Chloe echoed the phrase, a blend of curiosity and unfamiliarity in her tone. “Embroidery exhibitions?”
“That’s right!” Ciel exclaimed. “There’s one held right in that grand hall next to the royal castle. Artisans come in from all over the country, and even beyond, to showcase their masterpieces. The quality of stitchwork on display there is unparalleled—you won’t find anything like it this side of the great ocean!”
“Wow, that sounds incredible. The capital really is full of surprises!”
“I knew you’d be interested. You’ve always had a soft spot for embroidery, haven’t you?”
Chloe’s heart swelled at her words. Embroidery had been another hobby Chloe had discovered for herself since coming to the capital. Strictly speaking, she’d practiced it since her days in Shadaf, but back then, it had been a task dictated by the demands of her sister, Lily—devoid of any personal enjoyment. No matter how full her hands were with other household responsibilities, or how much the biting cold numbed her fingers, Lily would always foist unreasonable deadlines upon her, forcing her to stitch late into the night. However, after a brief hiatus in the capital, Chloe’s love for embroidery had been rekindled, sparked by an unexpected commission from Ciel. She had been so taken with Chloe’s handiwork that she’d even boldly claimed that Chloe could pursue it as a career, a notion that bolstered Chloe’s fledgling confidence.
“So, how about it? Do you wanna go? Though judging by that look on your face, I’d venture to say I already know the answer.”
“Yes!” Chloe blurted out. “I’d love to!”
“And there it is. Give me one second...” Ciel rummaged around in her pockets for a moment before producing two banknote-sized tickets. “Here; time and date is written on there, so make sure to double-check that before you go.”
“Thank you, Miss Ciel! How much do I owe you?”
“Oh, don’t you worry about that, dear. The tickets just happened to come my way earlier; you’d be doing me a favor taking them off my hands.”
“I couldn’t, not for free!”
“Who said anything about free? You already paid me back—with that delightful smile of yours. That’s more precious than any amount of coin.”
Feeling a mix of embarrassment and warmth, Chloe relented. “Thank you, then. I’ll gratefully accept...” Her voice trailed off as she noticed something. “Wait, there are two tickets here, Miss Ciel!”
“Of course. How else would you take Sir Lloyd with you?”
“I-I-I-I’m taking Sir Lloyd?!”
Ciel nodded. “’Course you are—on a date.”
Nodding, Ciel pressed the tickets into Chloe’s hands with a swift, decisive motion, leaving no room for refusal. Chloe, slightly overwhelmed, held them carefully with trembling fingers. “Thank you, Miss Ciel. You’re always so thoughtful,” she said, tucking the tickets into her rucksack. A hint of concern crept into her voice. “But I’m not sure if Lloyd can make it. His schedule is always so hectic...”
“You’ll figure it out!” Ciel replied. “These things pop up from time to time. If not this exhibition, then the next.”
Chloe’s heart swelled with appreciation. “You’re always far too kind to me, Miss Ciel. Thank you again!”
Ciel returned Chloe’s gentle smile with a warm, almost motherly gaze. “It’s my pleasure, Chloe. You’re more than just a regular to me. If you need anything, remember: my door’s always open to you.”
A pang of emotion stirred in Chloe’s heart. Miss Ciel always does so much for me, she reflected, her thoughts drifting into the past. Ever since her arrival in the capital, she had become a regular at Miss Ciel’s stall, relying on it for her and Lloyd’s daily meals. Whether it was for the support during the incident with Lily or the encouragement she received for her embroidery, Chloe felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Ciel.
With a gentle shake of her head, Chloe pulled herself from her reverie. She quickly finished her shopping, exchanged warm goodbyes with Ciel, and started her journey home. As she ambled through the bustling streets, a familiar name surfaced in her mind. “I wonder how Shirley’s doing...” she mused quietly, lost in thought as the city’s hustle and bustle swirled around her.
Chloe had taken up the needle in the first place thanks to Shirley’s influence. Her mind wandered back to her early days of learning embroidery under Shirley’s guidance. She vividly recalled her skilled hands; the way her needle danced between her fingers seemed like magic to the young Chloe.
Reflecting further, she realized how much Shirley had taught her—not just embroidery, but also reading, writing, and the essentials of household management. Every challenge she’d faced, from those earliest days in Shadaf to this very moment, she’d gotten by at all because Shirley had left her with the foundational skills she needed. Chloe even owed her knowledge of the royal capital to Shirley, who had meticulously drawn a map that guided her to this new life.
Thinking back, it had been perhaps the most critical blessing in disguise of all that Shirley, the estate’s most junior handmaiden, had been tasked with Chloe’s care. A fresh transplant from the capital, she had been unaffected by the prejudices of the countryside, and had treated Chloe with the kindness and respect she’d deserved. She’d been the sole light in Chloe’s otherwise grim existence, and it was truly impossible for Chloe to describe with mere words the significance of having someone like Shirley who believed in her.
“I wish I could see her again,” Chloe whispered to herself. Yet, in the vast expanse of the capital, finding Shirley felt as daunting as searching for a needle in a haystack.
“Maybe we’ll cross paths randomly, right here in these city streets?” she pondered, a touch of whimsy in her tone.
But then, with a self-aware chuckle, she added, “Just kidding.” She knew life was not a fairy tale, where such serendipitous encounters were common. With a wry smile and a renewed sense of purpose, Chloe quickened her steps, eager to return to the comforts of her home.
✦ ✦ ✦
As Chloe passed by a familiar city park, she was pleasantly accosted by a familiar voice. “Miss Monkey Lady!”
As she turned around, Chloe’s eyes lit up as she saw a young girl of no more than five years old, skipping towards her. “Millia, hello!” she answered.
“Hi Chloe!” Millia shouted back.
Millia, with her doll-like blue eyes, fluffy blonde hair that now cascaded down to her waist, and another one of her frilly dresses, was the picture of a daughter well-loved. “You too, Othello! Go on, say hi!” Millia urged.
A soft meow emanated by her feet. Chloe’s face instantly softened. “Othello, hi!” she cooed, greeting the black-and-white tuxedo kitten. “And just how have you been?”
Chloe bent down, and as if on cue, Othello flopped over onto his side, eliciting a bubbly giggle from Chloe. She took the invitation without a second thought and ran her fingers through Othello’s fluffy belly. The cat purred contentedly under her touch.
“Oh, you’re just too precious.”
Chloe beamed, her smile radiating warmth. Lost in the moment, Chloe’s usual composure melted away as she continued to pet Othello. Her face relaxed into an expression of pure joy, and she found herself making soft, catlike sounds. “So cute. So cute!”
Millia pointed and laughed. “Your face is melting again, Miss Monkey Lady!”
Chloe tried to defend herself, but it was too late; her higher functions had all but been sapped away. “He’s just too cute! I can’t resist!”
In her heart, Chloe knew the universal truth—the floof, it makes fools of us all.
Suddenly, a third voice broke into the conversation. “I hear you, Chloe. Can’t resist, can you?”
Chloe gasped. Either Millia had suddenly grown into an adult or... She looked up slowly, and there she was. “G-Good afternoon, Miss Sara. You’ve caught me in the act once again...” she stammered, slightly embarrassed.