“Aisha…” Yabemiya echoed. “That’s a pretty name.”
“Thank you,” said Sally.
Mag nodded. “Okay, we’ll call you Aisha. I’m Mag. You can call me ‘boss’ like Miya does.” Apparently, she’s aware of the situation she’s in, but she wants to work here regardless. She’s taking her chances because of the food.
Sally nodded. “Yes, Boss.” She had gotten used to calling her employer “boss” because of her days at the Geya Hotel. “Can I leave now?”
Mag nodded with a smile. “Sure. Come back tomorrow at 7 a.m.”
“Thank you, Boss.” Sally nodded at Mag and Yabemiya, and left.
“She looks like a lady, Boss. But why does she…” Yabemiya asked.
“She must have her own reasons. She’ll tell us if she wants us to know.” She is a lady, and she might be the next elven queen.
Yabemiya nodded.
Mag changed into his cooking clothes and started prepping ingredients.
Amy came back at around 4:30. It was very thoughtful of Krassu to let her leave at the same time as her friends in the Chaos School.
Ugly Duckling was lying lazily on the counter the whole afternoon. When it heard Amy’s footsteps, it slid down the counter and ran to the door to greet Amy, rubbing its little head against her legs, meowing. It was very happy to see her.
Amy picked it up. “You got fat, didn’t you?” she asked with disapproval. “You’re running 10 laps before sleeping.”
Ugly Duckling froze. “Meow!”
“10 laps,” Amy repeated.
The kitten pointed at its two bowls, at itself, and then at Amy, and shook its head. “Meow, meow, meow!”
Amy nodded. “I know. I said two bowls and no running, this afternoon.” She giggled. “But after dinner, you have to run 10 laps. It will help you lose weight.”
The kitten rolled its eyes upwards. “Meow!” It was completely outsmarted by Amy.
Amy walked to the kitchen door with the kitten in her arms. “How was your afternoon in school?” Mag asked, his hands covered in flour.
“It was great,” Amy answered happily. “I played with my friends, and they called me a little magic caster. I will study hard and become a true magic caster!”
Mag smiled. “That’s my girl.” He had worried that Amy might find learning magic very boring because Luna had told him that it was a dull process, but it looked like she quite liked it.
“Did you manage to find a pretty waitress?” Amy asked, expectant.
Mag nodded. “Yes. You’ve met her before.”
“Really?” Amy thought a moment. “Mrs. Flower Apron?”
Mag shook his head. “No. Mrs. Flower Apron has to take care of her own restaurant. You’ll know who she is when you come back tomorrow noon.”
“Okay. I’m sure she’s as pretty as Sister Miya.” She took out the music box and asked Yabemiya to dance with her.
They lowered the shades to block unwanted eyes.
Their dancing brought a smile to Mag’s lips. They’re getting better. If Sally could dance with them, that would be perfect. Maybe they could dance during the Peace Memorial Festival.
Qipao, maid dress, and a little girl. That’s a winning and eye-catching combination.
Only, I don’t think Sally would do it. Such a shame!
At dinner, Amy ate with them now that she had successfully promoted tofu pudding.
Ugly Duckling was lying on the floor, sullen. The prospect of running 10 laps tonight filled it with fear.
Amy put some fried rice and meat before it. “Eat, or you won’t have the strength to run.”
The kitten looked away. “Meow.”
“Are you protesting by not eating? 10 laps or you can sleep on the floor,” Amy said calmly.
“Meow, meow,” Ugly Duckling cried in despair. It looked at its meal, sniffed, and started eating happily.
Amy finished two bowls of tofu pudding and a plate of fried rice in a little while. “Father, I’ll go outside and watch them argue with Ugly Duckling.” She climbed down the chair, picked up the kitten that was licking its bowl, and walked towards the door with a stool.
She had got into the habit of watching the customers argue over which flavor of tofu pudding was better.
The two waiting lines hadn’t got tired of doing this. They had become quite a sight in the Aden Square.
