Chapter 22 — “Special Privileges”
Just a moment ago, Heidi had been annoyed with Theo for pouncing on the coachman. But seeing the little creature chase the tiny firebird with such focus, she couldn’t help but soften. After all, young animals were bound to cause trouble.
Still, just because she could forgive Theo didn’t mean the coachman would.
“Whew… thanks for the help. I’ll make sure Theo stays in his room next time you visit.”
“No worries~! Young ones always make a mess or two, right? And I’d like to see him again! I can just make another firebird to play with next time~.”
“Are you sure? I feel bad…”
“Of course! My Tasoon gets into trouble too, so I totally get it~.”
Ah, right. He was a pet owner too.
Feeling grateful, Heidi made a mental note to be more patient the next time his ostrich decided to go on a wild sprint.
But then the coachman tilted his head.
“By the way, you said Theo did this ‘again.’ What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, that. Theo said Ber smelled like burning too.”
“Really? Hm…”
The coachman rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“You think you know why?” Heidi asked curiously.
“…Maybe he just doesn’t like men~?”
“That’s not it. When we went to the nearby village, there were plenty of men around, and he was perfectly fine. Totally calm.”
“Huh. Then what could it be…? I can’t imagine.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
If Theo acted this way toward every visitor, things could get complicated fast. Most people wouldn’t be as understanding as Ber or the coachman.
Just as she was lost in thought, a familiar voice came from behind.
“I’m back, Boss.”
“Ah, Ber! You’re here.”
“Yes. But… what’s that little firebird?”
Ber’s sharp gaze turned toward the tiny phoenix fluttering above the table.
“Well, Theo said the coachman smelled like burning—just like he did with you. So, the coachman made that firebird to distract him for a while.”
“I see. That must have been troublesome for you.”
Even his brief sympathy made her feel oddly comforted.
“Yes. You said it was fine last time, but he’s been like this with guests too… and I can’t really stop him or fix whatever ‘burning smell’ he keeps sensing.”
Maybe because she was tired, her words came out in a small, discouraged mumble.
“Leave it to me. I’ll take care of it.”
Ber’s calm but firm voice drew her attention. His blue eyes were clear and resolute.
Strangely, just hearing him say that made her feel everything would turn out fine.
Maybe it was because every problem she’d faced since meeting him—no matter how big—had somehow been solved.
He’d helped with the strawberry harvest, cooked breakfast every morning, even chased off those greedy merchants at the wholesale market.
Thinking back, she realized something.
Ever since Ber arrived, her days were no longer lonely.
Where she used to struggle alone, now she had someone beside her.
“Yes, I’ll trust you, Ber!”
She turned slightly to hide her flushed cheeks. Ber gave a small nod and walked over to Theo.
“Theo.”
“Huh? Ber’s back! Hi!”
Theo froze mid-chase and looked up at him, golden eyes sparkling.
“I need to ask you for a favor.”
“What is it?”
“If you see our guest—the coachman—don’t attack him or try to bite him, even if he smells like burning.”
“Why?”
“Because that behavior is only for special people.”
“Special?”
Both Theo and Heidi tilted their heads in confusion.
‘Special person? What’s he talking about? And how is that going to convince Theo?’
Still, since Ber had handled everything else so well, Heidi decided to stay quiet and watch.
“Yes,” Ber continued seriously. “You and I are kitchen partners, right? We cook together every day.”
“Yeah?”
“So when you knead me with your paws—your ‘squishy massage’—it makes me happy. I think of it as a privilege only I get, as your special cooking partner. That’s why I don’t want you doing it to anyone else.”
His expression was so sincere that even Heidi almost believed it.
Wait—he actually likes Theo kneading him? she thought, stunned. I thought he just tolerated it!
She had assumed he’d been quietly putting up with it all this time—but apparently not.
It felt like discovering a secret side of a stoic bear of a man.
Theo, meanwhile, was glowing with pride.
“Oho! You recognize the greatness of my kneading!”
He puffed out his tiny chest, paws on hips.
“Yeah, it’s true that I only do that for people I really like! Fine! From now on, I’ll only do it for Ber!”
“Thank you. And please continue helping me with breakfast tomorrow.”
Ber gave him a polite bow. Problem solved—just like that.
“Wow, that was a pretty clever lie~!” the coachman said cheerfully, taking another bite of French toast dipped in strawberry compote.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Ber’s tone didn’t change.
“How’s the food, by the way?”
“Delicious~! You’re surprisingly good at cooking, Mr. Worker!”
“‘Surprisingly’? Do I really look that incapable of cooking?”
Ber’s brow twitched slightly.
“You just have the kind of face that looks more suited to butchering monsters than slicing vegetables~. Honestly, you look like a professional meat cutter.”
The coachman’s teasing tone made Heidi want to intervene.
Don’t tease him too much! she thought. Ber won’t talk back… will he?
But before she could step in, Ber calmly replied,
“How interesting. I was thinking the same thing. You don’t look like you could hold a kitchen knife properly yourself. Can you even handle a peeler?”
…Oh. He did talk back. And perfectly.
“W-what?! I’m stronger than I look, okay!” the coachman sputtered.
Heidi almost laughed. It was clear who had won that exchange.
It also struck her that Ber seemed unusually comfortable around the coachman. With others—like her uncle Henry—he’d been polite but distant.
Maybe it’s because they’re both men and about the same age, she thought.
As she mused over that, Ber spoke again.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll eat in my room.”
He picked up the plate of food Heidi had set aside for him earlier.
“Oh, sure! I’ll get things ready for our outing while you eat.”
“Outing? Where’s Heidi going?”
Theo, with toast crumbs on his cheeks, looked up from his third piece.
“Oh, right, I didn’t tell you! We’re going to the back mountain later to gather plants for the new crop I’m planning. The coachman’s here to help.”
“Then I’m going too! The mountain’s dangerous, so I’ll protect you!”
“Hmm…”
Heidi hesitated.
Theo was brave, yes—but small and soft. If a monster appeared, he’d be a snack, not a shield.
“Can’t I go?” he asked, ears drooping.
“If I stay home alone, I’ll get so bored…”
His fluffy tail drooped too, and Heidi felt her heart waver.
Well… it’s just the back mountain, she thought. It’s not like we’re going all the way to the capital. It should be fine if I keep an eye on him.
