CHAPTER - 2

– Inspection –

Plumette led Jacob to the grounds, where Zachary was waiting, tending to his horse. He looked up as he heard footsteps approaching.

“Young Master Narwing, what brings you here?” Zachary inquired.

“I came on a small inspection of the merchants and businesses here at your estate,” Jacob answered with a respectful tone. “When Lady Plumette said she was going on an inspection with you, Count Fritzki allowed me to tag along. Mind if I borrow a horse from your stables? I don’t have mine with me at the moment.”

“No, go ahead. I’ll inform the stable boy to bring a horse that suits you,” Zachary replied, handing Plumette’s horse over to her. The horse lowered its head toward Plumette, and she petted it.

After a while, a servant brought a horse from the stables for Jacob and handed it to him before quickly retreating. The three rode along the fixed path as Zachary showed Jacob the route merchants often used to deliver goods to the estate. Plumette silently followed them, a slight, unseen dissatisfaction on her face at the interruption of her fun time. Jacob noticed Plumette’s small pout and the dark waves of her hair shining under the sun, contrasting vividly with the white, cloudless sky. He realized he had missed skies like this—especially compared to the warfields, where everything was red, even the skies and waters; a small relief washed over him, remembering that those times were now behind him.

Soon, they arrived at the storage houses. Zachary busied himself showing Jacob the contents while Plumette lingered, talking to the other servants. Suddenly, she heard an animal cry somewhere near the storage houses. Everyone else was too busy to notice it, so she followed the sound and stumbled upon an injured baby fox, its body marked with bite wounds—likely attacked by a larger animal.

I should help the fox. It’s too young to die, Plumette thought. She quickly removed her outer coat, gently picked up the fox, and caressed it to calm it while walking toward her brother. “Shh… it’s okay. I’ve got you, foxy,” she whispered, careful not to put pressure on its wounds.

Zachary soon heard the fox’s whines and saw his sister carrying the bloodied animal. A worried expression crossed his face. “What happened? Are you okay? Why do you have a fox?” he asked, rushing to her side.

“I’m fine, but this fox doesn’t seem to be,” Plumette replied, showing him the wounds. “It looks like some animal attacked it, and it’s been crying for a while.”

“We should send it to the apothecary,” Zachary said, calling for a servant. “Give the fox to the servant. He’ll take it to the apothecary and inform us of its condition.” Plumette hesitated but handed the fox, wrapped in her coat, to the servant, gently caressing its head. “I’ll check on you soon,” she whispered before the servant left.

Jacob had watched the entire ordeal silently. Seeing Plumette so concerned for a single fox made him pause; he didn’t know what to say or do if she started to cry, but he looked forward to learning about her and accepting her as she was. Plumette had always shown equal care for humans and animals. She didn’t need to know someone to comfort them when they were sad or injured, yet she was also strong enough to accept the harsh realities of death or loss.

Jacob noticed Plumette’s outer coat was missing. Quickly, he removed his own and handed it to her. “The evening air will be chilly, so wear this while riding back to the estate, My Lady,” he said, careful not to drape it over her shoulders. He wasn’t sure if that would be too forward; Zachary stood by, unsure whether to intervene.

“Thank you for looking after my sister, Young Master Jacob. But shall we continue with the topic you came here for?” Zachary said. Jacob nodded and returned to the merchants, as if nothing had happened.

Plumette was left confused by Jacob’s sudden act of kindness. She knew he was a nice man, but she didn’t know how to interpret his actions. She dismissed it as mere courtesy and slipped his coat on. Plumette didn’t usually consider herself small—she was 165 cm tall—but Jacob’s coat felt oversized. Still, she accepted it, unwilling to hurt his pride. She shook off her thoughts and continued greeting the servants, making small talk.

It took Zachary and Jacob a while to finish their business with the merchants, but they completed it before the sun set. They met up with Plumette, who was waiting with her horse. “Are you both finally done? I thought I might have to spend my dinner here,” Plumette said sarcastically.

“Well, thank God you didn’t, then,” Zachary replied.

They quickly hopped on their horses and began the ride back to the Fritzki estate. Along the way, they passed vast farm fields, with farmers leaving as night approached. Beyond the fields, the sky glowed orange from the setting sun, reflecting across the rich farmland—creating a memory Zachary, Plumette, and Jacob would treasure.

“Aren’t you glad I suggested we go out this noon?” Plumette said, a proud smirk on her face. Zachary chuckled, and Jacob smiled.

“Yes, thank you, Plumette,” Zachary admitted, grateful. Jacob added, “Thank you, Lady Plumette, for letting me tag along on your outing.” Though Plumette had been slightly annoyed by the intrusion, she couldn’t keep such a beautiful scene to herself.

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome,” she laughed, brushing off their serious gratitude.