Bestie is My Protector

Elestria approved all of Lusi's color choices. The prices for all were so high that Lusi just smiled at the notes. She thought that a dress for Elestria would be popular and return her capital.

Behind Lusi, Elestria carried a roll of orange-colored fabric. Behind her, the male employee carried three rolls of fabric in caramel, white, and brown.

They entered the boutique. There weren't many customers that day. Selena glanced at Elestria.

After the rolls were put away, Elestria was about to take another look at the hunting poster. However, Lusi pulled her hand away and told her, "A tempting gift, isn't it? But I forbid you to work elsewhere. I'm your boss and I pay you."

"Lusi, I often hunt for herbs in the forest near my house."

Lusi let go of her hand. Her face showed hesitation. "Do you know where the hunt is?"

"On the mountain."

"You hunted them in the forest and now you want them in the mountain? Don't you know what's there?"

"What is it?"

Lusi frowned. "Nothing! Work well and I'll pay you like any other employee." Lusi went up to the second floor. Dante was there. They talked for a few minutes.

Elestria went to the kitchen. She got a glass of water. She sat down and contemplated.

The price of the hunt was tempting, but she wasn't ready for it. Her goal to become a soldier had also failed because she wasn't qualified. She also didn't feel good enough to work for Lusi.

"How about becoming a merchant so we can adventure to other regions?" Scarlett suggested.

"That would require a lot of capital."

"Become a craftsman?"

Elestria cupped her face. Her eyes were tired. The opportunities she had hoped for didn't match up.

"Seriously. Don't you have anything you're good at that we can use to move to another region?"

Elestria raised her gaze. "I'm fast, galloping, just like when I caught that thief," she said happily.

"Pray."

"Why?"

"That there will be work for you."

Elestria nodded. She looked up. "Moon Goddess, please give me a job."

Scarlett smiled with satisfaction.

"Now what?"

"Waiting. While waiting, continue your work. Lusi will pay you the same as the other employees."

"Okay."

***

On a fine afternoon, Madam Rachell arrived at the boutique. Everyone was silent for an instant. Every step she took echoed after her shoes hit the wooden floor.

Her dark eyes scanned around. There was no Lusi to be found, but Elestria. The girl had just come down from the second floor because she was thirsty.

"Apparently there's time for clown to stroll around like the shop lady."

Elestria paused. Her gaze stiffened on the stocky woman with a wide hat that covered half her face. She was silent as she listened to Madam Rachell speak.

"Shouldn't you be busy looking for your mate?" She laughed. "Or don't you have one? I'm sure. Your appearance doesn't even suggest an authoritative brown wolf."

"Is there any-"

"How dare you cut!"

Elestria lowered her gaze. Being yelled at and shouted at was common. So important to have a mate. Her hands clenched behind her body.

"You're not worth it when you're alone."

Elestria felt tight in the throat. She was bullied and ridiculed a lot. The maximum reply was silence because she had no one.

Her chest was tight. That was a painful fact for her.

"You can't keep quiet," Scarlett whispered.

"I'm not strong."

"You are strong because you are."

Elestria shook her head. 

This was Madam Rachell's umpteenth victory. She felt annoyed just knowing that Elestria was still wandering around without a mate. What a lack of etiquette! "Get out of my way. You're an eyesore."

Elestria raised her gaze. The woman in front of her was as fair-skinned as girls wanted to be. She was famous as an etiquette teacher, but mocking people so blatantly. Elestria knew what to turn this into.

"At least I'm not worried about other people's business. It's tiring, isn't it?"

Madam Rachell frowned. Then, she smiled wryly. "Watch your tongue. You speak frivolously," she retorted.

"I do watch my tongue," Elestria said. She was in the mood for a polite but powerful word. "I let others live their lives in their way without commenting as if I were contributing to their lives."

"You spoil my mood," Madam Rachell finally said. She was also thinking hard about bringing Elestria down while being praised by the people around her.

Karin was sweating. Just watching that, made her feel like she was about to explode. Elestria was an innocent girl, but she dared the number one etiquette teacher in the kingdom.

"This boutique will be ruined because of you," she threatened.

"I'm not officially employed here. I just dropped by to try to find my mate. Perhaps you can relax." Elestria was thrilled. In 21 her life, she finally avenged the Oppressor of the Wolves Without Mates.

Madam Rachell clucked. "This is what happens to wolves who have no parents."

"Then what about the Alpha who has no parents?"

Everyone turned to the door. Lusi returned. Dante at her side. They looked at Madam Rachell with questions.

"Madam Rachell, you care a lot about my friend, Elestria. I appreciate it," Lusi said as she walked up to her. "But you are not close enough to discuss family with each other. How about I invite you over for tea?"

"I'm here to make sure my dress is made."

Lusi smiled slightly. "We're making it. If you want it made soon, you can visit the biggest boutique in town."

That was not a wise choice. Lusi's boutique was small compared to the center. Ordering there would mean waiting for half a year.

Madam Rachell didn't feel defeated. She relented by leaving. She left a glare at Elestria.

Lusi asked the staff to return to work, even Karin. She took Elestria to the second floor. Elestria was still pounding.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. A little bit flattered."

Lusi smiled.

"She's afraid of you, Lulu," said Elestria with amazed eyes.

Lusi just smiled again.

You could say Madam Rachell is afraid of Lusi because she once owed her money. It's a common story, but to Madam Rachell, it's a disgrace. She paid more to keep Lusi quiet, but she revealed it once when Madam Rachell asked her to make a dress in two days.