The squirrel shall raise the tiger cub.
Look at him, calling his older sister like we’re friends again.
I let out an amused scoff and answered without turning to look at him.
My eyes darted along the flower beds to spot weeds, and my hands moved just as busily in tandem.
Judging by how close his voice sounded, Jackjack was running to the backyard to find me.
Though it was still morning, the sun was already scorching.
I straightened my back for a moment and adjusted my hat.
‘I still have so much to do.’
I intended to tell Jackjack to play with our other siblings a little longer.
Bending back down, I resumed pulling the weeds.
I had waited with bated breath until yesterday, but in the end, no letter arrived from Blan Castle.
A heavy, sunken feeling took hold of me, as though failure were already certain.
‘When you’re down, nothing beats keeping your body moving. Starting next week, I’ll just work harder at Toby’s place and look for other odd jobs. It’s no big deal.’
Up since dawn, I had diligently weeded everything from the front yard to the backyard vegetable patch.
Failing was painful enough, but another thought weighed on me even more.
‘Make sure you keep your promise to Jackjack.’
I could not forget Hokan’s face when he turned around after uttering those sullen words.
Though I had never been hired as his tutor, it pained me to think I might be remembered as someone who broke a child’s heart.
Jackjack was suddenly right in front of me.
I gave a halfhearted reply while tossing pulled weeds into the basket.
Only then did I straighten up and turn toward him.
Jackjack patted his chest with his little hands, looking up at me with excited eyes.
I frantically brushed the dirt off my palms and dress.
Bursting with excitement, Jackjack stomped his stubby little legs and hurried me along.
Holding his hand, I stepped out into the front yard, where the roof of a genuinely colossal carriage peeked over the wall.
The gilded adornments along the frame were so magnificent that the reflected glare of the sun nearly blinded me.
To top it off, more than ten knights were waiting on horseback behind the carriage.
Tilting my head at the faintly familiar voice, I peered toward the front gate and spotted the smiling face of an exceptionally tall man.
It was Gale, aide to Kuhn and Vice Commander of the Blantiger Knights.
As I swung the iron gate wide open, the faint smile in Gale’s eyes curved into full crescents.
When I looked down, Hokan poked his head out from behind Gale’s legs.
His ears were perked, his eyes clear and wide, and his cheeks lightly flushed.
He was just as adorable as Jackjack, and a smile broke across my face all on its own.
Since he had been lingering on my mind the entire time, seeing him brought me genuine delight.
Jackjack, unlike when he was urging me on a moment ago, ducked behind my skirts to mimic Hokan, peeking out with only his eyes.
Stepping out a little further, Hokan spoke to me.
His eyes brimmed to the edge with pure anticipation.
I instantly regretted heading straight home without explaining that I could only go to the North if I passed.
It seemed Hokan had come all the way here to demand I keep my promise.
Overwhelmed by sorrow and embarrassment, I dropped my head, my clasped hands fidgeting nervously.
“I came to inform you in person of your employment. And to ensure the promise was kept.”
A low, deep voice cut in out of nowhere, making my head jerk upward.
A massive black warhorse was stepping forward slowly from behind the carriage.
Atop the stallion, with its sleek, lustrous mane, sat the Duke of Blantiger.
I quickly observed proper etiquette, gathering the folds of my dress to offer a polite curtsy.
I stared up at the Duke with a dazed expression.
So… I got the job?
And I’m taking Hokan to the North?
With the Duke coming along, too?
While I was busy blinking in disbelief, a long shadow drew close.
Gale, who had been holding his hands behind his back, extended both arms forward.
In his hands rested a bountiful bouquet of yellow magic flowers.
Coming to my senses half a beat late, I beamed as brightly as the blooming magic flowers and accepted the bouquet.
Looking down at me from atop his horse, the Duke’s face remained chillingly imposing, as it always was.
Anyone passing by would have thought he was hunting down a thief.
Taking Jackjack with me, I dashed into the house.
Protocol demanded I invite the Duke into the parlor, but our circumstances made that impossible.
Our parlor served as the study and playroom for my siblings.
I assigned chores to a few of the children and made them promise repeatedly to let our parents know of my departure for the North once they returned from work.
Then I scrambled about, packing my bags amid total chaos.
My knees shook at the sheer terror of keeping the great Duke of Blantiger waiting.
Just as I rushed out to the carriage, completely out of breath, to load my luggage…
Jackjack, who had chased after me before I realized it, was clutching my skirt and crying.
Shaking his head violently, Jackjack looked up at me with tearful, pleading eyes.
My heart ached whenever this happened.
My siblings always lacked enough of our mother’s embrace, and Jackjack especially sought to fill that emptiness through me.
Hokan had approached without a sound and was pointing at Jackjack as he looked up at Gale.
Gale wore a troubled expression and cast a glance toward the Duke.
He seemed to be weighing whether to ask His Grace.
Refusing to be any more of an imposition, I hurriedly scooped Jackjack into my arms.
Jackjack kicked his feet and began throwing an even louder tantrum.
Surprisingly, the Duke granted permission.
Looking at Jackjack’s tear-stained face, I deliberated for a brief second before bowing deeply to the Duke.
My eyes darted around. I couldn't let my joy show. Not even a trace of a smile right now. Pull yourself together.
The corners of my mouth curled up into a wide grin anyway.
I gave him the brightest beam I could muster.
It was my way of expressing my suddenly overflowing loyalty.
Yet the Duke merely looked at me with an unmoving, stony face before slowly turning his gaze away.
I quickly helped Hokan and Jackjack into the carriage first.
Just as I was about to climb in last, Gale tilted his head and spoke.
Gale tapped his index finger against his own head as he spoke.
I had put on a pure-white knit hat that I rarely wore because I treasured it so much.
Around the brim was an embroidered band of adorable acorns.
Not understanding his meaning, I fiddled with the brim and asked.
Rubbing his palms together with an awkward smile, Gale phrased his words delicately.
Hokan, who was already inside the carriage, stuck his head out the window and spoke without hesitation.
Pfft.
Hearing an odd noise from somewhere, I turned my head and noticed the Duke’s lips twitching.
He was definitely trying to stifle a laugh.
I tilted my head, heat rising to my cheeks.
It was out of fashion, true, but it was a one-of-a-kind hat made by my mother, and I cherished it dearly.
Gale swiftly changed his tune.
