Two weeks after the Boulder Monster hunt
Time flew by for Wolf; his mini alone-time romance with Teva felt all too brief despite the time that passed…
Events kept piling on, and people kept taking his time… Between his sister Nina and preparing the shop, he felt he had no life, even though this was literally the life he chose…
He answered the door, receiving another shipment of herbs… He was happy he got his supplies, but having to manage everything was taking its toll; he now knew why his father tried so hard to get help.
Teva, his new love, watched him from the kitchen, concern on her face, knowing it was wearing him down and wanting to help, smiling. He wanted to assure her he was fine.
As the main person bringing the delivery. With a few others, he was passing through his house to enter the shop to unload. He saw from the door Nina and his sister coming in the distance. He could not help but smirk. Annoying as it was, like clockwork, they always visited him. Well, Nina did. He was worried about his other sister; she had been showing up less and felt more distant, but he never had a chance to really talk with her…
Nina saw him by the door and got excited. He was already there and waiting for them; she misunderstood it as him welcoming them with the door wide open vs the delivery… not that he wanted to ruin her good-natured belief.
“Thank you, brother! I missed you, too," as she gripped him in a hug full of love. He bit his tongue, not saying she had not been away for a day as he focused on his other sister, Leena, slowly making her way. She had a sword and shield that she had been carrying for a week or so, an odd change he did not mind since the beast they fought. She pushed more into that way of training, last I heard.
“Sister, are you ok?“ He asked while staring at Leena.
” I’M GREAT,” Nina replied, tail wagging. He grimaced as Leena smiled, knowing it was meant for her. A voice in the distance distracted him.
“Nina, since you’re here, don’t be lazy and help me make breakfast,” Teva said, trying to give me space from my more loving sister…
“I’m not lazy; you are…” He wasn’t sure how that made sense but said nothing as she went to help. They both still rubbed each other wrong but loved me, so they worked it out, so I was grateful. I watched them bicker for a moment before Len’s voice brought me back.
“Brother, you’re looking well… Will the shop be open today? I did not look towards her still, worried Nina would start a fight when I looked away… but relented, as I was concerned for Len, too.
“Yeah. I tried to do it sooner, but I still need supplies. Dad and Nebo helped me work some stuff out…”
“They also said they’ll get me some staff soon, so we’ll see how it goes.“ I turned to face her. She was always pretty to me, but underneath that softness of her youth, I noticed a change, as if she was hurt, but I did not know why…
Her hair was still long and straight black, flowing down her back like a waterfall, though it was in a ponytail now. Her eyes were still pretty brown, and she was wearing form-fitting leather. I think she mentioned training for dungeons; I was distracted whenever she brought it up by the bickering of Nina and Teva…
“You just going to stare, brother, or invite me in?” She said it with warmth, and only then did he notice he was lost in thought… He could not stop himself from saying.
“You ok, Len?”
“You know I’m here for you.” She was surprised at that, and I saw tears well up in her eyes, but she shook her head.
“No, brother, I’m fine.“
“Training is a little rough, but I’m ok; I won’t break that easily…” Her word choice was not an assurance to me, but I agreed regardless out of respect and love.
“Ok… come inside,“ I said with warmth as I showed her in.
“Teva is spoiling me with her cooking. I don’t think I ever want her to leave."
“That's the plan, I heard her reply, making me blush. I thought I was more subtle in my talk… A hmph from Nina made me chuckle, loving my family all the more as the delivery people finally came back with a parchment of what they brought and the cost. Even with the cost going up to adjust for less bartering and more need for coins, he was still making huge profits based on the suggested sell prices, and that was still keeping it lower than the city….
He did not like it but knew he needed to adjust to this life. He still offered deals to those in need or random products he felt should be common but agreed some things needed to be luxury items…
The meal was pleasant. Everyone was used to this new routine. Occasionally Coby or Arlin would stop by, but both had their own lives keeping them busy. He was happy. Teva made time for him and wondered how he went so long with her out of his life. He looked over at her, smiling, and, as if sensing him, she did the same, holding his hand under the table.
