Chapter 95: A Different Kind of Pet
Chapter 95: A Different Kind of Pet
“Is this for real?” Rebecca asked in astonishment. She was aware of the events unfolding in the Imperial Capital, and had assumed that, given the current situation, Her Majesty the Queen would remain firmly stationed there. She never expected that, only a few months after her ascension, the Queen would come to this unremarkable little town, hardly a place of note.
“It’s absolutely true,” Moya replied earnestly. “The most likely place Her Majesty will visit is Feipuli Academy.”
Pfft! Arcana nearly spat out her tea. “Are you serious?”
“That’s precisely why I asked you both here,” Moya continued, crossing her legs and sipping her tea. “If Her Majesty really comes, and does choose to visit Feipuli Academy, dear Miss Arcana, do you have the confidence to receive her properly?”
“So what if I don’t?” Arcana retorted, pursing her lips and taking a sip of tea. Her thoughts, however, were in turmoil. Why choose this moment to come? And why hadn’t Grandfather mentioned a word about it?
“What are you trying to say?” Rebecca cut straight to the point.
“To provide Her Majesty with the best possible service, I’ve decided to send the finest steward from our family to Feipuli Academy to await her arrival, and remain until she departs.”
“You’ve thought this through,” Rebecca remarked with a smile, raising her cup. Behind her, Aldo quietly refilled it. “Are you suggesting I choose a few stewards to send as well?”
“No, no, no!” Moya shook her cup. “It’s not about the number, but the quality. The three of our families need only each select the most suitable candidate. What do you think?” She glanced at Rebecca.
“That depends on Arcana,” Rebecca said, considering the broader implications. Though this was a golden opportunity for her own family, she wanted to consult her friend first. If they could seize it, all the better.
“I have no objections,” Arcana replied. After years of close friendship, she understood both their intentions: to do something for their families and elevate their status. She had no reason to refuse, so she accepted readily.
“Then, three days from now, let’s meet here again,” Moya proposed. “We’ll have our stewards compete, and the winner will serve as Her Majesty’s steward, managing all her affairs at the academy. How about it?”
“Agreed,” Rebecca nodded.
“I have no objection,” Arcana said, her face calm.
“Well, I’ll take my leave. Oh-ho-ho!” With that, she rose and departed.
“Caca,” Rebecca turned to Arcana.
“I’m fine, I understand,” Arcana replied.
“Sigh, I’m sorry, but we had no choice. You’ve probably heard about my situation, and Moya’s said to be in a similar one soon. That’s why we’re doing this—sorry.”
Arcana stepped forward and took her friend’s hand. “I understand.”
“Thank you, Caca. I really need this chance. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love.” Tears streamed down Rebecca’s face.
“It’s alright, it’s alright,” Arcana said, gently embracing her and soothing her gently.
“How long can you stay?” Rebecca’s emotions gradually calmed as Arcana asked.
“I should be able to stay until Her Majesty leaves—hopefully she’ll delay her arrival,” Rebecca sighed.
“There’s nothing to be done. That’s fate,” Arcana said with a sigh. “What about you? Is your health any better?” Rebecca asked. Arcana nodded, then shook her head.
“What does that mean?” Rebecca pressed.
“It’s nothing,” Arcana replied softly. “Since I rarely visit, I’ll send my luggage to the academy and we can sleep together tonight!”
“I refuse! Your snoring is unbearable!” Rebecca giggled.
“I do not snore! Stop making things up!” Arcana protested, then reached over and began to tickle Rebecca. “For slandering me! For making things up!”
“Ahaha, I surrender! Stop!” Rebecca laughed, unable to escape as Arcana’s mischievous hands found her sides, making her squirm in discomfort.
“Miss Rebecca, it’s time to go,” Aldo said softly, producing a strange object and glancing at it.
“Sorry, I have other engagements. I’ll visit you at the academy later,” Rebecca said, reluctantly holding Arcana’s wrist. “I really don’t want to go.”
“Come now, don’t pout. We can’t let others catch us out,” Arcana said, gently stroking Rebecca’s hair. “Go on, I’ll wander a bit longer.”
“Hehe.” Rebecca whispered something mischievous in Arcana’s ear, making her blush instantly.
“You wicked girl!” Arcana exclaimed, lunging at her.
“Hehe, I’m off!” Rebecca spun elegantly away. “Bye!”
As they walked down the road, Ye Tian suddenly turned to the silent Arcana. “Are you angry?”
“No,” she replied coolly.
“Are you angry?” Ye Tian asked again.
“No.”
“Are you angry?” By the twentieth time he asked, Arcana finally exploded. “No, no, no! Can’t you understand?”
“But I can tell you’re angry,” Ye Tian said seriously.
***
“It’s not easy—after more than two years apart, to be caught up in this the moment you see your old friends. I’d be angry too,” Ye Tian said, gazing into the distance.
“Why, why!” Arcana sobbed into her hands. “Why?”
