Lupus’s Dismay

On that night, when the shattered moon was absent from the sky, Lupus trudged forward, her feet dragging across the carpeted floor. Exhaustion clung to her despite doing nothing but travelling with her parents. At the very least, she had learned of their unwavering passion for fostering the town. Yet, this was not quite what she wanted to do. In fact, ever since Lupus had achieved her title, she hadn't found a new goal to pursue.

She found herself standing subconsciously in front of Jack's room, already forgetting why she had come in the first place. Dully, she balled her fist, her knuckles turning white, and tapped herself lightly on the head. "Stupid," She muttered under her breath.

Suddenly, her rabbit ears twitched at the sound of faint laughter seeping from his room. Overwhelmed by curiosity, she pressed herself against the wall, eavesdropping intently.

"... I figured you might need a drinking companion. Are you a wine or ale drinker, Jack?" A female voice asked, her familiar tone brimming with excitement.

"It's Lunice, my eldest sister," Lupus analysed.

"I'd say ale, though I'm staying away from alcohol right now. A lot has happened~ah," Jack's deep, sultry voice was abruptly cut short by a sharp exhale.

"What the heck…" Lupus pondered, her expression grimacing as she strained to listen more closely.

"My, what's wrong with your back?" Lunice asked.

"It's, um, the gravity. It's not exactly forgiving on this body of mine."

"My, perhaps I should give you a massage~." Lunice's words were cut off as the door swung open and Lupus stormed in, her expression displeased.

"Stop messing around, Lunice!" Lupus barked, doing her best to mask her extreme embarrassment. Her sudden entrance froze both Lunice and Jack in place.

Inside the spacious room, Lunice and Jack sat across from each other on the couch. A glass of wine rested in Lunice's hand, while Jack held Arcane 101, a tome Lupus had gifted him. Despite being the eldest, some ten years older than Lupus. Lunice was slightly shorter than her sister but noticeably curvier. Her silver hair was tied into a single ponytail, and her dark eyes were just as expressive as Lupus's. She wore a white gown with intricate embroidery, leaving her tanned shoulders and upper chest enticingly exposed, while a Stellius silver ring adorned her index finger.

"Lupy! I'm not playing around. Go entertain the twins while the adults discuss important matters," Lunice said, waving her off before turning back to Jack. "Pardon her rudeness. She's always like this — barging in and causing a commotion."

Lupus shot a glare at Jack as if this were somehow his fault before snapping back to her sister. "I'm an adult too! And you're already drunk! Get to bed, you have another escort job first thing in the morning!" She huffed, grabbing Lunice and ushering her toward the exit.

Lunice squirmed but eventually complied. "Then I bid you goodnight, Mr Jack!" She called, winking at him before being shoved out of the room. Lupus immediately swung the door shut and pressed her back against it.

"Sorry…" She mumbled sheepishly, avoiding his gaze.

Jack offered an awkward smile, unsure how to respond. Instead, he simply returned to reading his book.

After a moment, Lupus shuffled in and sat beside him, her thigh brushing against his. Jack instinctively moved back a little, clearing his throat and trying to act indifferent.

Lupus narrowed her eyes. "Would you like to explain?" She probed, her tone hardening.

"What?" Jack blurted, his focus on the book intensifying. The glyphs were suddenly making a lot more sense.

Blowing air out of her nose, Lupus grabbed a clean wine glass, poured the crimson liquid, and raised it to down in one go.

"Aey! What're you doing?" Jack asked, grabbing her arm.

"I'm your drinking companion now, okay?" She declared, her pettiness palpable.

"Lupy, your sister came to me with a bottle of wine while I was minding my own business, reading. I told her I didn't want any, and besides, it wouldn't be proper," Jack explained in his husky voice, studying her. Lupus seemed to have calmed down, somewhat.

Satisfied, she downed the whole glass in one swift motion. Heat spread through her throat and face almost immediately.

Jack returned to his book, but Lupus, unable to contain her curiosity, blurted out, "Umm, do you like that kind of woman?" Her voice began to slur slightly under the alcohol's influence.

"What?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"I asked if you like that kind of woman. Do you like Lunice?!" She repeated, louder than intended, a sternness laced in her voice.

"Nope. I don't. That's why I didn't take her drink. And the door wasn't even locked — wait, why are you interrogating me?" Jack asked warily.

"Good," She purred, cupping her flushed cheeks and flashing him a sweet smile.

...She's definitely drunk. That was quick. It must be her Wildren trait, Jack mused, making a mental note.