Nina scowled but gave me my peace, and Len had nothing but love in her eyes for my happiness. I just wish I knew what was hurting her…
“I can spare some potions. If you need anything, just ask…” trying to fish for an answer.
“Or I can create something new if you give me an idea.” I watched her closely to see any change. Both Teva and Nina were surprised and wondered what prompted that, as it seems neither had seen in my sister the inner conflict. She just giggled in response before speaking.
“You worry too much, brother. Enjoy your new life as I find mine. Everything ok…” I nodded slowly as both Teva and Nina wanted to know why I felt that way but respected the silence, not pushing.
As Len left for her training, Nina stayed with Teva to help run the shop, even after all this time. He was amazed that so many kept waiting for the day he opened the doors outside his shop…
The fear of repeating the first day's opening did linger a bit, as Arlin wasn’t here, but these were fewer people, and they were not a mob hunting him but people wishing to show support and buy a product… So, focusing and going to the door, he faces the crowd.
Even as he opened the door, a sea of voices greeted him as they rushed to pile in, “By the gods, it’s truly open today! HAHA”
“Move, let me in.”
“WOW “
“It’s him! Heya, kid!”
“Remember me?“
“Hey, you got stuff for a hangover? I ran out…”
Over and over, voices keep saying things. Some tried to crowd him; others tried to push past for the goods. He wasn't sure how to handle it when a loud whistle startled everyone, even me…
Teva stood nearby with her tail swishing, looking ready for a fight... then she did a 180, smiling, clapped lightly, and gently pointed at the shelves. “Please leave the master of the shop alone; he is very busy. However, I can help you with anything you need. Just ask.”
Nobody moved to stun to talk, and she had a mildly irritated face at that before speaking once more slowly and deliberately, “If you cannot respect the few rules we ask in this shop, you are not welcome here…” He broke out in a cold sweat at that as he felt he was included in that, no matter how absurd it was…
A sea of voices mumbled and slowly shifted away from him. He heard apologies mixed in, but it was hard to tell as they wandered amongst the crowd to see the products. Nina finally could push past the crowd as Teva assisted the guest with a lovely, gentle voice…
“You ok, brother? I was worried.“ I smiled to assure all was ok. Personally, I was happier she did not throw rocks first and then ask questions... The people were just eager, not evil…
“Thank you. I’m fine; they're just happy to shop. Give it time for it all to calm down. “She nodded to tend the counter once more as the first day of the reopening started anew.
It was a pleasant contrast as the day went on. Very few things sold out, and he had plenty of stock now; well, with the higher prices, he did…. He'd probably be struggling with demand otherwise.
a few grimaces at the new prices, a sticker shock, but none complained as the things they really wanted were cheap, and they felt they were undervalued for what they offered, and they loved him even more for allowing them a cheap way of getting things that made their lives better.
Some of those items were extremely easy to make and mundane for him to craft, like anti-gas, stuff for women’s monthly cramps, wake-up powders or sleep versions, and stuff to numb sore muscles, which were the major ones he tried to keep very low in cost, as it was easy to resupply.
The one thing he hated was raising the price of healing and mana potions; he did not like making a thing that helped save lives or improve them expensive… They were still less than half the city cost but still higher than he liked… A compromise existed with the variant of lesser healing and mana, and those were selling out fast and forced him to keep making more stock, but he refused to raise the price, as he wanted a cheap heal for everyone and the same with mana, to add to the life of those weak in magic.
