Emma's heart sank at Lucas's blunt question, the word "disabled" cutting through her like a cold wind. Most people skirted around her condition, their silence a polite veil over pity or discomfort. Now, her nerves dissolved into a heavy wave of disappointment, her ears drooping as she clutched her books tighter, her body trembling with the weight of rejection she'd braced for.
Behind her, Gaba's expression tightened, her brown eyes flickering with concern as she glanced at Lucas. Her lips pressed into a thin line, a quiet fear stirring in her chest. Did even the city lord, renowned for his vision, see Emma as less capable?
Lucas's gaze swept over them, reading their reactions with a calm intensity. "The editor-in-chief's role involves reviewing articles and writing your own," He said, his voice steady, almost gentle, cutting through the tension like a warm breeze. His words sparked a flicker of hope in Emma, her body relaxing slightly.
"Can you write articles? Or even a simple letter?" Lucas asked, his tone neutral but probing, his dark eyes fixed on Emma. His expectations were modest—articles could be taught, and he was willing to guide her. But a complete lack of writing ability would rule her out.
"I know a little about writing," Emma said cautiously, her voice soft but steady, her ears perking slightly. Her mother had taught her the basics, lessons etched into her memory.
"Oh?" Lucas's brow arched, a spark of surprise in his eyes as he studied her. He pushed a blank sheet of paper and a pen across the desk, his movements deliberate, almost inviting. "Write a short piece, then. Compare Sedona City to other cities."
Emma stared at the paper, her heart pounding, her ears twitching nervously. The task was daunting, but the topic was simple enough—she'd seen enough of Sedona's vibrancy to draw contrasts. Taking a deep breath, she gripped the pen, her small hand trembling as she began to write, her thoughts spilling onto the page in careful, deliberate strokes.
As Emma wrote, Mina leaned close to Lucas, her voice a soft whisper, her blue eyes flicking toward Gaba. She was reporting on potential security recruits, and Gaba was her top choice—a strong, dependable bear beastkin. Lucas nodded calmly, his gaze drifting to Gaba, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. The idea of one sister applying for editor-in-chief while the other was scouted for security was unexpected.
Twenty minutes later, Emma filled a page, her hand poised to start another when Lucas raised a hand. "That's enough for now," He said, his voice firm but kind as he took the paper, his eyes scanning the text with focused intensity. Emma's heart raced, her small hands trembling, her brown eyes locked on Lucas's face, searching for any hint of approval.
Gaba stood behind her, her hands resting gently on Emma's shoulders, her fingers kneading softly to ease her sister's tension. Her own heart pounded, her bear ears twitching as she watched Lucas, her body warm with hope and fear. This was Emma's moment, a test that could change everything.
Lucas finished reading, his expression unreadable, his silence stretching the tension in the room. "Emma," He said finally, his voice calm but deliberate, "I'm giving you two options. First, your writing isn't yet at the level for editor-in-chief. You'd need to train under me, learning to refine your skills. During that time, you'd earn a third of the salary—one silver coin only when you can work independently." He paused, his eyes locking onto hers. "Second, you can refuse."
"I choose the first!" Emma blurted, her voice bright with excitement, her ears perking up. The offer was a shock, a lifeline she hadn't dared hope for. Learning under the city lord himself was a dream.
Gaba's jaw dropped, her brown eyes wide with disbelief. She'd braced for rejection, expecting Lucas to cite Emma's disability as a barrier. The reversal sent a rush of warmth through her, her body tingling with relief and pride.
"Come to the news agency tomorrow," Lucas said, glancing at Emma's beaming face, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's the first issue's release day. I'll teach you the basics."
"Yes, my lord!" Emma said, her voice ringing with joy, her bear ears twitching wildly. She had a job—a real job.
"Lord Lucas, will she work here or at the castle?" Gaba asked cautiously, her voice soft but steady, her heart still reeling from the unexpected turn. She was already planning to quit the weaving workshop, ready to carry Emma to and from work, ensuring her sister's needs were met without burdening others.
"Here at the news agency," Lucas said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Tomorrow's a big day."
"Understood," Gaba said, nodding firmly, her bear ears perking with resolve. Her decision was set—Emma's opportunity was worth any sacrifice.
"Lord Lucas," Emma said softly, her voice trembling as she gripped her books, her brown eyes shimmering with curiosity and nerves. "Why choose me? There are so many others…"
"Emma!" Gaba hissed, her voice sharp with concern, her heart lurching at the boldness of the question.
Lucas raised a hand, silencing Gaba with a gentle gesture, his lips curving into a slight smile. "A person's value isn't in their legs," He said, his voice warm but firm, his eyes locking onto Emma's. "You may not walk, but your potential outshines many who do."
He held up her paper, the ink still fresh, a testament to her skill. "This short piece tells me more than the dozens who came before you. Your ability surpasses them by far." Lucas's voice was steady, but there was a spark of admiration in his eyes, a recognition that sent a flush of pride through Emma. He wasn't surprised—beastkin who survived without being enslaved often had unique talents. In Sedona City, most applicants were commoners, while merchants chasing profit wouldn't bother with such roles. Emma's education, likely from a noble background, set her apart, and Lucas saw the potential in her sharp mind.
"My value… is better?" Emma whispered, her lips parting in disbelief, her brown eyes wide as she stared at Lucas, her heart pounding.
"Your mind," Lucas said, tapping her paper with a finger, his voice calm but commanding. "A wise person, even if they couldn't move at all, would still be hired."
"Understood," She said, her voice steady with conviction, her heart soaring. The city lord saw her intelligence, her worth beyond her physical limitations.
"Go," Lucas said, waving a hand, his tone light but final. With Emma's potential, he could soon delegate the agency's writing, freeing himself from the work.
"Yes, my lord." Gaba said, quickly crouching to lift Emma onto her back, her movements gentle but swift, her bear ears twitching with relief. They stepped out into the bustling street, the evening air cool against their skin.
*Creak.*
Outside, the world felt lighter, the stars above twinkling with possibility. Gaba and Emma shared a glance, their hearts buoyant with the unexpected triumph. A disabled beastkin finding work was a miracle, and Emma's body buzzed with joy, her ears twitching wildly.
"Sister, the city lord is really different," Emma said softly, her voice warm with awe, her body nestled close to Gaba's back.
"He is," Gaba said, her brown eyes sparkling like stars, her bear ears perking with admiration. "Lord Lucas is… noble."
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