CHAPTER 117: CH 117: THE VISIT - PART 1

The little bell above the door chimed softly as Evaya stepped into the plant shop, the faint fragrance of soil and blossoms welcoming her.

Her boots clicked lightly against the polished wooden floor as her eyes scanned the neatly arranged rows of vibrant flowers and exotic greenery.

The interior was bright and charming, yet something about it didn’t feel right.

She paused for a brief moment, frowning slightly.

The air here felt... off.

Not in a way she could easily put into words, but there was a strange heaviness clinging to the atmosphere, like a subtle pressure pressing down on her senses. Her instincts warned her, though she didn’t know why.

Before she could dwell on it further, a cheerful voice cut through her thoughts.

"Evaya?!"

Kana stood behind the counter, holding a small watering can, her expression bright and welcoming.

"What are you doing here? Did something happen?"

Evaya forced a polite smile, suppressing the unease lingering in the back of her mind.

"Not exactly. I came to deliver a message."

Kana tilted her head curiously, wiping her damp hands on her apron before walking over. "Oh... um, okay. Do you want to sit for a bit?"

Before Evaya could decline, Kana grabbed a glass of freshly squeezed juice from the counter and set it on the table nearby.

"Here, you can have this while I finish up. It’s from the citrus batch Penelope brought in today."

Evaya accepted the glass out of courtesy but placed it gently on the table without drinking. Her tone remained calm and direct as she said.

"High Priestess Jenna wishes to see you. She asked me to deliver the message personally."

Kana blinked, slightly surprised.

"Right now?"

"If possible. She wants to make sure you’re doing well."

Evaya’s gaze remained steady, though she softened her tone slightly.

Kana hesitated, her lips pressing into a small pout.

"...But I’m in the middle of work. Penelope’s not going to be happy if I leave without notice."

"That can be resolved. Call for Penelope. I’ll handle it."

Evaya assured her, already predicting the resistance.

Though reluctant, Kana eventually nodded and called toward the back room.

"Penelope! Can you come here for a second?"

Moments later, Penelope emerged, her hands covered in dirt and a small pot cradled in her arms. Her sharp gaze immediately flicked between Kana and Evaya.

"What’s going on here? Kana, don’t tell me you’re—"

Before she could finish, Evaya stepped forward with graceful composure.

"My name is Evaya. I’m here on behalf of High Priestess Jenna to escort Kana for an urgent visit. However..."

She reached into her satchel and produced a small, elegant box, holding it out discreetly.

"...As a token of gratitude for your cooperation, I’ve brought this for you."

Penelope raised an eyebrow, suspicion flashing across her face.

She took the box without opening it right away, instead turning slightly away from Kana and Evaya to peek inside.

The moment she lifted the lid, her expression changed completely.

Gone was the wary hesitation — her entire demeanor brightened, her lips curving into a radiant smile as she quickly closed the box and tucked it under her arm.

"Ah, I see. In that case, Kana’s all yours. Take as much time as you need! No rush at all."

Penelope said sweetly, her voice suddenly light and cheerful.

Kana stared at her, baffled by the sudden shift.

"Penelope...?"

"Yes, yes, don’t worry about a thing! Go, have fun. I’ll handle everything here."

Penelope chirped, practically glowing now.

Evaya inclined her head politely.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Taking Kana’s wrist gently, she added.

"Let’s go."

Kana followed, still curious, glancing at the small box Penelope had received. Her instincts told her to ask... but something deep inside warned her not to.

Whatever was in that box, it was better left unspoken.

As the two of them stepped outside, the chime of the shop’s bell faded behind them, and Evaya’s expression returned to its usual calm mask. Inside, however, her unease from earlier hadn’t faded.

Something about that shop — and the strange tension that lingered in the air — gnawed at the edge of her thoughts.

Kana, blissfully unaware, only thought about what High Priestess Jenna might want to discuss.

But for Evaya... this visit carried more weight than she had expected.

As the door shut behind Evaya and Kana, the little chime faded, and the shop fell quiet again.

Penelope hummed softly as she began tidying up the counter, her movements casual and unhurried.

When her gaze fell upon the untouched glass of juice Evaya had left behind, a sly smile curved her lips.

"Well, well. Sharp instincts, that one."

She murmured under her breath, picking up the glass carefully.

She tilted the glass slightly, watching the golden liquid catch the light.

"Most people would’ve taken at least one sip... and then I’d have to deal with the mess."

With a soft chuckle, she carried it to the back and poured the contents into a small basin, watching the juice swirl down the drain.

"Special ingredient. Strong enough to numb the limbs for a few hours. I really should’ve told Kana not to serve it to anyone important..."

She whispered to herself, tapping a finger against the empty glass.

For a moment, Penelope leaned against the counter, her expression thoughtful. Then her gaze shifted toward the elegant little box Evaya had given her.

A quiet laugh escaped her lips as she opened it once more, letting her eyes linger on the contents inside.

"What an extraordinary gift. If this is what the High Priestess’s people offer just to take Kana for a little visit, then..."

She whispered, the greed in her voice barely restrained.

She closed the lid gently, cradling the box against her chest with satisfaction.

"...they’ve already paid for any trouble she might cause me."

With a contented sigh, Penelope tucked the box safely away in her personal drawer, humming softly as she returned to her work, her earlier irritation completely forgotten.

Evaya, it seemed, knew exactly how to buy loyalty.