In her eyes, Cashim has always been a curious cat. The mystery effect she consistently portrays and the slight hint about her 'master's identity' always hooked him into being more interested in who the person behind her was. Such strategy, she shouldn't let it die down in flames.
Mystery always entices a human; it's exciting, compelling, bewildering, and attention-grabbing. There's fear and an urge to peek at or unveil it. But once you reveal it, the interest will soon die down. That's why there must always be a way to make it constant.
For Ett, having her phone, wifi, food, and becoming a salted fish is a dream come true, even if it's repetitive, but for someone like Cashim, this may not be the case. That guy reeks of overwhelming jovial vibes; once his curiosity is touched, he can even surpass a stallion with his stamina to get to the ends of it. Life without something new and thrilling would bore him to death.
"Wouldn't this implicate you?"
As if you're concerned about me.
"Tomorrow, just wait."
Cashim hooked his head, "Don't be like that! I'm truly concerned about you. I'll help."
Ett just ignored him, gently smoothing Eru's feathers. This little lyre has suffered so much because of her loyalty—such a strange creature. As one with intellect, she could have said her purpose. Animals that are beaten harshly and for a long time would naturally submit.
Yet here is this little guy.
"Stupid." or maybe not.
She already knew what would happen if the information got leaked and what to do. Although it would be troublesome, at the very least, Eru would have kept her tongue and won't have been beaten this badly. Ett frowned. Was this instilled in Eru by 'Ett'?
Cashim watches her with a smiling face.
"What are you looking at?"
"This pet seems to be yours rather than your master."
"Is it a sin to dote on something that doesn't belong to me?"
"Oh, that's deep."
He chuckled, "But don't say 'dote something at such a young age."
What's this guy on about?
"It should be someone." Cashim corrected. "Dear little lady, your manner of words feels, no, it's as if I'm also a thing in your eyes rather than someone."
"..."
Whatever floats your boat.
Their trip wasn't long, and they arrived at Cashim's Isolet. When Ett saw the prominent structure, she remembered Akan and the task she had given him. If no problem arose in communicating with the patriarch of the Ostenian Duchy, they could gather everything accordingly. The following materials would come smoother, and so will the plan's implementation.
"Do you know someone who can treat her?"
In this timeline, there's no such thing as a veterinarian. Ett doesn't even know if such a profession is close as she mentioned above.
"Hm. I'll ask Mazi. Then does that mean the little lady would stay here for a while?"
There was a teasing tone in his voice.
"Are you offering me a cup of wine?"
"It's unethical to do so with a child. But if you want..."
Ett moved back to Cashim's transaction room, mildly saying, "Angel Shot."
"Ah?" Angel? What's with that divine name?
Bang.
Uhm.
"Have I been away for too long?"
Cashim wondered quietly, thinking for some time, then scratched the back of his neck and saw the door above closed.
"I'll ask her later on. Mazi!"
"Oh, maybe he knows what that drink is!"
Mazu, "???"
Soon enough, a man entered Cashin's office.
A well-versed hunter that could treat animals helped the injured Eru with his wounds and told Ett the dos and don'ts of taking care of Eru. He also gave her some suggestions for her meal and regular treatment.
"Thank you. If something comes up, I'll search for you."
It was more like asking Cashim about the hunter.
"Of course, Young Lady."
"Here. I thank you again."
The hunter smiled cheekily and tested the money's weight in his hand. It was quite a hefty sum. Of course, it's not his first time dealing with the nobles. The hunter understood from her tone and expression what she meant.
"Yes, I just came here for the Master of Isolet."
Ett nodded, turning to Eru again.
The hunter also had a short talk with Cashim before taking his leave. Gazing outside his window, he realizes it's already at the crack of dawn. Is this little girl not leaving? He was always used to the fact that whenever they met, she came and went like the wind.
Cashim sat on the settee next to the sleeping Eru, whispering lowly, "Little lady, Mazi will prepare a room for you, or should you want to go to my estate to rest first?"
He wants to ask first about what she said before because no one knows; Mazi was confused when he asked. But it doesn't seem polite to say it first.
"No need. Thanks."
"Hehe, what's there to be thankful for? Aren't your master and I on the same side."
Ett twitches her lips. You've said that to the Duke of Ostenian too, buddy.
