Family Business?

"Why did you come down?" Layla asked curiously.

Pernas, with her noble status, was different from them. Her class and the teachers assigned to her were of a much higher quality. Of course, in this not-so-prosperous town, the differences weren't that pronounced, but the academy still had to provide the special treatment expected of nobles. Otherwise, some parents who valued status might be displeased.

"I just noticed something from upstairs and thought I'd come down to take a look," Pernas explained casually. Then she asked, "Tell me, what were you guys talking about? The class was so boring."

Layla exchanged a glance with Bonnie, who subtly shook her head.

Layla understood. Bonnie had always been uncomfortable around Pernas because of family reasons. Last time, Pernas had even invited Bonnie to her home for safety, but Bonnie had firmly rejected the offer. Right now, Bonnie didn't want to involve Pernas in whatever they were discussing.

Considering the risk, Layla felt it was better not to tell their noble friend about it. She waved her hand and said, "It's nothing. Bonnie just invited me to visit her home."

Pernas glanced between the two of them and the boys gathered around, clearly not believing it was something so simple. But since Layla didn't elaborate, she didn't press further.

"I see. Oh, I just remembered—my uncle came by the other day and brought some of the latest cakes from the Gornidi Bakery. Would you two like to come over tomorrow and try them?"

At the mention of cake, Bonnie's eyes visibly brightened for a moment, but she quickly hid the reaction.

She subtly tugged at Layla's sleeve, signaling her not to agree.

Though Layla was also tempted by the so-called new-style cakes, she decided to decline. After all, she came from a humble background. "Sorry, we already have plans tomorrow, so we won't be able to go."

Pernas felt certain that they were hiding something. She pretended to be disappointed, "Such a shame. Without friends, even the tastiest food doesn't taste the same."

"Oh, I can go! Pernas, please let me try some!" Myer suddenly piped up, eager to join.

Pernas shot him a quick, pointed look. "You, a guy, want to come to my house?"

Myer immediately flushed red.

But then Pernas added, "I can bring some out though."

"That's great!" Myer cheered.

"Make sure to share some with Bork and the others," Pernas reminded him.

"I'll definitely do that!" Myer assured her.

After that, Pernas turned back to Layla. "I'll save some for you guys, too."

Layla didn't say anything. She just stepped forward and gave Pernas a gentle hug.

Bonnie, on the other hand, still stood at a distance, looking away.

Pernas, however, didn't seem bothered by it. Since joining this small group, Bonnie had never warmed to her, but she had never shown any impatience with Bonnie either. It was a dynamic that the others had tried to change, but there had been no success.

Layla and the others had asked Pernas before why she was so patient with Bonnie. Every time, Pernas just smiled and changed the subject without answering.

Watching their interaction, the nearby boys were envious. They all longed to be part of this group, but no matter what they tried, they just couldn't break in.

They chatted for a few more minutes until the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, and then they dispersed.

Bayeck

It was hard to tell if it was due to his werewolf nature, but Glen hadn't slept a wink the night before. He only managed to sleep from morning until noon.

Feeling no discomfort, he went downstairs and greeted Tia, who was daydreaming.

After seeing her struggling with her hair before, Glen had suggested that she just tie it in a simple ponytail instead of going through the trouble of making it fancy. He didn't care much about that sort of thing. Taking his advice, Tia had tied it up simply, and with her youthful, innocent looks, it suited her well.

The little maid quickly stood up when she saw it was Glen, adjusted her dress, and greeted him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Glen. I wasn't slacking off; it's just that there's nothing much to clean around here, so..."

Glen waved his hand dismissively, signaling her not to worry about it. He asked, "Has Ravel gone to work?"

"Yes, sir. He woke up soon after you returned, had breakfast, and left for work," Tia replied.

After separating from the old cat the previous day, Glen had returned once to show Tia where the food ingredients were placed, instructing her to prepare dinner in case he didn't make it back in time.

"Seems he's quite diligent," Glen remarked with a nod. Then he asked, "Did you prepare breakfast for me?"

"Yes, but it might be a little cold now. Should I heat it up for you?"

Before Tia could move, Glen quickly stopped her. "No need. I'll just eat something light."

Tia was about to say more, but Glen had already walked into the kitchen by himself.

He quickly ate a little and was about to head out to check on Ravel's situation. However, when he noticed Tia was still wiping down an already clean table, his steps paused.

A little maid like her staying here without much to do... He wondered if she was developing some kind of mental issue? He pondered for a moment before turning to her. "Tia, would you like to come with me to Dud?"

"Huh?" Tia froze for a second, and then her face lit up with obvious excitement, but soon turned shy. "Mr. Glen, are you serious? You're asking me?"

"Of course. From the look of it, it seems like you've never been outside much. Was that something your master ordered?"

Glen nodded, then became curious about Tia's reaction.

"I don't know how it is with other masters, but our master is very strict. He doesn't allow us servants to leave the estate. Since I was sold to him, I've never been anywhere else, until the day you arrived."

Tia didn't hide anything and spoke honestly about her experience.

"I see," Glen nodded, understanding. "Well then, today I'll take you to Dud to have a look."

Tia's face flushed with excitement. Her hands fidgeted nervously. "Should I change into something else? I just finished some housework, and I'm a bit dirty..."

"Don't worry. It's not like we're attending a banquet. Let's go."

Glen said as he walked out the door, and Tia hurriedly followed.

Not far from the house, Tia suddenly remembered something and gasped. "Mr. Glen, what about the other person in the house? Is it okay for her to stay here alone?"

"It's fine. Don't worry about her," Glen said without slowing down.

With the master saying so, Tia didn't worry too much, quietly trailing behind him.

Though they had been living in this strange atmosphere for several days now, Tia still felt a bit nervous walking outside. She instinctively moved closer to Glen, finding some comfort in his presence.

They first arrived at the pigsty, where Ravel was already out in the forest, cutting pig grass with Night Howl, so no one was there.

Looking at the unattended pigsty, Glen sighed, "A huge family business, yet no one to manage it. It's really frustrating..."

Tia glanced around. The pigsty wasn't much bigger than the maidroom back at Lord Channis's estate. She wasn't sure if this "family business" Glen was referring to meant just this place.