Chapter 27: The Flower Language of Night Embers

“Ah I’m stuffed. Finally, no more wasting money on the academy’s cafeteria food—I’m sick of it.”
Aisha patted her belly, grinning at Charis.

“The cafeteria food’s no good?”
Charis stacked the plates, ready to clear the forks and wash up.

“Even with dozens of dishes, a year of rotation gets old.
Keeping you here, Charis, was absolutely the right call.”

Aisha stood, heading toward the hallway, but paused before turning right, beckoning Charis.

“Oh, by the way, Charis, come here a sec.
I’ve got something to tell you, thanks to your hard work.”

Something to tell me?

Charis wiped her hands on her apron and hurried over.

The hallway led to a balcony, where the evening breeze brought a cool chill.
Aisha leaned against the railing, gazing at the academy’s nightscape, melting into twinkling yellow lights.

“What’s up, Big Sister Aisha?”

“This afternoon, I was invited to a banquet, but it got canceled suddenly.
I think it’s tied to Ophelia.”

Aisha flicked her black hair, her purple eyes blinking slightly.

“What banquet?”

Charis had a hunch it involved the Rodley Family.

“A birthday banquet hosted by the Rodley Family.
You and Luline saw their butler this morning, preparing for their young lady, right?”

“Yeah, for Penny.”

“Looks like you know some of Ophelia’s family drama.
Guess what happened to Penny’s banquet?”

Aisha tilted her head with a smile.
Charis knew Penny’s health was poor—likely the reason for the cancellation.

“Uh… it’s off?”

“Hey, you nailed it.
The Rodley patriarch sent each guest a rare apology gift, saying Penny’s unwell and the birthday’s postponed three days.”

Aisha’s words made Charis’s eyes widen slightly.

Delayed three days?
Sounds like a plan’s gone awry, and it’s got something to do with Ophelia.

“Should we tell Ophelia?
She had a big fight with her sister this afternoon.”
Charis wavered.

“Their relationship’s still that bad, huh?
I’d suggest Ophelia go back, especially since the Night Ember Candle isn’t some casual apology gift.”

“Night Ember Candle?”

Charis had never heard of it.
Aisha explained.

“It’s a rare flower.
The Rodley patriarch told me a lot, even reminisced about Ophelia and Penny’s past, and pointed out the Night Ember Candle’s meaning, though I already knew.”

“The flower’s meaning?”

“Yep, let me think… a mask worn out of necessity.”

Aisha’s explanation sparked Charis’s thoughts.

‘The Rodley patriarch reminiscing with Aisha about Ophelia and Penny’s past?
That’s nostalgia!
Sending Night Ember Candles and mentioning their meaning?
That’s suspicious, almost deliberate!’

‘Did Penny stop Ophelia today because she really wanted her at the birthday?
But for some reason, she couldn’t say it outright?’

The Rodley sisters’ relationship was complicated, especially with Penny’s health.
Charis decided to voice her suspicions.

“Could Penny… still love her sister Ophelia?
Maybe the patriarch feels the same?
They’re just held back by something, so they’re this cryptic?”

“Exactly, Charis, you’re sharp.
But if Luline or I tell Ophelia, she probably won’t believe us.
She’s convinced her family abandoned her.
You know she’s stubborn—rule-bound and headstrong.
No amount of pulling can sway her.”

Aisha looked helpless.
Charis frowned.

“So persuading’s useless?
Just give up?”

“No, we can’t persuade her, but you can.
Your words carry weight with Ophelia—you’re special to her.”

“Me? Why?”

Charis pointed at her face, curious.
Aisha and Luline shared this unwavering faith in her.

“Why? It’s the unique emotional value a pet brings.
You’ve noticed, right?
Ophelia dotes on you—sleeping with you, getting you checkups, sparing no expense.”

“Uh… that’s true.”
Charis nodded.

“So, she’ll listen to you.
You two share a kind of kindred experience—you get each other.
Even if you have to fib, convince her to go back.”

“But what if I can’t?”

Before Charis finished, Aisha leaned down, whispering in her ear with a puff of air.

“No ‘what ifs.’
Do well, and big sister’s got a reward for you.”

“Ugh…!”

Charis’s face flushed red.
Aisha giggled, ruffling Charis’s head.

“Charis, you’ve got this! I’m rooting for you!”

“Don’t just pin your hopes on me!”

Charis touched her ear, blushing—she’d been teased.