Thanks to Teva helping restock and Nina minding the counter for sales, he could focus on shoring up low supplies. If it was a rushed need for specific potions, he used his gift to create them instead of them waiting hours for a batch, but that was draining, and sometimes they still had to wait or got nothing…
Nobody complained, and everyone loved him, which made him feel awkward, as he was not liking the worship and Teva calling him master… shift everyone else doing the same. It wasn't better than a hero or blessed child, but nobody wanted to use his name, feeling it a disrespect to their saviour…
As the day was winding down, his mental state was nothing but fatigued; that was catching up... Coby stopped by to check on him and even bought a few supplies, which made him happy after closing the shop for the day and getting stuff ready for tomorrow. Leena ended her daily training and picked up Nina, who promised to be back in the morning.
Teva suggested we eat at her place for dinner, as her mother had been wanting me to visit for a while, and it had been a long time since my last visit, so I agreed to a change of pace. Since Teva had been making me meals every day, the least I could do was return the favour and visit her family…
Teva was bringing random potions daily to the mom and aunt, as I agreed, and it cost me nothing, but I made two goodie bags filled with various things I was told they needed and liked, so it was a more personal gift from me, and I felt bad taking so much from Teva, and this was me giving back.
She was against it, warning me of spoiling her mom, but I insisted, as both of them help in my life, even if only a little. Also, I told her if not for them, I never would have met her, so I wanted to thank them. That made her blush and relent happily, holding me after that as we walked to her house, enjoying the cool air and pleasant evening.
It had been a while since I had been to her house, and I was getting nervous the closer we got until we were in front of the door and stopped. As I really gave it thought. I was going not as a random person looking for a friend who might be home to visit but as a lover of the daughter visiting the mother with said daughter beside him…
And as that truth hit him, he got cold feet, not wanting to go, making Teva laugh at his sudden mood swing… “I’m with you; why are you nervous?” she asked, full of mirth.
“It’s because you’re with me; I’m nervous… “
“I never had a lover before or met anyone’s parents…” He trailed off, unable to finish those words as she took that chance to tease him.
“So I’m your first?” She said with a sly voice with hidden intent, flustering him as he stood near her door, afraid to enter. Yet she stared him in the eyes, with the deep blue of her eyes reflecting the promise of more as she whispered her next words, making him blush even more.
“You're my first, too…” As she closed her eyes, readying for a kiss, inviting him to enjoy the moment that those in love can only share, yet before he could move an inch more forward to enjoy the moment, the door slowly opened with a face peeking out with a sly smile until they saw him watching, and then they opened wider with a frown.
“It seems I did not catch the cats playing house."
"A pity I did not wait longer; I was enjoying listening to the game beyond the door…”
“MOM!” Teva was shocked that their moment was ruined, and I was too numb to know how to appear… The last thing I wanted was to be seen as only wanting her daughter for her body, so I wasn’t sure what to do, but I stared as the mom stared back at me with the door now more open, revealing her…
She was wearing a loose robe with a flower pattern, and even now it shocks me how she looked like an older Teva with longer hair and much more… uh. Teasing in nature… She smiled, watching me, still staring as if she had won some victory… I wasn’t sure, as I was just too stunned to do anything else…
“How did you know we were even here…?” Teva’s voice broke my thoughts as she took my free hand, guiding us inside, ignoring the mother’s glare as she pushed her aside, leading me deeper within…
The smell was pleasant. As much as I love my shop's herb smell, the smell of flowers was a nice change. Perhaps I needed to look into that… As I looked around, there was no actual normal furniture he remembered from last time; they preferred to sit on pillows and a low-set table.
He belatedly remembered to offer the gift bag while Teva went to make them some food. The mother, delighted at free things, even seemed to blush slightly, surprising him and then annoying him as she spoke, flustering him once more…
“Not only courting my daughter but me as well?”
“Do you have no shame?” She smiled as she said it, full of mirth, so he tried to assure her it was just gifts for family…
“I got one for the seer too, uh... Teva Aunt.“ She got a sly smile hearing that.
“And you court my sister?“
“Perhaps I should have been focusing on your name, Wolf, vs. thinking you were just a mouse…”
“My sister also said you go by a master alchemist title at your shop; that is indeed telling of your character,” she added, bemused.
