The next morning, Ace was reorganizing the workshop after yesterday's emotional tornado.
Buttons still rolled around the floor like tiny landmines.
A mannequin's head was still missing (Ravenna accused it of escaping).
And Biscuit had glued himself to a chair by accident. Again.
Ace sighed.
"Peace. Please. Just one day of peace."
Ravenna snorted.
"Peace? In THIS shop? Ace, even your shadow causes trouble."
Before Ace could argue, the doorbell chimed.
A soft chime.
But this time, Ace felt a different kind of energy—
a presence that was calm… yet strong.
A girl stepped inside.
She was petite, with short dark hair tied in a practical bun.
Her outfit was a simple adventurer trainee uniform.
Her smile was soft and polite, but her eyes were sharp—
the kind of eyes that noticed everything.
Ace's fur stood up.
This must be her.
Ravenna whispered dramatically,
"RED SCARF GIRL HAS ENTERED THE STAGE!"
Ace flicked her beak with his tail. "Behave."
The girl cleared her throat.
"Um… hello. I'm looking for the magical upcycling shop. Is this… the place run by the legendary cat?"
Ace puffed his chest proudly.
"Yes. Welcome to the workshop of Ace, Master Upcycling Artisan, Feline of Fashion, Tailor of Destiny—"
Biscuit fell out of his chair, interrupting: "AND MANAGER!"
The girl giggled—
a small, controlled giggle that somehow echoed inside Ace's brain like chimes.
Then she said:
"I'm looking for someone."
Ravenna flapped down. "Lemme guess… awkward boy, brown robe, zero confidence?"
The girl blushed.
"…Yes."
Ace smirked.
"Why? Looking to return his heart he dropped?"
The girl's blush deepened.
"N-no! It's not like that! I just… wanted to thank him properly for helping with the herbs yesterday. He left so suddenly. I didn't get the chance."
Ace's tail swayed thoughtfully.
Interesting.
This girl wasn't clueless.
Nor overly emotional.
Nor chaotic.
She was… grounded.
Exactly the type who would make an emotional disaster like their shy boy combust on the inside.
The doorbell chimed again—
and in burst the young man himself.
Out of breath.
Face bright red.
Scarf glowing faint pink.
The moment he saw her—
WHOOMPH.
The scarf flickered like a tiny ember.
Ravenna screamed,
"HYPER-LOVE MODE IS CHARGING UP—BRACE FOR IMPACT!"
The boy panicked, grabbing the scarf with both hands.
"N-n-no no no! Don't activate! Not now!"
The girl looked alarmed.
"What's wrong with the scarf?"
Oh boy.
Ace cleared his throat and stepped between them.
"Allow me to explain:
This scarf reacts to strong emotions.
It is not dangerous—
unless he panics.
Which he always does."
Ravenna nodded. "He is basically a panic sandwich."
The girl stifled a laugh, covering her mouth politely.
The boy stammered,
"I-I'm sorry… this is embarrassing…"
She shook her head softly.
"No… I think it's cute."
The scarf instantly glowed BRIGHT RED.
Ravenna shrieked, "EVERYBODY TAKE COVER!"
The scarf jerked violently—
Ace tackled it midair like a rugby ball, pinning it to the floor.
"CALM. DOWN." he growled at the fabric.
Miraculously, it obeyed.
The boy stood frozen, humiliated.
The girl looked concerned.
"A-are you okay?" she asked gently.
"I—I'm trying," he whispered, voice trembling.
Then the girl did the impossible.
She stepped closer—
placed a hand on his arm—
and smiled with kind sincerity.
"It's okay. You don't have to force it. We can… talk slowly."
The scarf flickered—
but this time, not violently.
A warm, steady glow.
Ace blinked.
This was new.
Ravenna whispered,
"Whoa… she stabilized him."
Biscuit gasped.
"She is the scarf whisperer!"
Ace walked forward, tail flicking.
"You two. Sit. Talk. The scarf will adjust. Consider this… emotional training."
The girl bowed politely. "Thank you, Mr. Ace."
Ace puffed proudly. "Just Ace is fine."
The boy looked at the girl, terrified and hopeful.
She smiled again.
"I'd… like to get to know you better."
The scarf glowed a soft pink.
Gentle.
Stable.
Ace smirked.
This was the beginning of chaos.
But also… something beautiful.