CHAPTER 276: CHAPTER 276 - TEACHING ONE APPLICATION OF EQ

It was interesting to know that the ones who run the local casino also help out with assisting people settling in here. In that way, Ellie Rushwater’s offer to help me find work back then makes a lot more sense.

However, Zoé’s tone made me look at her more... carefully. There was definite loneliness there. A kind of resigned acceptance that made my chest tighten with comparison and memory.

Yet, as much as I’d like to empathize with her... the best I could do is sympathy. Because *I* had a group I was supposed to belong to - the royal fox lineage I was born in.

I just didn’t fit it. Not unless wedged and molded and pressed into position as best they could. Even then, it only ’worked’ because I started allowing it to...

"What’s that been like? If I may ask. Being here without the affiliation of your people?"

She shrugged, in that infuriating way teens do. Loose in the wrong places and tight in others. Feigning being unbothered while really just not knowing if they should... or even how to articulate their issues.

"It’s fine, mostly. The Rimecoat territory is supposed to be welcoming to rogues - and it is. I can go to school, work someday, live my life. But..."

"But?"

The girl didn’t need much more prodding than that, but she was clearly just a bit uncomfortable. Considering the way she scratched at the back of her neck.

"I’m still always... like today - those boys knew they could hassle me because of it. Because bringing Paul into it isn’t what I want."

"Well, he’s an Omega, so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to put him into a position of getting hurt. A sweet kid... but mistakes by overzealous idiots like them only need to happen once to be irreversible."

"Yeah. I know. And I just don’t have anyone else. Werewolves who’d care enough to make it a problem for them in a way that really matters."

Her eyes flicked to me meaningfully before looking down at her books and smirking.

"At least, that’s what they thought. Thanks. Again."

I almost did something then and there. The pack roster popped up and my fingers traced very close to her name. But I blinked the focus on the system interface away and laid my hand on the space between her shoulder blades instead.

"Anytime. Though, I do think you were making a small mistake."

"...What do you mean?"

"Paul cares. How do you think he is going to feel if he ever learns he was just... a liability, to you?"

Her eyes squinted and her face contorted a bit. I knew she wouldn’t like what I had to say.

"That’s... not..."

"I know. Believe me. But you should understand that the way you mean to handle a situation may not be the way others view you handling it. Especially when there is any room for guilt."

As someone who grew so greatly depressed when my own brother distanced himself, even trying to convince myself that it was not his fault? It only became my fault... well before I could put any blame on my parents.

So I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about how cynically someone can take even what others think is for the good of another.

"When. And I do mean when, not if, you tell him what you’ve endured. He will hurt for you because he seems like a noble little thing. And also hurt because of you because I doubt he has the mental tools to prevent it."

"I still don’t understand what you mean..."

Crossing my left leg over my right, as well as my arms under my chest, I lean back into the park bench and look up at the yellowed autumn leaves above. It’s a pretty enough tree, whose name I only knew thanks to Helene.

Because my kingdom’s climate and locale did not have this variety. Though I recall some explorer’s drawings in the royal library that may have been from a region with similar flora.

"It is not a perfect method, as people react to different things in different ways, but you will find a lot of benefit by what is known as... placing yourself in another’s shoes. Reversing roles on a situation as a mental exercise."

Which is exactly why I learned how to play along with the Queen Mother so well. Why I was sure my father did not care what I did so long as I did not make a scandal. And why I know that every decision that Alpha makes is tinged with the Fated Mate potential in her mind.

Because I would have that happening too, in her same position.

"So lets say this. Hypothetically, Paul is being bullied mercilessly, but he has kept quiet about it. Because he did not want you to be involved and hassled or to get in trouble by intervening. Your thoughts?"

She didn’t say anything, just leaned forward and hugged the textbooks on her lap. Which was as good as saying everything. Sadness, anger, nowhere to go with it... but at herself.

"What you feel right now is likely the same as he would feel. Or at least a close enough approximation, because the two of you are good children."

"How do I... what do I say to make him understand it wasn’t like that? His family doesn’t even really tolerate our friendship. They wouldn’t have helped even if he begged. And he would have if he knew..."

I could tell that that part was even bigger of a concern to her. Even when I suggested Paul may have been hurt in bully related scuffle, her eyes did not glow... but now they are.

Maybe because she was confident that she would have intervened herself before that. The pride of a spirit-bearing werewolf. A boon and strength that is of no use at keeping loved ones from bowing their heads for your sake even if it frustrates you to see it.

"I’m sorry. That sounds very isolating. But I must admit I’m also just a little jealous."

"Jealous. Of me?"

"Yep. And no, I don’t really feel like explaining. Sorry for even bringing it up."

Turning my face with a little tilt and smile, I leave her wondering what I meant. Because I’m not going to get into my own family affair right now. Or admit that I wish someone had sat Ravi down and really hammered home how I felt.

...That was a cruel thought, Vrika. But... yes. I’ve considered that too.

It was entirely possible that my once beloved brother most definitely did do the same emotional thought experiment and still remained distant anyway. Blue eyes blinked at me, looked down, and turned away.

However, I know my wolf wasn’t... well, I *think* it was not intentionally being mean. Though it may have been driving me toward a choice. Another that I’d already made once, but it won’t let me forget.

"If you appreciate my advice and the favor I extended and feel that you owe me... I do have something in mind."

"Do you need a replacement gyro?"

"...No. Just tell me if you notice anything at all as I test something."

| ANNEXATION SUCCESS! |

| PACK ROSTER UPDATED |

| TRACKING: Active |

| MENTORING: Active |

Well. She didn’t flinch at all. I suppose that confirms that even a werewolf won’t just magically see the system.

But that last part is... new.