31 Lupus's Dismay

A few days later…

On that night, when the shattered moon was absent from the sky, Lupus trudged through the manor, her feet dragging across the carpeted floor. Exhaustion clung to her like a second skin, a strange fatigue for someone who had done nothing but travel with her parents consistently and back.

She had, at least, learned of their unwavering passion for fostering the town. Yet, this was not the path she wanted. Ever since achieving her title, Lupus hadn't found a new goal to pursue.

Subconsciously, she found herself standing before Jack's room, having already forgotten why she had come. Dully, she balled a fist, her knuckles turning white, and rapped it lightly against her temple.

"Shameless…" she muttered under her breath. It's all his fault! He should have visited me! But no, not even once!

Suddenly, her rabbit ears twitched. Faint laughter seeped from his room.

Curiosity overwhelming her, she pressed herself against the wall, eavesdropping.

"...I figured you might need a drinking companion. Are you a wine or ale drinker, Mr Jack?" A female voice, brimming with a familiar excitement, drifted through the door.

It's Lunice, my eldest sister, Lupus realised.

"I'd say ale, though I'm staying away from alcohol right now. A lot has happened, ah—" Jack's deep, sultry voice was cut short by a sharp exhale.

What the heck… Lupus's expression tightened as she strained to listen more closely.

"My, what's wrong with your back?" Lunice asked.

"It's, um, the gravity. It's not exactly forgiving on this body of mine."

Ugh! No way, he's using the same trick again with my sister, too! Lupus cursed.

"My, perhaps I should give you a massage—"

Lunice's words were cut off as the door swung open.

Lupus stormed in, her displeasure written plain across her face. Her sudden entrance froze both Lunice and Jack in place.

Inside the spacious room, they sat across from each other on a plush couch. A glass of wine rested in Lunice's hand, while Jack held Arcane 101, the tome Lupus had gifted him.

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Despite being the eldest by some ten years, Lunice was slightly shorter than her sister but noticeably curvier. Her silver hair was tied into a single ponytail, and her dark eyes were just as expressive as Lupus's. She wore a white gown with intricate embroidery, leaving her ashen shoulders and upper chest enticingly exposed.

A Stellius silver ring adorned her index finger — a display of power and status.

"Lupy! I'm not playing around." Lunice waved her off before turning back to Jack. "Go entertain the twins while the adults discuss important matters."

Lunice turned to Jack, "Pardon her rudeness. She's always like this, barging in and causing a commotion."

Lupus shot a glare at Jack, as if this were somehow his fault, before snapping back at her sister. "I'm an adult too! And you're already drunk! Get to bed, you have another escort job first thing in the morning!"

"My, my! Can I stay a bit longer?" Lunice drawled.

She huffed, grabbing Lunice and ushering her toward the exit.

"No way!" Lupus stood her ground, pushing.

Lunice squirmed but eventually complied. "Then I bid you goodnight, Mr Jack!" she called, winking at him before being shoved out of the room.

Immediately swung the door shut, Lupus pressed her back against it, the wood solid against her shoulders.

"Sorry…" she mumbled sheepishly, avoiding his gaze.

Jack offered an awkward smile, unsure how to respond. He simply returned to his book.

After a moment, Lupus shuffled over and sat beside him, her thigh brushing against his. Jack instinctively shifted away, clearing his throat as he tried to feign indifference.

Lupus narrowed her eyes. "Would you like to explain?" she probed, her tone hardening.

"What?" Jack blurted, his focus on the book intensifying. The glyphs were suddenly making a lot more sense.

Blowing a frustrated breath through her nose, Lupus grabbed a clean wine glass, poured the crimson liquid, and raised it to down in one go.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Jack grabbed her arm.

"Then, tonight I'm your drinking companion," she declared, her tone sharp with petty defiance.

"Lupy, your sister came to me with a bottle of wine while I was minding my own business, reading," Jack explained in his husky voice, studying her. "I told her I didn't want any. Besides, it wouldn't be proper."

His words calmed her down somewhat.

Satisfied, she downed the whole glass in one swift motion. Heat spread through her throat and bloomed across her face almost immediately.

Jack returned to his book, but Lupus, unable to contain her curiosity, blurted out, "Umm, do you like that kind of woman?" Her voice began to slur slightly under the alcohol's influence.

"Um~What?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I asked if you like that kind of woman!" she repeated, louder than intended, a sternness lacing her voice. "Do you like Lunice?!"

"Nope. I don't. That's why I didn't take her drink. The door wasn't even locked." Jack's gaze turned wary. "Wait, why are you interrogating me like I'm a culprit?"

"Good," she purred, cupping her flushed cheeks and flashing him a sweet, disarming smile.

She's definitely drunk. That was quick. It must be her Wildren trait, Jack mused, making a mental note.

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