While Lu kept trying to use chopsticks, I sat silently beside her, watching without a word. Only after a dejected expression appeared on her face did I smile and try to comfort her.

"Alright, don't be sad. We have plenty of time; no need to get discouraged over something like this..."

After speaking, I straightened up slightly and shifted my seat a bit closer to Lu. Then I picked up another pair of chopsticks, took a small piece of fried egg, and held it toward her mouth.

"Come on, open up~"

"Ah~"

At my feeding, Lu's expression instantly brightened from gloom to joy. She happily ate the food I offered.

"Amelia~ Feed me, feed me!"

Right after swallowing quickly, Lu shifted her chair closer to me. She nuzzled my arm, wearing a coquettish expression as she spoke.

"Alright, alright, but just this once today, okay? Lu, you're grown up now—you shouldn't rely on others to feed you."

Faced with her coquettishness, I was momentarily at a loss. After thinking, I nodded. Hearing my words, a triumphant look flashed across Lu's face, as if her scheme had succeeded.

"You need to learn to be independent."

Seeing that expression, I pursed my lips and tapped her on the head.

"I am very independent, you know," Lu pouted slightly. "I've been taking good care of myself when Amelia wasn't around!"

"Alright, alright, I know... Come on, finish your breakfast first; it'll get cold otherwise."

For the next half hour, my time was spent feeding Lu and playful antics. Mostly, it was Lu unilaterally nuzzling me and chatting—but I didn't find it annoying. In fact, I found it quite amusing.

"Mmm... I'm done eating... Amelia, can I go back to your room for a little more sleep?"

After fidgeting for over half an hour, Lu finally finished her meal. Right after eating, she let out a long yawn, instantly becoming drowsy and looking thoroughly sleepy.

"If you're tired, go get more rest. We'll go out to buy clothes this afternoon."

Seeing how exhausted she looked, I thought for a moment and canceled our earlier plan. Originally, I'd wanted to take her shopping right after breakfast while crowds were light. But now, I abandoned that idea.

"Mmm, then call me for lunch... I'll go sleep a bit more first."

Hearing me, Lu nodded. After sniffing slightly with her little nose, she replied slowly. Then she jumped down from her chair and ran barefoot back to my room.

"...So she was forcing herself to stay awake just now?"

I watched Lu's back until she casually closed the door. Only then did I snap out of my daze and silently thought to myself.