"I know I've already asked this of you for a lot of times by now. But Lillie, please reconsi—"

"There is no need for that, father. I do not have any more reason to undergo studies. Mind you, I have no intention of being lumped together with a bunch of idiots."

"I'm sure you can learn more things in there!"

"And what could that possibly be? Besides, you're only objective for putting me into this hassle was to save your reputation, as someone highly esteemed such as you heeding advice from a minor, and a truant at that. Despicable is it not?"

"B-but!"

"If you have nothing more noteworthy to say, I shall now take my leave. Good night."

Ignoring the words of her father, Lillie excused herself outside.

This was always the content of discussion within this room, it was unchanging and repetitive. One that remained changing was how and what Lillie's father will use as a means to convince her. Likewise, it was the same on the receiving end. Lillie would often revise her words depending on the circumstance.

It once reached to the point that her father actually grovelled on the ground to encourage Lillie despite of his noble upbringing but to no avail.

Looking at this subject in an outsider's perspective, one would view Lillie as an antagonistic child, an undeniable fact no matter which angle you look at; while on the other hand, her father as what an ideal parent should be, a responsible and caring person.

However, don't be mistaken. This does not mean that the latter's action and words were genuine, nor there wasn't any deeper reason for the former's aggressive behavior.

Although the fact still holds true they weren't in financial crisis, which can be accredited to Lillie's business prowess. In fact, it's quite the contrary — they could spend a year's worth of income without stumbling upon any problems. But this is not the point which was needed to be addressed.

Once, this family prospered, both financial and familial matter. It could be traced back before the mysterious disappearance of her older brother—

"Miss, are you alright? You've been strangely still for a while now." 

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The one who raised that question was a woman dressed in a maid uniform, standing idly while having a slight worried expression.

Being drawn back from her daze, Lillie finally noticed the maid waiting besides her. Shrugging her shoulders as to deny her worry, Lillie curtly replied, "No, I'm fine."

"Is that so? Then I shall no longer pursue the matter. If I may lead the way, the bath has already been prepared."

"Thank you."

Just like that, no one uttered a single word as the two continued their way down the grand hallway.

After passing several more corners in these long corridors, they finally arrived at her room.

It was considerably wide, measuring twice as much as the her father's office. Two luxurious chandeliers hanging on the ceiling illuminated the room, and an elegant wooden bed with a canopy was placed at the farthest corner of the room's periphery. There was also a large wardrobe which sat at the right hand side of the bed, containing mostly fancy dresses.

On the ground were cards scattered messily throughout the floor, along with a bunch of dolls piled atop together. But the most unusual was the stuffed animal lying separately from the heaps of toys.

Looking at it very intimately, Lillie held it softly.

The gap between the curtains showed a fraction of the outside world — it was very dark, revealing an isolated compound. Only this doll gave her a reason to stay.

"Miss, you sure love that one."

Lillie nodded as she tightly embraced it in her slender arms. That fact was given, considering it was a gift from her dearest person.

"Then I presume it's the same as usual?"

"Yes." 

Lillie's tone didn't change, but there was an apparent difference from her previous disposition.

Leaving only a piece of towel and a change of spare clothes, the maid left without asking any more question.

Opening the door which leads towards the bathroom, steam momentarily escaped from within.

The inside was smaller compared to the actual room, but the diameter was spacious enough to fit eight people respectively with still a lot of space to move in. Its style was relatively simple, everything was plainly covered in white tiles.

The bath itself was also wide, capable of accommodating half of the overall capacity. It would have been more accurate to say that it was a pool instead.

Lillie removed her clothes one by one and tossed them aside, submerging herself foot first while taking good care as for the doll to not get caught by the water.

As she started to relax herself, fatigue started to take over. Her eyes drooped little by little, as her consciousness began to fade away.

Suddenly—

Do you have something you truly desire?

A monotonic voice rang, that stayed between the margin of masculinity and femininity. It was androgynous, but one could tell it came off from a man based from the way it spoke.

Without even letting her to think for an answer, it asked yet another one.

Let me rephrase the question, are you satisfied with this world?

There was no need to think, the answer has long been confirmed since the case of her brother vanishing. He was the only who truly cared for her, this was only further solidified after his disappearance.

Thus, the answer is simple—

"—No."  

Speaking seemingly satisfied, the voice continued.

What if there was a place where you can do as your heart feels, what can you say about that?

"If such place exist, then I'd like to pay a visit."