Kana was jolted awake by a knock and the sound of Lysera's voice calling her name. She blinked groggily at the early morning light filtering into the room.
Before she could even sit up properly, Lysera opened the door and stepped inside.
"Get dressed. We're heading out. Time for you to apply for that job."
Lysera said briskly.
Kana rubbed her eyes and swung her legs off the bed. "Now?" she asked, voice still heavy with sleep.
"Yes, now. You're going to need something to keep your mind occupied, remember?"
Lysera replied, arms crossed.
Kana nodded slowly and got ready, brushing her hair and slipping into a clean dress. Before they left the house, she hesitated by the door.
"Wait… are we taking Irielle with us too?"
At the mention of the elf, Lysera made a face—half-disgusted, half-annoyed—and shook her head.
"No. And you should really start distancing yourself from her, Kana."
Kana tilted her head.
"Why?"
Lysera gave her a long look.
"She might seem harmless and cute, but she's an elf. They're… known for having dark tendencies. Dangerous attachments. Irielle is just playing with you now, but if things go wrong, it could get ugly. Especially with who she really is."
Kana blinked at that, her curiosity instantly piqued.
"Wait, what do you mean by who she really is—?"
But Lysera had already started walking, waving a hand behind her.
"Not important. Let's go."
Kana frowned, questions bubbling in her chest, but followed without pressing further.
They walked through the early morning streets in silence until they reached the flower shop Lysera had noticed the day before.
It was small and cozy-looking, with a neat wooden sign swinging above the door and pots of vibrant blooms lining the windows. Lysera knocked firmly on the door.
It opened a moment later, revealing an older woman with graying hair tied back in a tight bun. Her eyes were sharp and her voice sharper.
"What do you want?"
Lysera gave her a calm look.
"We're here about the job you advertised."
The woman gave Lysera a once-over and snorted.
"Not looking for your type."
She started to shut the door.
"It's not for me. It's for the human behind me."
Lysera said quickly, stepping slightly aside.
The woman paused, squinting past Lysera—and her eyes landed on Kana.
Kana felt it immediately—the subtle warmth in the air, the moment of pause. Her innate charm was kicking in again.
She straightened her shoulders and stepped forward, offering a polite smile.
"Good morning. My name is Kana. I saw your 'help wanted' notice and I'd love the chance to apply."
The woman's expression shifted instantly. Her eyes widened just slightly, and her posture changed.
"A human, huh?"
She muttered. Then she grabbed Kana's wrist, surprisingly strong for her age.
"Come in. I want to see what you can do."
Kana barely had time to glance back at Lysera before she was pulled inside.
The shop interior was filled with fragrant blooms and neatly arranged bouquets. It smelled like soil and petals and something sweet Kana couldn't place.
The old woman guided her to a small counter near the back.
"You know how to handle flowers?"
She asked, crossing her arms.
Kana blinked.
"Um… I've read a bit about them, but I haven't worked with any before."
The old lady gave a low hum and nodded.
"Experience doesn't matter much in this line of work. Talent does. And you've either got it or you don't."
She turned around with a swish of her shawl.
"Come along now, girl. And watch your step. Some of these plants have moods."
Kana blinked again, not sure if she had heard right, but followed behind her carefully.
Lysera remained at the entrance, unusually silent. She looked like she wanted to speak up—but just as she opened her mouth, the old lady's hand snapped out and whacked the back of Lysera's knee with a gnarled wooden cane.
Lysera hissed through her teeth and bit her tongue.
Kana frowned.
"Um…"
"Don't mind her."
The old lady said, waving a hand without turning around.
Kana walked quietly behind her until they reached a long table at the back of the shop, cluttered with odd-looking pots and tools.
Among them was a wide ceramic pot with a cluster of leafy vines curling out of it. The old lady gestured toward it.
"Bring me that flower pot, girl."
Kana stepped forward and gently picked it up, holding it close. She felt a strange warmth coming off the pot, almost like it was breathing.
She brought it over and placed it in front of the old lady.
The old lady smiled—a rare, genuine smile that creased her entire face.
"Excellent. You're hired. On the spot."
Kana blinked.
"Wait—what?"
"Call me Madam Penelope."
The woman said, inspecting the plant with a pleased hum.
Kana tilted her head.
"That's it? That was the test?"
"Put the pot down."
Madam Penelope said.
Kana did as told, placing it carefully on the table.
"Now, you. Step forward. Just there."
Penelope said, turning toward Lysera.
Lysera hesitated but obeyed. She stepped near the flower pot.
The moment she did, the vines rustled—and then the plant snapped toward her with a sharp hiss, teeth-like petals clicking as if ready to bite. Lysera flinched back, scowling.
Kana gasped.
"It… it moved!"
Madam Penelope chuckled.
"Most people can't get near it without being attacked. These plants are sensitive. Temperamental."
She turned toward Kana, eyes gleaming.
"But you. You walked right up and carried it without a single snap. That's no coincidence, girl. You've got charm. And not the regular kind that gets people to like you."
Kana swallowed.
"You mean… plants?"
Penelope nodded.
"Some humans have magic in them, though most don't know it. Yours manifests as charm. Enough to soothe even these cursed weeds. That's rare. Unheard of, in fact."
Kana stared at the pot.
"I didn't feel anything…"
"Exactly. It's natural to you. Instinctual."
Penelope leaned forward, her cane tapping the floor.
"That's why I'm not letting you go. You're working for me now."
Kana opened her mouth, but the old lady's gaze locked on hers, and she froze. There was a weight to that stare—sharp and commanding like a queen used to getting her way.
"I—I guess I'll work here then."
Kana murmured.
"Good. Now, let's get you an apron."
Madam Penelope grinned, somehow both please
d and dangerous. Kana accepted the folded apron with both hands, still a little stunned. The fabric smelled faintly of herbs and soil.
She looked down at it, then at the plant that had just tried to bite Lysera moments ago. Now, it was still—its leaves gently curling in her direction, almost like it was waving at her.
Penelope chuckled.
"See? It already likes you."
Lysera crossed her arms and muttered.
"Of course it does…"
Kana slipped the apron over her head and tied it at the back.
"So… what exactly will I be doing?"
"Arranging stock, tending to the plants, brewing mixtures when I need them. And keeping them calm. They've been rowdy lately."
Penelope's voice softened a little.
Kana nodded slowly, still processing everything.
Penelope tapped her cane once.
"Come back tomorrow morning. We start early."
Lysera placed a hand on Kana's shoulder as they walked out.
"Well… congrats. You survived her test."