Chapter 61: Family Business?

Leila blinked in surprise.

"What brings you down here?"

Pernathys belonged to a different world—the noble class. Her courses were more advanced, her tutors more distinguished. In this humble town, the distinction was largely symbolic, but the academy maintained it. Displeasing status-conscious parents wasn't an option.

"Noticed you from upstairs," Pernathys replied airily. "Now, what were you all discussing? Classes are dreadfully dull."

Leila exchanged a glance with Bonnie, who shook her head almost imperceptibly. Bonnie had always kept her distance from the noble girl, even refusing shelter in Pernathys' manor during a storm. Leila understood. Involving Pernathys in their risky Bayek trip felt unwise.

"Nothing important," Leila said smoothly. "Bonnie just invited me to her house."

Pernathys' eyes flickered between them and the lingering boys. She didn't buy it.

"How… ordinary." She sighed dramatically. "Well, my uncle visited yesterday. He brought the newest cakes from Gornid Bakery. Care to try them tomorrow?"

Bonnie's eyes lit up for a split second before she schooled her expression. She tugged urgently at Leila's sleeve.

Leila's mouth watered—exotic sweets were rare for a merchant's daughter—but she forced a smile.

"We're busy tomorrow. Rain check?"

Definitely hiding something, Pernathys thought. She feigned disappointment. "What a shame. Sweets taste bitter without friends."

Miles leaped forward eagerly. "I'll go, Miss Pernathys! Let me taste them!"

Pernathys arched a perfect eyebrow. "A boy, inviting himself to a lady's home? How bold."

Miles flushed crimson.

"...But I might bring some out."

"Yes!" Miles pumped his fist.

"Share with Polk and the others."

"Absolutely!"

Pernathys turned back to Leila. "I'll save slices for you both."

Leila hugged her briefly in thanks. Bonnie stayed rooted, staring at the wall.

The noble girl simply smiled. Bonnie's coldness had never wavered since their first meeting. Others had tried to mend the rift—Leila, Miles, even Polk—but Pernathys remained unflappably patient. When asked why, she'd only laugh and change the subject.

The watching boys seethed with envy. Breaking into this circle felt impossible.

The bell rang, scattering the group.

———

Bayek Town.

Whether it was his werewolf blood or sheer stubbornness, Glen woke at noon feeling refreshed after just a few hours' sleep. Downstairs, he found Tia staring blankly at the wall.

After seeing her struggle with elaborate braids weeks ago, Glen had suggested a simple ponytail. "No need for fuss here," he'd said. She'd listened. The style suited her—youthful, unpretentious.

Tia jumped at his footsteps, hastily smoothing her apron. "Good afternoon, Mr. Glen! I wasn't slacking, I swear! The house is just… already clean..."

Glen waved off her anxiety. "Lawell out working?"

"Yes, sir. He woke early, ate, and left."

After parting with Old Cat yesterday, Glen had returned briefly to show Tia where he stored ingredients. Make dinner if I'm late, he'd ordered.

"At least someone's diligent." Glen nodded approvingly. "Any breakfast left?"

"Y-yes! But it's cold. Let me heat it—"

"No need." Glen brushed past her into the kitchen. He scarfed down bread and cheese, then headed for the door.

He paused. Tia was scrubbing an already spotless table, her shoulders tense.

Cooped up here all day… She'll go mad.

"Tia."

She froze, cloth mid-wipe.

"Feel like a trip to Dud Town?"

Her eyes widened—first with joy, then doubt. "A-are you teasing me, sir?"

"Dead serious." Glen studied her. "You act like you've never left the house. Your old master forbid it?"

Tia twisted her apron. "I don't know about other households... But Master Chennis was strict. After he bought me, I never stepped outside his estate. Not once. Until... the day you came."

"Right." Glen's voice softened. "Then today's your day out."

Color flooded Tia's cheeks. She wrung her hands. "Should I change? This dress is dusty from cleaning—"

"We're not attending a ball. Let's go." Glen strode out. Tia scrambled after him, nearly tripping on the threshold.

A few steps from the cottage, she gasped. "Sir! The elf lady—is it safe to leave her alone?"

"She'll survive," Glen called back without slowing.

Reassured, Tia hurried to match his pace. Though she'd lived here days, Bayek's eerie stillness still unnerved her. She edged closer to Glen, drawing comfort from his presence.

They reached the pigpen first. Lawell and Night Howler were deep in the forest cutting fodder.

Glen stared at the empty enclosure and sighed. "All this vast family business… and no one to manage it."

Tia eyed the pen—smaller than her old servants' quarters. She wondered if he truly meant this was his empire.

———

The road to Dud Town stretched ahead, dusty and sun-baked. Tia kept sneaking glances at Glen, half-expecting him to change his mind. When he didn't, a timid smile finally broke through. She quickened her steps, the ghost of Bayek's shadows momentarily forgotten. Somewhere in the woods, a crow cawed. Glen didn't turn. His thoughts were already miles ahead—on pigs, missing elves, and the fragile thread of normalcy he'd somehow spun in this strange, haunted corner of the world. Tia's soft footsteps beside him felt like an anchor. For now, that was enough.