After breakfast, Kana went back upstairs to change into the clothes Lysera had laid out for her. The fabric was soft and breathable, a simple tunic and skirt set that looked fairly modest at first glance.
But the moment she pulled the top over her head, Kana noticed that it clung to her chest more than expected.
It wasn't tight enough to feel uncomfortable or restrictive—just snug enough that it made her chest perk out in a way she had never really allowed before.
She stared at her reflection, hesitant. The old Kana never would have worn something like this.
Back home, her wardrobe had been full of oversized hoodies and loose t-shirts. She'd never felt confident enough to wear anything that highlighted her body.
She'd always been told to hide it, to tone herself down, and somewhere along the line, she'd accepted that as truth.
But this world was different.
Tentatively, Kana stepped out of the room, adjusting the hem of her top.
When she reached the main area, Lysera was already waiting for her by the door. Her eyes flicked over Kana the moment she came into view, and Kana immediately felt heat rush to her face.
Lysera didn't say anything at first—just looked. And then her lips curled into a small smirk.
"…What?"
Kana asked, wrapping her arms around herself instinctively.
"You look fine. No need to act like you've walked out in nothing."
Lysera said, tone calm but eyes amused.
Kana pouted and looked away.
"I'm just not used to… this kind of clothing."
"You're still covered. It just fits you. That's not a bad thing."
Lysera pointed out, walking over.
Her tone wasn't mocking or teasing. It was simply matter-of-fact, and for some reason, that helped. Kana exhaled slowly, nodding.
"Okay… thanks."
She still felt the occasional tug of self-consciousness—especially when she moved and the top shifted slightly—but it held.
The fabric never betrayed her, and slowly, the tension in her shoulders eased.
By the time they stepped outside, Kana was able to walk without constantly checking to make sure everything stayed in place.
The breeze was cool, and the sun was just starting to warm up the streets. It wasn't too crowded yet, which helped Kana settle into the rhythm of the morning.
As they walked, Kana turned to Lysera.
"You really don't have to come with me, you know. I can find my way."
"No."
Lysera said immediately.
Kana blinked.
"No?"
"It's too dangerous. You're not used to this place yet. You get lost, or someone shady tries to pull something, what then?"
Lysera glanced at her with a slight frown.
Kana opened her mouth to argue again, but Lysera cut her off.
"And before you say it—I also don't trust you."
Kana squinted.
"That feels like an afterthought."
Lysera looked away, clearly not planning to elaborate further.
"You've got a job now. Don't make me regret helping you."
"…Fine. You can tag along."
Kana said, hiding a small smile.
The truth was, she didn't mind the company. Lysera had a calm presence—firm, sometimes annoyingly so, but steady. That steadiness made the world feel just a little less overwhelming.
As they neared the flower shop, Kana glanced sideways again.
"You really think I'll be okay there?"
"You handled yourself fine yesterday. Madam Penelope wouldn't have hired you otherwise."
Lysera replied.
"I still don't get what I did that was so special."
"You charmed a violent plant. That's not normal."
Lysera said flatly.
Kana flushed.
"I didn't do anything…"
"Exactly. That's why it's a gift."
Lysera stopped in front of the familiar door and looked at her.
Kana looked at the door, heart thudding with a mix of nerves and excitement. This was her first job. Her first real responsibility in this world.
Lysera reached out and knocked.
Kana glanced down at her outfit again. It still clung just a little too much for her taste—but not in a bad way anymore. Just in a way that reminded her she was here.
Present. Changing.
Maybe that wasn't such a terrible thing after all.
When they reached the flower shop, Kana stopped in front of the wooden door and tilted her head.
"It looks locked."
She said, glancing at the windows. The curtains were drawn shut. There was no sign of movement from inside.
Lysera folded her arms.
"So?"
"So… maybe we came too early? We could come back later. It's not like she gave me a start time or anything. I'm sure she has a schedule, and I don't want to disturb her."
Kana suggested, unsure.
Lysera raised an eyebrow.
"Then knock."
Kana blinked.
"What?"
"You heard me. Knock. You're supposed to work here now, right? That means you're not disturbing her. Just do it."
Kana stared at the door.
"It just feels weird. I mean, it's early, the shop's not open, and we don't even have a proper contract yet. Shouldn't we wait for some official notice or—"
Before she could finish, the door creaked open.
The old lady, Madam Penelope, stood on the other side with a scowl. Her eyes locked on Kana immediately.
Without saying a word, she reached out, grabbed Kana's wrist, and tugged her inside with surprising strength.
"Hey—wait! We were just talking about whether we should come back later—"
Kana protested.
"No time for standing around. You're wasting good daylight. Get in here."
The old lady snapped.
"I haven't even signed a contract yet!"
"You're hired. You show up. That's the contract."
Madam Penelope grumbled, already pulling Kana further inside.
Lysera stepped forward instinctively, one foot just about to cross the threshold.
"Wait. I'm coming with—"
She didn't get the chance.
Madam Penelope turned around and shot her a look. Just a look—sharp, commanding, and final.
Then the door slammed shut in Lysera's face.
Outside, Lysera stared at the closed door, her lips pressing together. For a second, she looked ready to knock again. But her hand froze halfway up. Slowly, she lowered it.
She knew she was being dismissed.
Still, something about it sat wrong with her.
Kana was in there—alone.
It shouldn't have bothered her. Kana was not a kid. Madam Penelope clearly favored her. There was no real danger.
And yet…
Lysera remained standing outside the door for a full minute. She looked to the side, then up at the windows. Still no movement.
Eventually, she stepped back and sighed. She should leave. Go back home. Do something productive with her time.
But her feet refused to move.
She stood there for a few more seconds, frowning.
Inside, Kana was staring at the cluttered room as she tried to keep up with Madam Penelope's pace.
"Can I at least know what I'm doing today?"
She asked.
"You'll know when I tell you. This isn't a place where you get a list of duties and punch a clock. This is a place of intuition, reaction, and control. If you're going to work here, you'll need all three."
The old lady replied.
Kana looked around at the plants surrounding the walls. Some were asleep. Some shifted slightly in their pots. None of them looked entirely… normal.
"…You say control, but you also said I don't need to suppress them like other people do."
Kana said slowly.
Madam Penelope glanced back at her.
"You don't. But that doesn't mean they'll always behave. Charm is not the same as command. Never forget that."
Kana opened her mouth to ask more, but the old woman had already turned away and disappeared behind a thick curtain.
Kana looked around, rubbing her wrist where she'd been grabbed. The shop smelled like soil and dried petals, sweet but with an undercurrent of something wild and earthy.
Even without anyone else in the room, it didn't feel like she was alone.