“Please be gentle with my daughter, Master Wolf, Sir…” He had no clue what she was implying, but she made sure to say it loud enough to make Teva pissy as she retorted quickly…
“Stop it, Mom! Or I’ll make sure you never get new things again….” That soured her mom’s face and made me laugh involuntarily, and as I covered my mouth with a bit of shame on my face, the mother’s scowl turned back into a face of pleasure, which was worrying me…
“A pity all my other suitors were not as nice as you… “
“I would’ve been much happier and kept one around, I think.”
“Though I enjoy the freedom of playing around,” she leaned forward, smiling as she said that, as if inviting me to comment or look closer …
“I’m going to help Teva in the kitchen…” I did not like whatever she was playing at and did not want Teva thinking worse of me. I was happy….
“Pity” was the only word that trailed me as I left…
Teva was making a simple meal with meats and vegetables, so I helped prepare a few vegetables. I still could not cook, but little things like prep I was ok with, from helping the family a bit, and Teva, more recently, since she has been cooking for me. “Ignore my mother…” she spoke from my side as I was working.
“She’s just looking for attention from whoever will give it.“
“I heard that daughter…” a voice spoke in the distance.
“I would be worried if you didn’t…” The banter went like that and eased the tension in me, feeling a little less awkward knowing it really was just the mother’s nature to be…um… friendly.
The meal prepared and served was a pleasant evening. He thanked them for it, and before he could leave, Teva kissed him goodnight in front of the mother, making him blush, but Teva refused to be shamed for loving him as he quickly left to cool off into the night…
The mother never stopped watching, enjoying every minute of his anxiety; even as he was gone, she still committed to memory his reactions… She spared a glance at her daughter watching him go at the door, the longing in her gaze easily seen, and she could not help but wonder how far they went.
“So did the cat play more interesting games alone, with our little wolf?”
“I don’t mind giving advice…” Her daughter glared at her but said nothing, which was telling in itself; she would’ve been blushing if she went further, so it seems they were taking it slow…
“Thank you for the gifts, daughter; I love them,“ she said casually as she snooped in her goodie bag, happy her daughter remembered to bring her treats.
“That was Wolf's own doing," she replied casually, still lingering near the door as if afraid to let him go even as he had already left…
“I never asked him to. I think you deserve less personally,” her daughter said with a bit of snark, surprising her, not the normal snark… No, the fact that the child wolf gave all this unprompted and freely…
“You did well, daughter. I hoped you would catch a mouse to play with, to learn about life, but maybe you caught something more than you can handle…”
“I don’t mind helping take him from you… If it’s too much.” It was a playful snark to test her daughter's resolve, and she was amused to be met with a stare and an undertone threat of something more if she wasn’t just teasing her daughter's face with unspoken words….
It seemed she was falling for him more than she knew, and she hoped it did not lead to her getting hurt…. “Sorry, I won’t chase your toy, I promise…”
“Though the day you leave, I will miss you, daughter... “she said, feeling saddened knowing she was growing up. She watched as her daughter's tail swished and her ears went flat, watching the door where her lover had gone.
“It’s not like that….” Teva replied calmly.
But she knew differently, even as her daughter glared at her once more, “And if it happened, you cry to Auntie too much while I’m gone…”
“So I would always visit…” She smiled at her daughter, full of love, and extended her arms, wishing to be held. She saw her defiance, however brief, but she relented and held her once more. She was happy; she had her and looked forward to the day she would hold her grandkids more…
“Be gentle with him, daughter. I think he’s still a mouse and not really a wolf…” She heard a snort and a laugh from her daughter as their evening wound down and they prepared for the days to come.
The next day went much smoother. There still were the new people, and being called a master alchemist was still off-putting. He was not a master…. Yes, he found a cure for a rare sickness, but that was more from help, not innate talent or years of learning… He was losing himself to those thoughts when a sweet voice spoke in his ear, making him smile.
“You ok, dear?” He laughed, unable to help himself, as Teva peeked around his side after whispering that in his ear, smiling happily that she made him feel better.
