Side Story 1 - New Small Tasks for a Growing Heart

[Shortly after Luna and Rima left…]

"Since the two of them have gone, Abi, please watch over Young Miss Daisy while I hang the laundry," Lusserina said.

"Yes, Big Sis Lusserina!" Abiyasa replied.

"I want to help too!" Daisy chimed in.

She looked at Lusserina with sparkling eyes, her small fists clenched in front of her chest, full of excitement and determination.

"…Very well, if Young Miss Daisy wishes to help," Lusserina said after a brief pause.

With that settled, the two moved to the backyard. Near the river sat a pile of wet clothes in buckets. Lusserina lifted one with ease. Daisy tried to do the same.

"Nngghhh!"

She groaned as she struggled, but the bucket was far too heavy. Seeing this, Lusserina smiled faintly before heading back inside. When she returned, she carried a much smaller bucket—just the right size for Daisy.

She separated Daisy's clothes and placed them inside the small bucket. Not many, but enough to make Daisy feel useful. Having her own bucket made Daisy beam with pride.

For the next few minutes, Lusserina hung the laundry while Daisy proudly carried the clothes over in her bucket.

Afterwards, Daisy wanted to help Abiyasa sweep the yard, but they didn't have a broom small enough for her to use. Her face puffed into a sulky pout.

"How about we wipe down the house instead?" Lusserina suggested.

Daisy's face brightened instantly. Lusserina handed her a damp cloth, and together they began cleaning the house, starting from the second floor.

Not only the floors, but the furniture as well. Once the upper floor was spotless, they moved to the first floor.

When they finished, Daisy sat down, breathing heavily. Most of the work had been done by Lusserina, of course, but it was still good practice for Daisy.

Lusserina went to the kitchen and prepared warm honey tea.

"Young Miss Daisy, please drink this. It will restore your energy after working," she said gently.

Slurp! Slurp!

Warm steam tickled Daisy's nose. With one gulp, the sweet honey tea slid straight down her throat.

"More?!" Daisy asked eagerly.

Lusserina made her another cup.

"What do we do now?" Daisy asked.

"Hmm…" Lusserina thought for a moment. "Since the housework is done, it's time to go buy groceries in the city."

"To the city? YAY!!" Daisy cheered excitedly.

Young Miss Daisy really does love going out… just like Lady Luna, Lusserina thought fondly.

After ensuring the house was secure, Daisy, Lusserina, and Abiyasa went to the front yard. A carriage awaited them, with Langit serving as the horse. Just as they were about to board, two white wolves approached—Bamby and Arimby.

Woof! Woof!

They ran up and began licking Daisy.

"Hahaha, Bamby! Arimby! That tickles! Do you want to come with us?" Daisy asked.

Woof!

Their tails wagged eagerly.

"Lu, can they come too?" Daisy asked.

Lusserina paused before answering. "They could… but then who would guard the house? It wouldn't be fair to leave Putih alone."

Disappointment flickered across Daisy's face.

"Sorry, you can't come," she told them gently. "But you have an important job—protecting the house while we're gone."

Woof!

The wolves perked up immediately, energised by their "mission." Seeing them cheerful again, Daisy felt relieved.

With everything decided, the three of them departed for the capital.

[In the Capital]

A few hours later, they arrived at Nuzantra's eastern gate.

"Good afternoon, Daisy!"
"Good afternoon, Miss Lusserina!"
"Good afternoon, Abiyasa!"

The gate guards greeted them warmly.

"Where are Lady Luna and Lady Rima? Aren't they coming?" one guard asked.

"They have business elsewhere, so it's just us today," Lusserina replied.

"Oh, I see. So Daisy, where are you headed?" another asked.

"I'm helping Lu shop for groceries!" Daisy answered proudly.

"How responsible! Stay safe, then."

Daisy waved before they headed toward the marketplace.

The market buzzed with activity. Vendors sold food, clothing, armour, accessories, and more. Traders shout out their wares to each other. The aroma of various dishes filled the air. Though Daisy had been here many times before, the sight still amazed her—especially the toy stalls.

While Lusserina bargained at a food stall, Daisy's gaze drifted toward a nearby toy shop.

"Which one do you want?" Lusserina asked gently.

Daisy startled and shook her head, but her eyes remained fixed on a white unicorn doll displayed in the shop window. Lusserina quietly whispered something to Abiyasa.

Soon, their baskets were full. Daisy carried a small one with light ingredients—spices and herbs. Just as they were about to leave—

"Daisy!" someone called.

It was Elise and the others.

"Big Sis Elise!" Daisy exclaimed.

After chatting for a bit, Elise invited them to lunch. Daisy looked at Lusserina for permission.

"Since it's already noon, let's find a nice place to eat," Lusserina said with a smile.

"YAY!"

They went to a wooden restaurant with a balcony.

"Wow!" Daisy gasped at the view.

"Careful!" Elise hurried after her as Daisy ran to the railing.

"I saw a doll that looks like Langit earlier!" Daisy said excitedly.

Meanwhile, the others talked. Al mentioned they would soon return home to Tazik. They learned Luna and Rima were heading toward the Kingdom of Niranthea.

After lunch, the groups parted ways.

Back Home

By the time they returned, Daisy was already drowsy and soon fell asleep on Lusserina's lap.

Later, after dinner, Abiyasa approached her.

"Young Miss, look what I brought…"

He held out a small white unicorn plush.

"Waaahh!!"

Daisy's eyes sparkled as she hugged it tightly.

"But… will Mom be mad if I have this?" she asked nervously.

"Don't worry. Lady Luna wouldn't be angry. In fact, she would probably buy it for you herself," Lusserina said.

"Really?"

They nodded with smiles.

"Thank you, Lu! Abi!" Daisy cried, jumping into Lusserina's arms.

That night, she fell asleep on the sofa, still clutching her new toy. Lusserina carried her to bed.

Lady Luna would surely be proud of what Young Miss Daisy did today, Lusserina thought softly as she closed the door.