Foot Jelly Shock and Mommy's Moonlit Visit
So, the big question is... what in the world is that?
I tilted my head as I stared at the frozen carcass of the bug on the ground.
The most suspicious thing about this weird-looking fellow was the pitch-black scale embedded in its forehead.
Just what kind of bug is carrying something that looks like dragon scales?
It was smaller than the scale I caught from that dragon before, but it did look a bit similar in shape.
“Kyawoong.”
Maybe I should try pulling it out and taking a closer look.
I sharpened my claws on my front paw and gently tapped the pitch-black scale that was stuck so firmly to the bug’s forehead.
It felt a lot more solid than I expected.
“Kyawoo.”
It wasn’t coming off easily.
I gripped the edge of the scale with my claw and yanked it hard.
Crack!
Along with the sound of the bug’s head shattering, the scale came off with a soft *thud* from its armored shell.
Chiiiiik!
“Kyawo! Kyaaang!”
Ouch! It’s burning hot!
The moment the scale touched my front paw, a terrible burning sensation hit me like I’d accidentally brushed against fire.
I immediately dropped the scale I was holding from my paw to the ground.
“Kyawo! Kyaang! Kyawuung...”
It hurts! What the heck is this thing!
Is it like it was coated in acid or something?
I was so shocked and in pain that I rolled around on the ground, then scooped up the burned paw into my mouth and started licking it.
...Better now.
Smack, smack.
The pain on my tongue’s injured paw began to slowly fade.
“Blanc-nim?! What on earth happened?!”
Lina came dashing over with a look of pure terror when she saw me rolling around in pain.
“Are you injured somewhere?! Why are you holding your front paw in your mouth...?”
Lina’s face had gone deathly pale as she checked my body, sweating profusely.
...It does hurt, but it’s not that serious.
Lina quickly scooped me up in her arms and patted my back gently, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Kyawoong...”
It hurts... it really hurts.
Still cradled in Lina’s arms, I kept my paw in my mouth while glaring at the scale on the floor.
Just what kind of tiny little scale chunk is it that’s making me hurt this much?
Even just touching it like this is already causing this much pain...
If I’d accidentally eaten it, I would’ve been in big trouble.
Steam rose from the pitch-black scale as I stared at it, and before long it crumbled into ash.
The scale vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye.
“Kyawo.”
Wow, this is unbelievable.
It’s getting even stranger.
Why was this scale stuck to that insect in the first place, and what kind of scale was it that made me hurt this badly?
Was it deliberately planted there?
“Blanc-nim, please wait just a moment. I’ll treat it right away.”
“Kyawo.”
It’s fine, it’s almost healed already.
I stopped Lina’s hand and lightly channeled some of my inner holy power toward my injured paw.
Flash!
Golden holy power wrapped around my paw, and the burned red mark instantly faded, restoring my paw to its original smooth, jelly-like state.
“Aah... Thank goodness. I was really in a cold sweat.”
Lina finally let out a sigh of relief once she confirmed I was fine.
I buried my face in Lina’s chest, still lost in thought about the scale’s true identity.
I don’t know, this is giving me a headache...
“Kyawoong...”
Thinking is tiring, so I’ll ask Mama or Halbu later for the answer.
Lina’s soft, fluffy chest was a comforting place to be.
The faint scent of a celestial beast filled my heart and calmed my nerves.
When I rubbed my head against her arms and whined a bit, Lina found the sight unbearably adorable and let a gentle smile curve on her lips.
“Fufu, you must have been quite surprised, Blanc-nim. It’s all right, I’m right here.”
Lina gently patted me as if I were a little child.
“It’s all better now. There’s no injury anywhere, so don’t worry.”
“Kyawo.”
I wasn’t scared, I was just in pain.
Still pouting a little while nestled in Lina’s arms, I obediently closed my eyes and enjoyed her warm, caring touch.
When we returned to Valder’s Castle, we immediately headed straight to the Marquis’s study.
“So... you’re saying we should distribute these bugs to the people’s food supplies?”
Marquis Valder’s face turned deathly pale upon hearing Princess Kylian’s suggestion.
“T-that’s simply... no matter how desperate the southern territory’s food situation is, how could we possibly put such a disgusting thing in people’s mouths?!”
The Marquis shook his head strongly, refusing.
...It’s actually a perfectly logical point.
Honestly, I’m used to it because it kinda looks like a coconut crab, but these people are probably gonna find it revolting.
“Your Highness’s deep intention is understood, but the people of the territory may suffer. It’s impossible.”