“Dear? That sounds like something my mom would say to my dad…” Teva embraced him more, getting a few onlookers who smiled, embarrassing him, but he ignored them, yes… He even felt his sister Nina scowling at the counter she tended… which dampens his mood just a little… though not much.
“What's wrong with that, dear?“ She teased once more in his ear, and as he thought about it, he guessed nothing was wrong.
“Um, nothing is wrong with it… Honey?“ He never called her that, but her giggling while holding him meant she liked it, so he was happy too…
The day was passing into a lull, and it was a little scary how smoothly things were going. True supplies were being used and needed to be itemised, taking time, but he was still doing well, at least till near closing…. When it seems word of mouth must have been spreading…
Now, people with more money were coming and buying in bulk, shocking him, and he could not keep up with demand even with his gift… Why was there this shift… He soon got his answer… as Arlin came and proudly told him he was the cause…
“Wolf buddy!“
“I missed you too, and I knew you needed help with your shop, so I did !”
“Uh…” Slip my lips among the random people running Teva and Nina ragged with questions and sales… I had no words….
Arlin smiled, full of pride. “Don’t mention it; just remember me for a lunch or something. I like to help a buddy out.” I finally was finding my voice and was a bit annoyed this was too much from the calm before, and I had to know…
“How?” was the only word I could say as I watched the friendly faces nearly fighting for stock if not for Teva, assuring I would have more tomorrow….
Arlin was more than happy to boast about how he helped my business… “You know I’m on guard duty, right?“ I nodded slowly. “Well, boring crap, really; you just stand around, and half the people ignore you while you watch them pass the gate…”
“So I thought, if I’m literally standing doing nothing, why not tell them about my friend’s alchemy shop and his amazing prices!”
“Don’t worry; I’ll do it tomorrow too!“
“Please don’t.“ I replied exasperated, but he laughed and assured me he would and shifted to darkness with parting words…
“Tell your sister hi for me. I've got to go. Long day…” I watched as people freaked out, dodging the shadow mist and dealing with the gift he left me…
“The shop had closed late, annoying him… His sister Len even helped when she saw he was still busy with cleaning up and putting away what stock she could…
Nina and Teva, both exhausted, did not fight, and I figured this would be a wonderful chance to have Teva visit the family and have dinner. She protested it was too soon, and she looked and felt like crap, so I relented. I wanted to walk her home, but she said she was fine to enjoy my meal with the family, and we parted…
Later at my old home, it was nice being with the family again. Mom was happy to have her son home. Nebo and Dad attended as well, so it was a full house! Well, Uncle was missing, but he was busy too with the changes…
The food was good, but he wasn’t sure why he preferred Teva's cooking now… even though there wasn’t a reason he could say…
Nebo was first to break the calm talk into something more businesslike, and he was grateful, as he did mention how rough the day was, so that probably stirred talks that way…
“The delay was partly my fault, I’m afraid.“ He looked remorseful before speaking once more…
“They arrived yesterday but wanted to give them a chance to settle and you time to get your feet with your business…”
“We thought we had crowds under control, spreading the word to go easy on your shop, but we did not think an outside source might spread different info, and at the entrance no less…” Nebo looked lost in thought for a moment before he spoke once more, addressing me.
“You don’t mind them all being beastkin, do you?” That surprised him. Why would he care…?
“That's an odd question; you know you’re like family…” Nebo held up a hand to stall any more misunderstandings.
“I trust you with my life,” he said and went on.
“I merely meant I wasn’t sure if you had preferred a working staff with diversity. I know you already have two beastkin working for you, with my sister and the cat girl. Um, Tina?”
“Teva…” That annoyed him more than it should have, but he wasn’t too close with Nebo, so he could not fault him for not knowing his personal life… This was why he wanted her to see his family, he mused… lost in thought as Nebo went on.
“Sorry, Teva.”