“Hey,” Ye Tian gently put his arm around her as she wept. “Let it out. You’ll feel better after a good cry.”
“Why?” Arcana clung tightly to Ye Tian’s clothes, burying her face in his chest. “I know they didn’t mean it, but why am I so angry?”
“Because you’re disappointed. Years of friendship are gradually being eroded by time, leaving only interests, and self-interest at that. You’re angry because you’re afraid—afraid that those old feelings are gone forever,” Ye Tian said, gently stroking her head. “That’s why you’re angry.”
“I know, I know it all. I know Rebecca and the others must have suffered in their families, and that they’re only doing this out of desperation. But I just can’t help being angry!” Arcana cried.
“So, will you forgive them?” Ye Tian asked.
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“What should I do?”
Ye Tian smiled. “It’s simple, really. You have two choices: first, never speak to them again; second, let this go and forget it. But remember—once you decide, there’s no going back.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Do you want to give up on them?” Ye Tian asked gently. Arcana shook her head.
“Then choose to forget. Let this matter fade away, and your heart won’t hurt anymore.”
“Mm, thank you,” she said softly. “Thank you, Gray.”
Ye Tian said nothing, just gently stroked her head.
“Phew!” Arcana took a deep breath. “Alright, let’s go pick out a pet!”
This little town had everything—even pet shops. Of course, the pets here were all ornamental, without any combat abilities. If you wanted a fighting pet, you’d have to visit a specialty market, like an auction house, where the prices were beyond imagining.
Even ornamental pets, if rare enough, could go for prices most people couldn’t afford. The two of them entered the shop and saw row upon row of elegant cages, each holding a beautiful and exotic pet, all lively and unafraid of people.
“Wow!” Arcana’s face lit up as she reached out to stroke a fluffy white puppy—soft as a cloud and adorably cute.
“Welcome, esteemed Miss Arcana. I’m delighted to see you. I’m the proprietor here; just call me Parsley,” said a strikingly beautiful woman, approaching with enthusiasm.
“Do you have any good pets, like a turtle or something?” Ye Tian interjected with a grin.
“Hmph, afraid I can’t take care of anything else?” Arcana snapped, then turned to the owner. “You know me?”
“I saw you from afar once, but never had the chance to invite you in,” Parsley replied with a smile. “What kind do you like? I can help you choose.”
“Something cute, preferably fluffy,” Arcana considered.
“That’s easy. How about this one?” Parsley snapped her fingers, and a lovely maid brought over an exquisite cage. Inside was a fluffy fox, about three feet long, its body snow-white, but its tail a brilliant crimson, making it look enchantingly beautiful.
“So pretty!” Arcana’s eyes went wide.
“This is a mutant snow fox. It’s only a first-level magical beast, but it fits your requirements perfectly, especially with that tail.” Parsley stroked the fox’s fiery tail, instantly stirring Arcana’s heart.
“Gray, do you think it’s pretty?” Arcana asked.
“Yes, it’s beautiful. Is it difficult to care for?” Ye Tian inquired.
“A bit. It only eats a special ice fruit that grows on snowy mountains—here, like this,” Parsley explained, and a maid brought over a delicate box.
“Does it eat a lot?” Ye Tian asked.
“Not really. One box is enough for a month,” Parsley replied with a smile.
“Okay, I’ll take it.” Arcana took the snow fox gently. “So soft and adorable!”
“Anything else to watch out for?” Ye Tian asked.
“There is one thing,” Parsley said, tapping her lips. “Ah, yes—this snow fox prefers cool, shady places. Best not to keep it in the sun.”
“Miss Arcana, maybe it’s best to reconsider,” Ye Tian suggested. “Why not look at something else?”
“No, I want this one,” Arcana insisted.
“You don’t have to get a snow fox. What about a dog or a cat?” Ye Tian tried.
“No! Just look at this tail, it’s gorgeous!” Arcana lifted the fox’s tail, warm and fluffy.
“Are there any others? This one doesn’t really suit her,” Ye Tian persisted.
“And why not?” Parsley asked curiously.
“It’s just a feeling,” Ye Tian smiled. “A strange feeling. But since you mentioned it, how about another option?”
Parsley, unruffled, snapped her fingers again. Another maid brought over a different, equally ornate cage. Inside was a round, fluffy white creature about the size of a basketball.
“What’s that?” Ye Tian asked.
“Oh, that’s a Fuzzball, a rare pet, though not a magical beast,” Parsley explained. “It’s highly adaptable, omnivorous, eats anything, but it’s not very prestigious. This one was an extra sent by headquarters for a special order, and it’s been raised for a year.”
“Miss Arcana, what do you think?” Ye Tian handed the Fuzzball to Arcana, who caught it eagerly. “A Fuzzball! These are so rare!”
“How about this one? It’s easy to care for,” Ye Tian said.