“Kyawo.”
Once I try it, maybe we can eat together?
I thumped the floor with my tail in frustration, and Princess Kylian let out a sigh before starting to persuade the Marquis.
“Marquis, I know it’s gross, but I’ve tried it myself. No poison, and the taste is surprisingly good.”
Kylian said firmly, arms crossed.
“As the princess, I swear it on my name.”
“Y-you’re saying His Majesty personally gave you... these things?”
The Marquis was utterly shocked.
It seemed he couldn’t believe that the princess had eaten a bug.
“Your Highness is right, Marquis.”
Rosalia, standing behind, pushed up her monocle and added.
“We’ve rigorously cross-verified all components using the Magic Tower’s magic. It’s perfectly safe to use as food.”
Before she even finished speaking, Rosalia reached out into empty air.
Whoosh.
Her spatial pocket opened, and a nicely roasted bug shot out, still steaming hot and bright red.
Maybe I should try eating some too?
As I stared at the bug, Princess Kylian signaled with her mouth that I should save it for later.
“It’s better to just try it rather than listen to the explanation.”
Rosalia held the steaming bug meat right in front of the Marquis’s nose.
“Haa...”
The Marquis let out a deep sigh and glared at the bug.
“Yes... I understand.”
He tightly closed his eyes, picked off a small piece of the bug’s soft flesh, and stuffed it into his mouth with a very reluctant face.
Chew, chew.
“...Eh?”
The Marquis’s chewing speed gradually quickened.
His tightly shut eyes suddenly popped wide open, round and bulging.
See? It’s tasty.
“T-this is...”
The Marquis tore off another piece and popped it into his mouth again, unable to believe it.
“No... How can there be such flavor in monster meat...”
“See? I told you.”
Kylian smirked and shrugged her shoulders.
“If it’s this good, there shouldn’t be any problems... We could just cook the exterior first and change it.”
“Good. Then I’ll leave the food distribution preparations to you, Marquis. Handle it however you like.”
“Yes, I’ll immediately instruct the chefs to prepare for distribution.”
At Princess Kylian’s order, the Marquis struck his chest with his remaining arm and answered vigorously.
“Kyawo.”
He’s just throwing it on us because he doesn’t want to eat it in front of his people.
I quietly glared at the strangely pleased-looking Princess Kylian from the side.
Night had already fallen deep over Valder’s Castle.
Princess Kylian and I entered the assigned spacious bedroom and went to bed.
“Haaah... Today was really too tiring.”
Kylian collapsed into a deep sleep the moment she lay on the bed.
The soft, colorful sound of her breathing filled the room.
But I couldn’t fall asleep at all.
“Kyawoo...”
I slept too much during the nap earlier.
I tossed and turned on the bed, shifting my body.
“Kyawoong.”
You’re the only one sleeping soundly, you’re so unfair.
I stared at Kylian’s sleeping face, feeling a little sulky.
I stretched out my front paw and pressed firmly against her soft cheek.
“Mmm...”
In her sleep, Kylian frowned and turned her head.
“Kyawo.”
She’s not waking up. She must have been really tired.
I lay on my belly and flopped over, thumping the bed sheet with my tail in a mix of irritation and annoyance.
*Thud. Thud. Thud.*
“Kyawoong...”
I’m bored, and I still can’t sleep...
Maybe I should go to the kitchen for a midnight snack? They’re probably still cooking those bugs.
I carefully suppressed my footsteps and jumped down from the bed.
“My baby.”
“K-kyawoo?”
An incredibly familiar and gentle voice came from inside the room.
A warm voice that should never be heard here.
“K-kyawoo?”
Mama?
I jumped in shock and whipped my head around.
By the window where moonlight softly shone in.
Mama was smiling gently at me.
“Kyawo? Kyawoong?!”
I thought I was hallucinating and frantically rubbed my eyes with both front paws.
And then I opened my eyes wide again and looked at the window.
Mama was still beaming at me with the same bright, kind smile.
It wasn’t an illusion.
“Kyawo?”
It’s really Mama?
I immediately leaped into Mama’s arms.
*Warak.*
“Yes, my baby must have missed Mama a lot, right?”
Mama hugged me tightly and stroked my back with affection.
The clear sensation of body heat and the scent of Mama I’d remembered clearly from our recent reunion.
It’s really Mama...
“Kyawo! Kyawoong!”
I missed you! But how did you come?
I buried my face in Mama’s neck and whined like a spoiled child.
No, it’s fine if you don’t know. I’ll just be happy that I met Mama right now.