To Protect My Bestie

It wasn't raining, but the sky was still overcast. Lusi canceled all her appointments for fear of a sudden storm. Therefore, she relaxed in the study with Dante. A lantern illuminated the room. They watched over the first floor which was only filled with employees.

Elestria was guarding the fireplace. She sat nearby pensively. Lusi thought Elestria was sad because she didn't know anything about the capital.

Dante asked, "She's your best friend, hm?"

"Yes. She always protects me. I think we could have found our mate at the same time. I feel guilty for leaving her alone."

"We can help her, but fate decides when she finds her mate."

Lusi nodded. "She insisted on finding her mate in another region. She's a bit desperate. I hope she's not curious about going to Seraphim."

"By the way, because of that thieving vampire, recruitment for the special forces was delayed. Though, the news of Seraphim attacking Emberfall is getting stronger."

Lusi played with Dante's hand on her lap. Dante's work as the knight's administrative officer sometimes made her uneasy. Anything related to the palace was always worrisome.

"The chief said he wants to recruit the girl who catches a thieving vampire."

Lusi's face looked up quickly. Her head shook. "She can only defeat bear cubs," she growled, "she might die before meeting her mate."

"That's why I told him to find a better candidate."

The reply made Lusi let out a long sigh. She rested her head on Dante's shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly. She kissed the back of his hand.

***

As lunchtime approached, Elestria joined the servants in the kitchen. The kitchen was a minimalist room on the right side of the boutique at the back. There was a window overlooking the river.

Fresh beef was taken out of the cooler. Elestria helped to take it out. She carried the frozen pieces of meat to the butchery. 

The cooking preparation was wordless. Towards the cooking process, the servants started chatting. The main topic was the market prices which were trending downwards. They thought they could cook more variety this week.

Somehow, the conversation turned to Elestria. She had been silent all along. Now she didn't know what to answer.

"Elestria, where are you from? Did you really walk here like Madam said?" A brown wolf standing nearby smiled faintly.

Elestria watched the eggs being boiled, then faced her. "Yes, I walked here. I'm from the village in the south."

"The same village as Madam Rachell. Do you know her?"

"She's quite famous."

She nodded. "She relies a lot on her very good etiquette." Her tone was mocking.

Madam Rachell was the daughter of the village leader. Their family was modest. Madam Rachell wasn't content with that. When she found a mate who was a nobleman, she was thrilled and berated the people before she moved to the city. 

"She's etiquette, I guess," Elestria said.

"You haven't found your mate yet? Me either. That's why I moved to the city." The brown wolf spoke again.

"Me too."

"I moved because my wolf told me our mate was in another region."

Elestria smiled. All this time, she thought she was the only one without a mate. These people thought the same thing as her. Maybe they could be friends.

"I'm working hard to raise money so I can move to another region," she explained.

"You haven't been in the capital for long. It could be that your mate is here."

Elestria glanced at the egg-boiling pot. The water hadn't shrunk yet. She faced her again. "I feel bad I haven't met my mate yet. In the village, I'm the only one without a mate.

The brown wolf sighed. "It's okay. There's no need to rush. Enjoying time alone is precious."

The others chimed in, "I heard that those who meet their mates get into trouble because they often have different opinions. Love life isn't always smooth."

"Right," said Elestria, "I think there's plenty of time to prepare."

***

The lunch menu was a meat roll stuffed with pieces of hard-boiled egg. Side dishes were arranged around the large bowl of meat. Lusi and Dante took the main seats, then the staff.

Elestria stood watching them with the servants. There were no seats left. She thought she would eat with them.

Suddenly, a nearby employee said, "Elestria, why are you there? Sit down and eat with us."

Elestria held tightly to the tray. Lusi wasn't paying attention and she was some distance away. She shook her head. "No, I'll eat with the waiter."

"Oh. Alright." She turned around.

Elestria walked into the kitchen. The servants were cleaning the kitchen. She took a broom and joined in the cleaning.

At the table, the employee whispered to her friend. She told her that Elestria's position was downstairs with the servants. They chuckled.

Lusi saw her and asked, "Where is Elestria?"

"She wants to eat with the servants, she said."

Lusi was silent for a while. Her eyes scanned the dining table. Of course, Elestria wasn't here. There's no seat for her. Later, she would buy a chair for Elestria.

The lunch started. However, Elestria hadn't eaten yet. She was still tidying things up. By the time the kitchen was clean, lunch was over.

The servants returned to the dining table to take back the plates and other things. Elestria followed them. Even though she was hungry, she continued to work with them.

Elestria ate with a sense of relief after washing the dirty dishes. The food was cold, but she was happy to be eating with her new friends. They sat in a circle in the kitchen.

***

After lunch, Elestria usually takes a nap. This time, she joined the servants in tidying up the warehouse. The employees just watched her and occasionally whispered to their friends about Elestria.

Lusi kept an eye on the situation. She had told Elestria to come and help her. The girl followed the servants to work. So she went to her.

"Elestria."

Elestria put down the large box, then turned her head. Her face was wet with sweat. "What's wrong, Lusi?" she asked.

"You're helping me in the study."

"Oh, right. Just a moment."

Lusi waited for him to put the box into the warehouse. As they climbed the stairs, Lusi told her, "You're my assistant. You work near me. You can't interfere with the servants' work."

"Sorry, Lusi."

"Don't apologize, dearie. You just want to help."

Elestria nodded.

Lusi waited for Elestria to enter the study. Before entering, Lusi looked sharply at the employees who had been talking about her friend. Through her gaze, she was pretty sure the wolves were aware.