“I wasn’t sure if adding three more beastkin would bother you... Elsewhere, it could affect business, though here it’s fine.”
“Really? He never knew it could be an issue… looking to others to see how they felt. His mother and dad seem mildly concerned, yet his sisters both showed a face he felt was closer to his thoughts and more grim…
“We are united with the beast tribes with our kingdom, so you never will notice it unless you travel abroad.“
“I merely keep it as a reference if I ever expand trade overseas or farther away so I know what to expect from other nations. Most are not hostile; just some are a little more extreme, and it can affect trades.”
Despite the darker talks souring the mood, it soon shifts back to the more promising topics of the potential new employees. Nebo could not make any promises but would try to get them over before noon to avoid more rushes.
The next day started well, though not as pleasant. Between increased deliveries and needing to refill stock more often, it was turning into a chore he needed to fulfil versus a job he looked forward to doing…
Not even Teva could bring him a smile, and that was when he knew burnout was coming once more, and he hated that it was affecting his personal life so soon and easily… Even the people notice him going from good-natured to a little more snarky.
Lucky for him and others… Both love and support from Nina and Teva kept him at a minimum level of bitterness and ensured people he was just overworked but appreciated all their business…
He was going through the monotony of restocking the same shelf for a fourth time when a voice spoke, offering him hope.
“As you can see, it’s a modest shop compared to the other alchemists’ shops, but it’s well run, and he cares for the people and beastkin alike.“ It was Nebo, and beside the random customers around him, he walked with three new people, well, beastkin…9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1VNxg5EuT
Two were catkin males well-dressed in formal wear, both with tan skin and light brown hair and tails, and the other was a wolfkin. She was slender with silver-blue fur and wore a formal dress. She seemed to have sharp eyes, and she studied everything carefully, from the walls to the prices.
She was the first to notice him and smiled, bowing, followed by the other two. When they noticed him, “Master Wolf, I presume.“ She said it with sincerity that broke him more; he hated the formal title.
“Please just wolf…” She rose up surprised but smiled. “Wolf then.” It was a wonderful feeling not having to fight her to not be so formal. She walked up near him and to the side, waiting for Nebo and the others to get closer.
Nebo looked around and saw it wasn’t very busy yet. Wolf knew they had a steady stream of customers that, if ignored, would lead to depleted stock and more headaches later.
“This isn’t the best place for a meeting, informal or not, nor an interview… Can we go somewhere more private?” Nebo asked hopefully.
He looked at the counter to Nina, who was watching from the side but also tending to customers, and she smiled, happy to be acknowledged.
“I got this, brother!” and started waving, excited for the attention, embarrassing Nebo but just making me smile as Teva surprised me as she rubbed my back from the side.
“Do what you’ve got to do; it will be ok, I promise.” He could see from the corner that Nina lost her smile and was no longer waving, not happy to be upstaged, but he hoped it ended at that… He gave Teva a quick kiss on the cheek and promised to be quick…
With his best smile, he stood proudly and guided them to his alchemy area. He was tempted to guide them to his house, but it lacked chairs for so many, and he wanted to avoid more awkwardness. Better they all could stand for a bit…
He saw their admiration of his setup, and they were surprised over half of it was still untouched, as he did not use anything but the same few items each time.
The two catkin males were unrelated, despite looking similar; the subtle difference was that their eyes were different colours—one had brown and the other green—and their mannerisms, though both showed him respect, were different—one seemed more eager and the other more aloof with how they viewed this meeting. Only the wolfkin was like Nebo, very formal and to the point.
Nebo introduced them formally to the brown-eyed, eager Catkin was happy to be first, and values reminded him of Nina, though nowhere near as touchy.
“My name is Ben, sir, and it is an honor to meet you.“
“Well, I think it’s an honor for all of us! What you did was amazing and unheard of.”
“Ben,“ a calm female voice spoke, and he flinched, clamming up but still wanting to finish speaking once more.