“But I really like this snow fox,” Arcana said, clutching the Fuzzball tightly. It was a gentle creature, never getting angry no matter how you handled it, and its soft fluffiness was irresistible. Prestige didn’t matter.
“My advice is to go with the Fuzzball. If you really want the snow fox, then don’t take this one,” Ye Tian said.
“Can’t I have both?” Arcana asked.
“My lady, aren’t you afraid they’ll fight?” Ye Tian exclaimed.
Parsley covered her mouth, laughing.
“Sorry to make a scene,” Ye Tian hurriedly apologized.
“No, you’re quite amusing,” Parsley said, then turned to Arcana. “Esteemed Miss Arcana, when does your contract with this steward end? If it’s soon, may I have him?”
“May I say something?” Ye Tian raised his hand. “I’m not Miss Arcana’s steward.”
“I wouldn’t take him anyway!” Arcana interjected.
“Well, that’s wonderful!” Parsley stepped over and gently lifted Ye Tian’s chin. “Would you like to be my steward, handsome?”
“No,” Ye Tian answered at once. “Thank you for the offer, Miss Parsley, but I’m not suited for the role.”
Parsley smiled. “That’s alright. Many things can be learned over time.”
“Sorry, but I don’t have that kind of time,” Ye Tian replied, stepping back.
“Ahem!” Arcana immediately voiced her displeasure.
Parsley smiled. “A pity. So, have you made your choice, Miss Arcana?”
“I’ll take the Fuzzball,” Arcana decided, accepting Ye Tian’s advice.
“Very good. Please wait a moment while I package it for you.” Parsley took the Fuzzball, placed it in a cage, and handed it over. “By the way, handsome, what’s your name?”
Ye Tian quickly answered, “Sorry for the oversight. I’m Gray, a servant at the academy.”
“How interesting,” Parsley smiled. “Dear Gray, don’t you want to see if there’s anything you like?”
“Oh, thank you—then I’ll have a look,” Ye Tian said with a smile.
“Go ahead, go ahead!” Arcana grumbled, playing with the snow fox. Even if she wasn’t buying it, she could enjoy it for a while, couldn’t she?
Ye Tian smiled and began browsing. The shop had a vast array of creatures, most of which he didn’t recognize. Suddenly, he spotted a cage with an eagle inside—a baby eagle whose eyes weren’t even open yet.
“What kind of magical beast is that? I’ve never seen one,” Arcana asked.
“I don’t know either. Someone found it while capturing a snow fox. No one recognizes it. It’s been here about three days now, very weak—probably won’t survive,” Parsley replied.
“Can I buy it?” Ye Tian asked.
“Why would you want it?” Arcana wondered. “Do you have money to burn?”
“No,” Ye Tian said. “But a life is a life. If it survives, great; if not, so be it. Oh, Miss Parsley, make me a good deal.”
“I don’t know what it is, so I can’t price it. Just give me whatever you feel is right,” Parsley answered with a wink.
“Vixen,” Ye Tian chuckled. “You name the price, otherwise I might offend you with my offer.”
“No problem,” Parsley replied with a smile.
“Then I won’t be polite.” Ye Tian took out a coin and handed it to Parsley. She glanced at it and nearly fainted. A copper coin!
“That’s all it’s worth,” Ye Tian shrugged, then used a handkerchief to gently wrap the little eagle. With nowhere else to put it, he tucked it directly into his shirt.
Parsley was speechless at the sight.
“Esteemed Miss Arcana, here’s your pet,” the maid said, handing Arcana a beautifully crafted cage along with various other items.
“These are growth potions, specially made by our own apothecary,” Parsley explained.
“You haven’t dosed the pets with anything, have you?” Ye Tian asked.
“Of course not. All our pets are naturally raised. Whether to use the potions is entirely up to you—we just provide them,” Parsley smiled.
“How much?” Ye Tian asked.
“That will be fifty gold coins,” Parsley replied.
Ye Tian’s head drooped. Fifty gold coins! The lives of the wealthy were certainly different—an unremarkable pet cost fifty gold. What about that prestigious snow fox? “Can’t you make it cheaper?” Ye Tian pleaded.
“This is already a very fair price,” the vixen replied with a sweet smile. “But if you’d be my steward, I could offer you a discount.”
“I’m afraid not. I have no intention of being a steward. And honestly, with your qualifications, you could choose anyone—why me?” Ye Tian asked curiously.
“That’s a secret,” Parsley replied, wagging her finger.
“Alright, forget I asked.” Ye Tian retrieved a money pouch—a forgotten find from his storage bag—took out fifty gold coins, and handed them to Parsley.
“Please visit again!” the vixen called out cheerfully as she saw the two out of the shop.
“Come out, little sister.” At that moment, a sweet girl emerged from the back. “Have they gone?”
“Yes. Was it really him?” Parsley gazed at the departing Ye Tian through the window. “You should give up, little sister.”
“Why?” the girl asked, confused.
“Because his heart isn’t here.”