Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: The Master Who Ran Away and the Slaves Who Were Abandoned
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Their hair colors were different, but their figures and auras were so familiar that no amount of that could fool me.
The number of tails was off, and they looked more mature overall, but those ears drooping low whenever they messed up or caused trouble...
It was definitely Gloria and Mimi.
The moment I confirmed it, my heart started pounding like mad, but as I took in their states, questions rose before fear could settle in.
Why are they prostrating like that?
Mimi, twitching and fidgeting nonstop, probably because she knew I was here.
Ria, so still she might as well have passed out.
There they were, in the middle of our garden, foreheads pressed to the ground, facing me.
Prostrating fully? No, knees bent, so more like dogeza or kowtowing?
Facing me in that posture, even I couldn't shake the bad vibes and move forward easily.
"Master..."
Lili, nestled in my arms, seemed to urge me with her silent gaze to welcome them.
And for some reason, her eyes held an inexplicable thrill and anticipation.
"K-Kids."
Ah, bit my tongue from the tension.
Still, my words got through—Mimi jolted hard.
But even after calling them, no response yet.
Why are they like that? What brought them here? How did they even find me?
Questions piled up, muddling my head.
At least, seeing them stay put, they probably weren't here to harm me—that thought rippled reassuringly through my mind.
Still, just in case, I hugged Lili tighter, checking escape routes.
If worst came to worst, I'd save at least her.
Unlike me, our fragile Lili could die from a single hit.
Me... ah, fuck if I know.
With all the "just in case" worries, I steeled myself to face Ria and Mimi.
Hope Lili doesn't get scared by my racing heart.
"Ria. Mimi."
My voice, still unsteady, echoed low and trembling.
"Yes. Master."
"Yes! Sniff... M-Master!"
They answered, foreheads still glued to the ground.
Watching them, I wondered if I'd just imagined it all on my own.
"Lift your heads."
Their faces shocked me again.
Mimi's eyes were red and puffy from crying, tear streaks everywhere on her cheeks.
A bit of snot too, making my heart ache more.
As for Ria... it was like seeing a different woman.
Mimi and Lili were beautiful, sure, but Ria's beauty hit so hard I nearly gasped.
For a second, I doubted it was her—but those steadfast eyes locked on me screamed Ria.
That gaze, unbreakable even behind her twisted face back then.
"That..."
No trace of the harm I feared in their eyes.
No, deeper emotions than before, laced with sorrow and anxiety.
I was speechless.
We hadn't talked yet—what happened, what they thought back then.
But I knew.
They still loved me, unchanged.
I'd panicked and run for nothing.
Even a loser like me, they hadn't forgotten, still cared—just their eyes said it all.
Something jammed in my chest, breathing grew tight and suffocating.
The world blurred with heat haze, but Ria and Mimi stood sharp, proving they were real.
No clue what to say.
The tension broke me; arms holding Lili sagged.
Sweet Lili hopped down first, letting me fully relax.
Thanks, Lili.
"M-Master."
"Master..."
As this idiot me started crying, they panicked, stepping toward me then freezing—fresh tears poured out.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm so lacking, couldn't earn your trust. All my fault—please, calm down."
"Master... waaah!! Masteeer!"
I rushed to them impulsively.
All fear for Ria and Mimi gone.
With the ugly doubts gone, raw feelings left no choice but to embrace them.
I knelt between them, pulling both into my arms.
They spread their arms wide, signaling no harm—as if I could hold back tears more.
"Sorry..."
They flinched at "sorry," so I cut off quick.
"Thank you... ngh! Kids... ugh... so thankful..."
Why apologize to trash like me?
Finally, they tentatively hugged back, scared even to touch.
Feeling their arms wrap my back, I crushed them closer.
Tears wouldn't stop, spilling all my regret.
"So thankful... sniff..."
"Master..."
"Masteeeeer... waaah!"
Uwaaaah!!!
"Missed you! Missed you so muuuch!"
"Me too... ached for you so badly."
Sorry I'm such an idiot waaah!!
Now convinced I wasn't scared?
Their hugs tightened.
Mimi on my left shoulder.
Ria on my right.
Me on theirs.
Faces buried, we bawled.
Until time blurred, confirming each other's reality.
Snuggling and sobbing in the garden center, sunset dyed everything orange before we knew.
Look at my head.
Can't stay on grass forever; I gently pried Ria and Mimi off.
Mimi's face a mess of tears and snot, still streaming; Ria's subtler, but twisted face and red eyes leaked drops.
"Let's go inside."
Mimi clung to my arm, nodding silently; Ria gripped my sleeve gently.
Turning to call Lili, who'd waited baffled all day...
Huh...?
Lili's gaze on us felt off.
Lips bit, eyes wandering endlessly on me.
Dunno why, but she'd stood tired too—time to head in.
"Lili."
"...Yes. Master."
At my call, she shut her eyes once, then approached with clear gaze.
Hours after arriving home, we finally entered.
Guided Ria and Mimi to the sofa for talk; went to sit too, but—
Squeeze.
Spoiled Mimi climbed atop me on the sofa, hugging front-on tight.
Arms and legs locked to my torso like she'd never let go—classic Mimi.
"Sniff... kng..."
Crying stopped, but nose still sniffly.
Yeah yeah, wipe on my shirt.
Patting her plump butt to soothe, plus tail pets.
"Nyaaah..."
Happy, limp moan—adorable.
When did your butt get so ripe, Mimi?
Squeeze.
Ria sat left, still clutching my sleeve quietly.
She's bold yet shy with affection.
For her, slid left arm to her cleavage, offering it.
"!!"
She hesitated, then crushed it with both arms.
Give her the setup, she never misses—our Ria.
Now torso and left claimed, about to tell Lili right side—
"Master."
Lili called softly from afar, voice thick with unfamiliar anxiety.
Scared I'd neglect her for them?
Never.
I love my things equally, full throttle every moment.
But against my guess—
"I... have something to tell you."
Lili's words were more shocking.
Way beyond what I'd imagined.