“Um… sorry, thanks for having us…sir.” As he stepped back while the wolf girl watched him, not with malice but with a calm that showed she was used to this, the next catkin stepped close to greet him more out of necessity than seeming to care…
“Viper…” And he walked away, shocking him, as a glare from the wolf girl stopped him halfway heading back, and he turned back around, bowed, and said, “Sir,” which made him laugh, surprising them all. He felt mildly embarrassed but went with it.
“Sorry,“ Wolf said.
“But that was funny to me.“ They all started confused, even Nebo, which made him feel a little guilty… Maybe Nina's and Teva’s carefree nature was rubbing off on him… So he clarified.
“I’m normal like you guys.” He saw the face of doubt on the catkins, and in a way he agreed… He did more thanks to his gift but was still like them. “This shop was a gift for a selfless act.”
“And it's a burden I wasn't ready for…”
“So you all coming, willing to work, is a blessing to me, and I don’t expect you to treat me as anything more or less than a friend.” That got shocked faces and a bit of reverence from all, making him cringe a bit, as that wasn’t his intent…
“I told Nebo said with pride as they all watched him for a moment.
Viper walks up to him once more, now extending his hand, surprising me. “ I heard human custom welcomes friends with a handshake, no?“ Looking at Viper Hand, I was unsure, but I saw he had nothing but pride, an odd shift from that aloof indifference before.
I shook his hand, smiling, glad we were moving forward. The wolfkin women even seemed pleased with this outcome. As she was the next to greet me,
“Mr Wolf“
“My name is Misty, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you.“
“We have been hearing much about you for a while and left the first chance we got to come here.” He nodded slowly to that as she kept standing prim and proper, studying the layout as he watched the others smiling. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to hire them and what the protocol was. Pay anything?!
She saw his distress and smiled. “Mr Wolf—”
“Please, just wolf, friends, remember?” She nodded, still smiling.
“Wolf…”
“We don’t need substantial pay; we left high-paying jobs to be with those who care more about people than wealth.”
“ We do lack logging, but that is not your concern.“
“We’re staying at the inn, working out those details.“
“I have been overseeing a staff of thirty for years, so your staff of two? I assume.” He nodded, confirming her words.
“ Including us three is a minor note.“ He noticed that the more he watched them, they all seemed older, and he felt awkward having adults work for him when he still felt like a kid playing adult… Yet they treated him with a respect he felt he did not earn.
“As I was saying, Wolf,“ she went on, throwing him off slightly as he was distracted, “ I can handle all shipments, pay, stock, and general needs with a detailed log each day for you to oversee and review as needed.
“That’s amazing,“ he blurted out, shocked that such good fortune just fell in his lap. He could swear beneath her fur she blushed; at least her eyes seemed more bashful than self-assured.
“N... n… Nonsense!“ She was trying to compose herself.
“I assure you it’s mundane more than anything praiseworthy, but I appreciate the words all the same,“as she fidgeted with her ears and her tail wagged behind her.
“My two associates do not lack skill. They were with me in our service to our old master. We are all professionals and just wish to work and give back to the community.
Shifting the pleasant greetings and darkening the good mood, he saw Teva in the doorway looking concerned and troubled, trying to give him time and space, but the other saw his shift in mood and, looking serious, looked to see what caused his distress and wondered what was wrong. They were surprised to see a meek catkin girl afraid to speak.
Yet when she saw all their gazes upon her, she sighed, knowing it was pointless to delay. “Arlin sent more our way. They keep saying they’ve come to show support for the shop and lot, buying items in bulk. I fear we will run out soon at this rate…”
The pains of yesterday still fresh, souring his mood further, and Teva knew it, getting more depressed with him… “It’s fine, dear wolf,“ Misty spoke with mirth as he looked up, surprised she was in good spirits.
Why do you think we chose to work here? Those words said he knew events would change, yet he just wasn’t quite sure how. As they are ready for this new challenge, Arlin gifts them more work.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoe2LYAUiE
