Maldie pulled out some seat cushions from one of the trunks. Yuri picked a book, set her cushion on the floor, and asked Haru to read to her.
"I can read by myself, but you have such a pretty voice, Mom! I really want you to read to me."
"I know, I know," Haru smiled.
He and Maldie sat down on the cushions Maldie had laid out. Lánshuò looked at the floor.
"Oh, sorry. I forgot about you," Maldie said, her voice a little shaky.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Lánshuò replied, then simply stood behind Yuri. "Even though I have a physical body, I don't feel tired or sore in my limbs, so I can stand for hours."
"Could you… maybe act a little less scary?" the maid asked nervously.
At the same time Yuri handed the book to Haru.
"Lánshuò, sit next to me on the floor," Yuri ordered.
If you wish so, my lady,' Lánshuò said with a bow, then sat on her knees right beside Yuri — completely still, like a statue, a dead sculpture staring straight through you.
