We are experienced; we perform our duties faithfully.
Why are you bringing me into this? Deya protested, I havent been much trouble to you guys recently!
Black Butler scoffed, Is that so? Then who was it that the Observer had to stay behind for a counseling session last night?
Lise blinked, Whats going on with you guys and the Observer?
Nothing. White Queen quickly replied, Lise, this time your initiative is excused, since we didnt explain the importance of that money to you. Ignorance is no crime
I realize my mistake!
White Queen continued, Im not looking for you to admit you were wrong, but I hope you can also consider things along with your sister. We are now forced to obey Annans orders, our freedom restricted, and that 10,000 copper coins represents the most liquid asset we currently have. We could have used it for many other things like giving gifts to others, something you did well, Lise.
But giving gifts isnt done simply by handing them out. There are two parts to it: the gift and the giving. The act of giving is as important as the gift itself. Like this time, you gave gifts to everyone, and while that seems nice, there are many issues upon closer examination.
For instance, everyone sees the gifts, which leads to comparisons. Comparisons breed hierarchies, and hierarchies define closeness or distance in relationships. Someone like Igor would surely check the price of each gift privately. If his gift isnt the most valuable, his fondness for you would reset; if his gift is the least valuable, he might even hold a grudge.
Deya was surprised: Theres such a strategy?
However, Igor doesnt have the Bracelet connected to the Curtain, so we dont have to worry about that for now, White Queen said. Besides, giving everyone a gift never has the same impact as giving a gift to someone individually. If you were to give Ashe a gift alone, it would make him ten times happier. But giving gifts to everyone might only make him three times happier, even if the gift is perfectly suited to his tastes.
Why? Lise didnt understand. Isnt it all the same?
What if Ashe made a Red Velvet Cake just for you, would you be happy?
Yes!
But what if, when youre about to eat it, he divides the cake into five parts and gives them to other people? Would you still be as happy?
Hmm Lise pondered deeply. But I think I could eat half the cake And wasnt the Red Velvet Cake made especially for me?
Lise is smart to catch the key point so quickly, White Queen praised. Made especially for me is the key in gift-giving. Just like a cake meant to be shared with everyone, you wouldnt feel it was made especially for you, and naturally, you wouldnt be as happy.
The same goes for your gifts. If everyone receives one, they might think their gift was just something you handed out casually. Only by giving privately can you make them feel valued.
Lise nodded thoughtfully, White Queen makes a good point From now on, when I give gifts, Ill trick them by saying, This gift is just for you, no one else has one. I spent a lot of time picking it out just for you, dont tell anyone else, or Ill be embarrassed.
Black Butler: Lises sly way of thinking unexpectedly aligns with mine. Shall I take over her training?
White Queen: Dont cause trouble. One of you is already enough of a headache for me. Lise, I wont say much more, but I just want to tell you that our wisdom can help you, and we wont refuse your proposals. If you want to buy gifts, well agree and discuss with you what gifts are better and when it is appropriate to give them.
Lise, most of the time we wont hinder your actions, but you must not act on your own while were all in the Virtual Realm.
To be honest, Im heartbrokennot because youre mischievous, but because I didnt earn your trust.
No! Lise quickly shook her head. I didnt
You bought the items before we returned and didnt tell us about it until the delivery arrived and you couldnt hide it anymore.
White Queen calmly stated, You clearly dont trust us, thinking we would cancel the order, so you waited until the dust settled to tell us, forcing us to accept the outcome, right?
I, I didnt mean to
You werent trying to hide it from us? Not trying to force us to accept the outcome? You dont mistrust us? Your actions certainly dont show that.
You still want to argue now.
I hate children who are dishonest.
Click.
Tears dropped heavily onto Lises hands as she faced downward, not looking in the mirror, her shoulders trembling slightly, her nose twitching.
(Whoa.) Black Butler: (Such a familiar scene, Deya was also scolded to tears like this once.)
Deya: (I was never cried after being scolded by White Queen!)
Red Death Eater suddenly jumped in: (Ah? Then who was it that needed to cry on my shoulder after being scolded?)
Deya: (Definitely not me!)
Black Butler: (Speaking of which, Deya still has a meaningful existence. Its precisely because of practicing with Deya that White Queen got so good at teaching children.)
Deya: (Were all perpetually 15 years old! Were not children!)
Black Butler: (We average 15 years old, but Little Red is probably 12, Im a normal 15, and White Queen is mature like shes 28, so that puts Deyas age at about)
I, I
Lise choked up with tears, rubbing her eyes, which only made her cry more. Stifling sobs, she said, I was just afraid of being scolded I didnt dare tell you I dont mistrust you, Im really not a bad child please dont hate me
Sensing the moment was right, the White Queen softened her tone: Of course we wont hate you, no matter what happens, we will always love you.
So, Lise, do you know what to do next time something like this happens and were not around?
Lise sniffled, Wait until you come back and then tell you.
What if its something urgent that requires immediate decision?
Then Ill make the decision first and tell you as soon as you return.
Thats our good Lise. The White Queen smiled. I forgive you this time. What about you?
Deya: You having Ashe apologize to me was the best gift, Im very satisfied.
Black Butler: I enjoy seeing Lise cry, I choose to forgive, as it will only encourage her. Then when she makes a mistake again, shell be scolded by the White Queen.
Lise vigorously wiped her tears and declared loudly, I wont make the same mistake again!
Red Death Eater: Ignore her, Black Butler always speaks harshly, but she was actually pleading with the White Queen on your behalf just now.
Black Butler: My intention was clearly for the White Queen not to stop
But, Deya asked, besides the gifts for us, theres a lot left over. What are those?
Theyre gifts I bought for myself! Lise exclaimed with wide, red eyes, giggling, The best gifts I always keep for myself!
After a brief silence, the White Queen helplessly said, Also, when you give gifts, dont let the recipient find out you bought better things for yourself.
Why not?
Because even we would dislike you for that!
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