daly simone

Daly Simone frowned, eyeing the "Vulture Bar" sign. The fluctuations in Esther's etheric body indicated tumultuous emotions, though they quickly stabilized upon contact with Daly. What puzzled her more was the dispersal of nearby spirits as Esther approached, as

 though they were fleeing in terror. The spirit Daly had attempted to communicate with had vanished abruptly. A month ago, the sudden disappearance of the bar's owner seemed a straightforward case until witnesses reported clocks in neighboring houses freezing at three seventeen in the morning, suggestive of extraordinary involvement. Despite Daly's attempts to investigate with Luo Yao, they found no traces of supernatural influence. However, Daly's intuition insisted Esther was linked to the bar's anomalies.

Returning to Slim Bakery, Esther refrained from disclosing the night's events to Wendy and Fiona. Instead, she fabricated a story of narrowly escaping a feral dog, easing their concerns.

With no time for baking experiments, Esther retired to her attic. Nestled by the window, she placed the insect in a makeshift nest of handkerchiefs, regarding it with mixed emotions.

"What is this power?"

"It's not a guessing game. I know. The ability to steal originates from you, but that light is mine. I'm certain."

"I understand there are secrets within extraordinary powers. It can't arise out of nothing. I have that knowledge."

"Your reasoning is sound. I should seek someone with powers akin to mine."

"...You're mocking me again. Wasn't that what I implied?"

"What's with the term 'thief'? It carries negative connotations. Is that what you call your extraordinary power?"

Esther sighed, feeling the insect's contempt. "I dislike this ability. Those who steal everything will find themselves with nothing in the end."

The insect, losing patience, curled into a ball, feigning hibernation and ending their conversation abruptly.

This marked Esther's most extensive interaction with the insect. While it had previously shown boredom and disdain, it now displayed surprise at Esther's ability, fostering a degree of communication and demonstrating extraordinary knowledge. However, its mischievous demeanor and sarcastic remarks left Esther perplexed, unsure whether to trust it.

Despite this, Esther found solace in the exchange. The insect represented her first communication since awakening to consciousness, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Lying in bed, Esther realized the insect had evaded explaining the hidden power within her, dismissing the topic altogether.

The following morning, Esther assisted Fiona in the kitchen. Amidst kneading dough for cute animal-shaped bread, Wendy summoned her to the store, where she encountered a surprising figure.

"You're the one from yesterday, right? Good morning," Esther greeted, realizing she didn't know the woman's name.

"Daly Simone. Good morning, little one," the woman replied, draped in a black veil and robe reminiscent of mourning attire.

"It's Esther. Good to see you again, Ms. Simone," Esther said with a business-like smile. "Are you interested in purchasing something?"

Daly cast her gaze on the cute bread designs in the window. "You can call me Daly, as a formality. Are these specialties of your bakery? They're adorable."

Wendy, beaming with pride, interjected, "They were designed by Esther. Isn't she talented? She learns quickly, a smart child indeed."

Esther blushed at the praise, her smile genuine. "Thank you, Grandma Wendy, but don't exaggerate."

"Have you considered showcasing these designs? They'd be a hit at tea parties," Daly suggested.

Wendy, puzzled, replied, "We haven't thought about that... It might be too big for us."

Esther chimed in, "I'm just here to help Grandma Wendy. I'm not aiming to become a private chef. I still have much to learn."

Daly nodded understandingly. "That's admirable. I'll visit again. Perhaps with cakes next time."

"Absolutely! Once I master cake baking with Grandma Wendy and Fiona," Esther promised.

"Could you weigh a piece of black cat bread, two white rabbit breads, and a tingen cake for me?" Daly requested.

Following Wendy's cue, Esther packed Daly's items into a paper bag. "Of course, I'll pack them for you. Can I use our store's paper bag?"

Daly nodded before departing with her purchase.

Returning to the kitchen, Esther felt uplifted by Daly's compliments. Humming unfamiliar tunes, she unknowingly improved her mood.

Life seemed to be looking up, didn't it?

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