35 Comfor (1/2)

(Jesse's POV)

Ms. Layne: ”And remember, class, finish whatever assignments you have left!”

It was another end to a monotonous school day. I should spend the rest of the day in bed since I don't have to work at the bakery today.

Cynthia: ”Hey, Jesse, could I ask you for a favor?”

Just as I finished packing my bag and walk home, Cynthia stops me from getting up in my seat. She was always the type to ask for favors and not repay them back, so I tried to not pay her any mind. Though, that didn't really go well for her and starts tugging at my sleeves when I ignored her.

Jesse: ”Ahh, what do you need, Cynthia? I'm busy.”

Cynthia: ”Please? I need your help with something.”

She leans in very close to me and whispers into my ear.

Cynthia: ”It's for Kanna.”

Jesse: ”Then did you need to whisper in my ear for that? What does Kanna want anyway?”

Kanna the Nekomata. She's been dealt a very bad hand in life and now the one guy that gave her attention is gone! Kidnapped or probably dead! Poor cat, she doesn't deserve any of this.

Cynthia: ”Oh, come on, please? She's really depressed.”

Jesse: ”I'm sorry to hear that, but there isn't anything I can do about it.”

Cynthia: ”But there is, I can explain on the way out.”

We walk together out of the building, the Academy, and finally down the road. Cynthia starts going on about how Kanna misses Steven's cooking, and so, I've been involuntarily elected as a stand-in chef. Apparently, Cynthia believes that her friend would feel a little better if she has something Steven would make.

Of course, it didn't seem like too much of a hassle to cook a meal for someone, but I know better. I'm a baker, not an actual chef! When we arrived, I noted that the sign reads ”Yuuna's Elixirs”. It clicked almost instantly in my head. Sister shopped here once and was impressed with their selection despite their unusually high price.

Jesse: ”So, Kanna lives in a shop? Isn't she nobility?”

Cynthia: ”Yeah, but family politics, you know?”

The smell of fresh herbs and plants filled the air of the shop when we entered. Everything was labeled, organized neatly, and fully stocked. I know for a fact that you have to love your job to be operating a store this neat. It was a very professional, far more than I was expecting. Maybe the prices weren't so exaggerated after all?

While I was looking around the shop, another Elven man appears from the curtains separating the shop from the rest of the home. A lot of the townhouses from here to the town square were pretty similar in design, so I'm somewhat familiar with them.

Elven Man: ”Miss Cynthia, welcome back.”

He had an entire noble-guard aura surrounding him, like most veterans from the Royal Knights tend to have.

Cynthia: ”I brought Jesse like I said I would.”

Jesse: ”I'll… do the best I can, sir.”

The living room was lively. A couple more new faces were here. Apart from Esmond and Cynthia, there was a really old Nekomata man that was resting by the fireplace and a beautiful mature Nekomata woman sitting with an ice pack on her head. The room was warm and probably would also feel relaxed if it wasn't so burdened with sadness.

Elder: ”It's only a fever, but he did worry me when he described your symptoms, Yuuna.”

Yuuna: ”I knew he was worried but didn't expect him to actually post a letter to you.”

Elder: ”He obviously cares.”

Yuuna: ”I just hope he's alright.”

Esmond: ”I apologize for interrupting, Lady Hisakawa, but Miss Cynthia is here with a friend.”

Yuuna: ”Hello, I'm Yuuna Hisakawa. You're Jesse, the one Cynthia mentioned?”

She smiles sweetly.

There isn't a doubt that she is Kanna's mother. I dare say that smile of hers is almost identical to Kanna's.

Jesse: ”Yes, I am, ma'am.”

Yuuna: ”My daughter is depressed, Cynthia believes you could cook?”

Jesse: ”I'll do what I can, ma'am.”

Yuuna: ”I believe in you, the kitchen is in the back. Go ahead and do your best.”

She points to the back of the house, where the kitchen is.

Elder: ”Are all youth so well-mannered?”

Yuuna: ”Very, it reminds me of Takeo. I never loved him, but I sure do miss him.”

Elder: ”You loved him in a different way.”

I was being guided to the kitchen by Cynthia. Who aided me by grabbing all the utensils I needed. She moved with precision as if she lives in the kitchen. This kitchen isn't too different from mine and it's really stocked up with dry goods, so I shouldn't have any trouble unless I'm making something with meats and such.

Jesse: ”Do you know the kitchen so well?”