Unmate Like You is a Beggar

Early in the morning, Elestria braved the cold to get a bucket of water. She used it to clean the stairs and railings protecting the second floor. She wore a three-layered dress.

The morning isn't yet light. Lusi hasn't arrived yet. She stayed behind at the boutique. Elestria could work without interruption.

When her work ended, the sun still hadn't appeared. At that time, Elestria saw a mannequin wearing a dress the color of maple leaves in autumn. She had long known of Lusi's beauty in creating dress designs. But, she never wore them because good things have value.

"What a pretty dress."

Elestria was an orphan. She built a house with a wooden shed when she grew up. Meanwhile, Lusi was the daughter of a shopkeeper. Her life was more secure in every way.

"Maybe next time," she said weakly. She was still standing in front of the dummy. She knew she wanted to wear one.

The moment the sun came out, Elestria was on the terrace sweeping. She was seen by people heading to the market. Everyone knew that she was the girl who caught the thieving vampire.

People crowded in front of the boutique to ask her to tell them about the incident.

Lusi walked with Dante. Both of them were surprised by the crowd. Their sharp eyes realized Elestria was making a name for herself on a cloudy morning.

Lusi broke through the crowd with Dante's help. She opened the boutique door wide and called out, "Come in and chat!"

People enter smoothly into the boutique. Lusi protected Elestria by hugging her arm, then led her to a chair in the center of the boutique. People surrounded them.

"I'm sure on this fine morning, you want to hear how my friend Elestria caught that thief!"

Lusi's loud voice raised excitement and enthusiasm. They cheered for Elestria to tell the story. No one was patient.

Lusi smiled widely. "So, enjoy the story, and don't miss the autumn dress edition of Elestria catching the thieving vampire!"

Elestria was left sitting in the center of the crowd. Lusi left to send her staff to prepare the transaction book. Dante merely smiled at her work.

***

People getting excited at the sound of her voice is a new thing. Elestria was only now experiencing it. She got nervous because she kept being asked to tell stories.

Scarlett calmed her down, "Breathe. Imagine a bag of gold because Lusi sold a lot of clothes."

Elestria took a breath. When she calmed down, she slowly told her story. She used light language and hand gestures to describe the situation. Those who heard her were excited and curious as to why Elestria dared to do so.

"Miss Brown Wolf, you are very strong!" One person exclaimed and others followed suit.

Elestria smiled clumsily. She felt like a grandmother reading a fairy tale to her numerous grandchildren. She kept smiling until the crowd parted to watch the collection in the boutique.

Elestria sat watching the crowd inside the boutique. Employees were going back and forth serving customers. Lusi was busy instructing her employees and Dante stood by the door to greet guests.

"Very lively," she whispered.

Living on the edge of the village near the forest kept Elestria away from the crowds. She interacted less and less with others, except for Roxi, because she was sick of being mocked for being without a mate. All this time, she thought herself useless.

"This number of customers should be able to replace that carriage," Scarlett said.

"Hopefully."

***

The sun was rising. The boutique hadn't stopped being busy. Lusi was still working here and there. Elestria had repeatedly recounted the incident to the customers who came in. Until, that is, a woman got off the carriage and she gave Elestria a contemptuous look.

"Ow, there's a clown."

The woman had a wide, purple hat, and sparkling jewelry wrapped around her. One could say she was a walking gold shop. She's plump. The fat hanging between her dresses made it clear she was a rich person.

Lusi went to her. She initially made an annoyed face. Then, she smiled kindly. "How can I help you, Madam Rachell?" she asked, almost growling.

Madam Rachell turned to her. "Lusi, I don't think your business needs a clown to attract customers."

"I'm just trying to empower people," Lusi replied while trying to control herself. If she crossed the line, then just claw.

"With that mate-less wolf?" She pointed at Elestria with disdain. "She brings trouble just so you know."

Scarlett frowned deeply as she stared at the figure. However, Elestria remained where she was. In the village, she could probably refute mockery with mockery. Here, she had to behave so as not to cause trouble.

"Then, you're too good to let a beggar be by your side. Be careful, you'll get into trouble from her."

The people fell silent. Arrogant rich people were annoying, but no one could stand up to Madam Rachell who was the most excellent etiquette teacher this year. Her harsh judgment would be taken as advice.

"Madam Rachell," Lusi called out, "I hope you bought something when you came to the boutique."

"Of course, I'll buy something." She chuckled. "But don't let the beggar in here. She'll steal my money."

Elestria stood up meanwhile Lusi gave Madam Rachell a sharp look. The two women knew what to do. Unfortunately, the presence of many people here wasn't a favorable opportunity. So, Elestria went to the back and Lusi maintained her friendly face using the left of her sanity.

Madam Rachell grinned knowing that Elestria and Lusi were unable to speak. Next, she waltzed over to a mannequin wearing a dress the color of autumn maple leaves. The dress was made slim to showcase the vivacity of maple leaves blowing in the autumn breeze.

Haughtily, she commanded, "I want that dress. I must wear it at the royal autumn ball."

Lusi deliberately stifled a laugh. After Madam Rachel turned to her fiercely, she simply told her, "I need new materials. It might take longer."

"How long?"

"Until the day of the autumn ball."

Madam Rachell snickered. "Get it done before the party."

"Sure. You'll have to pay double and double. The order before you is overwhelming." Lusi showed her the list of orders for half a day. She smiled a thin lopsided smile.