As Cassius spoke, he reached out and gently twirled a strand of her orange hair around his finger.
It was a familiar gesture, one her own master sometimes made, usually when he was drunk and in a playful mood that made Happy's skin crawl.
But this was different.
Cassius's touch was light. Gentle. There was no possessiveness in it, no hint of threat.
It felt...affectionate. Like an older brother teasing a younger sibling.
Happy found herself relaxing.
"To be honest." She admitted, her voice gaining confidence. "I was a bit scared at first. Since I've heard so many rumors about you, and they're all very bad, Young Master."
Cassius's smile didn't falter.
"But." Happy continued, emboldened. "Big Sister over there—" She pointed back. "—told me that you're actually a really nice young master, and I can come here and ask you a favor."
Cassius followed her gesture, saw Portia, and his expression softened further.
