CHAPTER 106: CH 106: BACK TO WORK - PART 3

Kana tugged at her sleeve as she walked alongside Lysera down the street. The morning was quiet, sunlight spilling across the cobblestones, but her mind wasn’t at ease.

Every few steps, she stole a glance at Lysera, who was keeping stride beside her, looking far too stubborn for someone who had only just recovered from a fever.

"You don’t need to come with me. Really. I’m just going to the shop, that’s all."

Kana said for the third time, trying to sound firm.

Lysera didn’t even blink at her words.

"And if something happens on the way? What if you collapse? What if trouble finds you again?"

Her tone was cool but steady, leaving little room for argument. Then, softer, she added.

"I’d feel better if you let me come. Safer."

Kana pressed her lips together. Lysera’s reasoning wasn’t easy to argue against, and though she wanted to insist further, she knew deep down that Lysera wouldn’t budge.

Finally, Kana sighed in defeat.

"Fine. Just this time."

Lysera’s eyes flickered briefly, a trace of relief breaking through her otherwise composed face.

Kana looked away quickly, not wanting to admit that she felt oddly comforted by Lysera’s presence too.

The flower shop came into view, its sign swaying lightly in the morning breeze. Kana slowed, turning toward Lysera.

"This is it. You should go back now. You still need rest."

But Lysera stood firm, crossing her arms slightly.

"I’ll wait until you go inside."

Kana blinked, then sighed again. There was no fighting this woman. She turned and pushed open the shop door, but her steps hesitated just enough to glance back.

Lysera was still there, watching until Kana disappeared inside.

Her chest warmed, a mix of guilt and gratitude. It wasn’t fair for Lysera to spend her time like this, hovering over her.

And yet... Kana couldn’t deny the small comfort she felt knowing someone cared this much.

Her gaze lingered too long on Lysera’s back as she finally walked away, because a voice suddenly whispered behind her ear:

"Young love won’t make the work finish faster."

Kana jumped, spinning around.

"Boss! Don’t sneak up on me like that! At least make some noise!"

Her heart nearly flew out of her chest.

Penelope raised a brow, her expression sharp as always.

"If you get startled that easily, you won’t last long here. Besides—"

She gave Kana a pointed look.

"—you were staring after her like a lovesick bird. Thought I’d save you from wasting more time."

Kana’s face went hot.

"I—I wasn’t—!"

She cut herself off, cheeks puffing as she turned away.

"Mmhm. Whatever you say."

Penelope waved her hand dismissively.

"Since you’re finally back, stop standing around. We’ve got deliveries to prepare. Plants won’t carry themselves."

Kana froze at the word. Deliveries. Memories of her last one—how it had spiraled into chaos—flashed through her mind.

For a second, her hand twitched at her side. But then she straightened her shoulders, forcing the thought away. This time would be different. She’d make sure of it.

"Alright."

Kana said quietly, following Penelope toward the back.

The moment the first pot was placed in her arms, Kana knew it wouldn’t be easy. Vines stirred, brushing against her wrists, curling as if they had a mind of their own.

Her eyes widened as the tendrils began winding up her arms.

"Seriously?"

Kana muttered, trying to shake them loose.

The plants tightened slightly, pulling toward her. They weren’t malicious, not like other threats she’d faced—but they were insistent, almost playful.

Still, their strength was surprising, and Kana found herself gritting her teeth as she wrestled them under control.

Her body’s natural strength—the result of the power within her—gave her the edge, and after a struggle, she managed to force the vines back into the pot’s confines.

Panting, she carried the container to its place outside. Her arms throbbed faintly, though the plant now seemed content to rest.

Penelope gave her a sharp look, then nodded once.

"Finally. Something done right. I thought you’d drop it."

Kana let out a shaky laugh, brushing her hands off.

"It was close..."

"You brought out the murder plants."

Penelope added flatly, turning away to grab another order.

Kana nearly dropped the pot on instinct.

"M-Murder—?!"

She clutched it tighter, trying not to panic.

Penelope glanced over her shoulder with the faintest smirk.

"Relax. They’re safe enough as long as you don’t let them play too much. Just keep your grip steady."

Kana took a deep breath, forcing her pulse to settle.

"Right. Just... set them down. That’s all."

Repeating the words like a mantra, she carefully lowered the pot to its spot, relieved when the vines merely swayed lazily instead of lashing out again.

One task down. Many more to go.

______

The hours blurred together. She trimmed leaves, watered rows of pots, reorganized a tray Penelope had insisted wasn’t "symmetrical enough."

When she finally glanced at the small brass clock mounted above the register, she blinked in disbelief.

Noon. Only noon.

Her stomach dropped. Somehow, it felt like she had worked a full day already, yet the little hand mocked her with its position.

More than half the day stretched ahead of her. Kana groaned softly, covering her face with her hands.

"Still noon?!"

Penelope’s sharp voice cut across the shop before she could wallow.

"Don’t look so dramatic. The day’s far from over. We’ve got a delivery to make this afternoon."

Kana froze, lowering her hands slowly.

"D-delivery...?"

The memory of her last delivery clawed its way back into her mind—the narrow alleys, the creeping unease, the trouble that followed.

She shivered before she could stop herself.

Penelope arched a brow at her hesitation.

"Don’t faint on me. It’s just in town this time. No back alleys, no suspicious neighborhoods. Straightforward."

Kana bit her lip, fingers tightening on her apron.

"Even so... can I stay behind this time? Just... help here instead?"

Her voice was hesitant, almost guilty for asking.

For a long moment, Penelope said nothing, simply regarding Kana with that same piercing gaze.

Kana braced herself for the usual scolding, the sharp words that always seemed to follow when she hesitated.

But instead, Penelope let out a short breath, almost a huff.

"If you want to stay, then stay. I don’t have the patience to drag someone useless along. Hold down the shop until I’m back."

Kana blinked in surprise. Relief flooded through her chest, loosening the tight knot of dread.

"R-right... I’ll stay. Thank you."

Penelope waved her hand dismissively.

"Don’t thank me. Just don’t slack off."