Ett just stayed here a little longer because this little lyre needs to rest for a while. After all, Eru is a bit heavy for her! She needs to replenish her strength by going to a crowded place. However, she's twice as tired now.
She was taking care of a bird while minding her health and the possibility of vomiting, no. She did want to cough up blood these previous hours but stopped herself.
Dammit. Ett's tired as fvck, even with little effort, alright.
Ett needs to stay still for a moment.
"Grapes."
"Hm?"
"Can you bring me grapes?"
"Oh, then I'll call Mazi for wine."
"..."
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Cashim laughed. He likes teasing someone as quiet and reserved as her. Even her eye expression is amusing.
"Alright. Alright."
Soon enough, Cashim gives her a small basket of seedless grapes, and she eats it with relish. This is her booster, so good. Since Eru is asleep and can eat it all, she'll empty this little basket before returning. The sun is nearly setting, and her maids and Ares will come knocking on her door after a couple of hours, telling her it's time for dinner. Ett was quite surprised that she didn't faint after staying up all night. Still, Ett shouldn't tire this little body like this. Who knows what will happen if she tries to push this body's limit?
Nevertheless, even in these times, the people below are still quite energetic. She could hear some laughs here and there, as well as... music playing? These people are too merry in Ett's eyes. Well, they're not her problem anyway.
She continued to eat her grapes delightfully.
Cashim, on the side, also brought one and ate, looking at her helplessly. He was pretty sleepy, but knew he had a guess. He could only accompany her.
"If you don't want to rest in my estate, I can arrange a room and a place to your liking."
"After I finish this, you can sleep."
"Why are you so sensitive? I am not sleepy!"
"Mm."
Cashim sighed, "You don't believe me."
"Then why don't we talk about something? I'm bored."
"I am just a servant."
Ett uttered.
"You're a smart servant."
Cashim corrected. "Tell me, if your master finds out that I became part of the Noble Faction, would your master still hire me and give me lots of money?"
"Master is not that narrow-minded."
"That's great! Then what would your master think if I became his loyalist but became a member of the Noble Faction to know what's happening and tell him? Wouldn't he still give me twice the benefits?"
"I don't have a say."
This guy, now you're trying to make me your advisor? Why should I suggest this when you already have this in mind ah?
"Think about it. But maybe, your master, he, he…." Cashim drawled, licking his lips, and worriedly said, "Well, there is a possibility that he might have a different plan?"
"Hm."
"What, hm? I'm telling you this because I don't want to meddle with his plan!"
"I know."
Cashim pursed his lips. It's so hard to talk with this child!
"Then can you at least tell her this?"
"You don't want to be neutral?"
Ett asked back?
"Why would I be neutral when I can get more benefits being on the side of your master?"
He grinned, not hiding his money-loving persona.
"Then forget about being a loyalist."
That's Ett's sincere advice as a 'servant.'
After all, a money-loving person could only be loyal to the one with the highest bid. If Ett doesn't bid the highest but her opponent in the future asks about her identity or whatever she's connected to, then won't her plans go awry?
As if what Cashim said was for her 'master's' benefit, he continued, "If not, I can act neutral to know the plans of the other nobles who have not taken sides. Who knows, there might be a threat to the imperial faction."
"I have nothing to say."
"I'm not asking you about his opinion, ehem, you're master's opinion. But you as his servant who has been with him all the time. Just be honest with me. Don't worry. I'll give you a separate sum."
Wow.
"Don't bribe me."
Cashim was helpless, "You won't let me have an inkling."
Ett was silent for a moment before taking another grape, finally saying, "She might."
This time, Cashim, who had been acting helpless, turned silent and stopped himself from grinning from ear to ear.
A clue!
Haha! Finally, this little lady had a slip of the tongue! Now he was sure of another thing! This is great!
After eating the last grape, Ett stands up, not caring about Cashim's cheerful mood.
"Till then."
"Yes. Yes. I'll take you out."
"No need."
"Oh."
Cashim nodded. "Your master can order me anytime."
"Mm."
Ett turned around and left. She was quickly fading from the streets and entering the forest.
"Eh? Why did I forget to ask what kind of wine Angel Shot is? Forget it. I'll ask her when she comes back again."