I walked up to Master and greeted her respectfully with a bow. "Mornin', Master"
"What kind of greeting is that? So rude." Master scowled, her head filling with fumes.
"The 'Almost-Dead-Due-To-Master's-Recklessness' greeting." I said and sat opposite Master.
Master's expression turned fierce as she grabbed my head and pressed it down. "Why you little -"
"Ack!" I winced in pain, trying to free myself from Master's grip.
After enduring a few minutes of gruesome torture, Master finally released me.
"Demon." I muttered, still nursing the pain.
"If you know better, then behave yourself." Master warned me sternly.
"Cheh! Master started it first." I grumbled quietly under my breath.
Master's gaze intensified, and she locked eyes with me. "What did you say?"
I let out a small yelp of surprise. "N-Nothing, Master," I stammered. Slowly and cautiously, I crawled towards the door, hoping to escape the potentially dangerous situation.
"Where are you going?" Master asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"To the dining room. I haven't eaten breakfast, and I'm starving, Master. Please let me go already," I pleaded, hoping to appeal to her sense of mercy.
"No," Master replied firmly.
"Why?!" I couldn't help but exclaim, frustration seeping into my voice.
Master stared at me for a moment, then looked away with a pout on her face. I continued to question why, but Master remained silent, keeping her reasons to herself. Suddenly, my stomach let out a loud grumble, betraying my hunger. "Oui... That's loud," I muttered, grabbing my hungry stomach.
Master glanced at my stomach and then back at me. "Let's go," she said, standing up and opening the door.
"Where?" I asked, feeling a sense of panic rise within me. I quickly got up and followed Master from behind.
"You'll find out when we get there," Master replied cryptically.
I couldn't help but sweat nervously. 'Please don't let it be the butcher,' I silently pleaded. As we walked in silence, my mind started imagining all the possible torture methods Master could subject me to. I couldn't help but let out a small sob, my anxiety getting the best of me.
Soon, we arrived in front of the dining room. Master opened the door, and a delightful aroma wafted out, instantly captivating my senses. The smell of delicious food filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I quickly sat down and began to enjoy the assortment of food. The flavours danced on my palate, momentarily distracting me from my tiredness. As I savoured each bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the nourishment provided. Lady Nozomi joined us at the table, sipping her tea and engaging in light conversation. It was a comforting start to the day.
Burp~
I stretched my back and laid on my back. "Oui. That was one hearty meal." Meanwhile, Master had only taken a few bites and focused more on her tea. Curious, I sat up and questioned her, "Master, aren't you hungry? You barely ate anything. Even a tiny mouse eats more than you."
Master chuckled and glanced at me with a playful expression. "Oh, my little shrew, don't worry about me. I have a different appetite and enjoy savouring the flavours in moderation. It's all about quality over quantity."
"I know quality is important but quantity too, you know. You might starve!" I exclaimed. I continued. "Master is so thin. If another Master grabbed you, you might break."
"I understand the importance of quantity, but I have my own way of maintaining my well-being," Master replied with a gentle smile. "Appearances can be deceiving, my dear. I may seem thin, but I prioritize inner strength and resilience over physical size."
I frowned, still concerned for Master's health. "But what if you become weak or fall ill?"
Master placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I have taken the necessary measures to maintain my health. I have honed my body and mind through years of training and self-discipline. I have learned to listen to my body's needs and provide it with the proper care. Rest assured, I am well."
"Bruh! That ain't convincing me at all!" I said.
Lady Nozomi, who had been silently listening to our argument, spoke up. "I also stand by young lady Llyne's words."
I looked at Lady Nozomi in surprise. "You do?"
Lady Nozomi nodded sympathetically. "Indeed, there have been occasions when Master's dedication to her work has caused her to neglect her own well-being, including proper meals. Because of that, she looks so skinny and ill all the time. It's so heart aching for everyone in the house of Aum."
When I heard what Lady Nozomi said, a determination welled up inside me. I reached out and firmly grabbed Master's hand, looking her straight in the eyes. "From now on, we are eating together. I won't listen to any excuses or complaints about how busy you are. We. Are. Eating. Together."
Master's eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by my assertiveness. Meanwhile, Lady Nozomi smiled in approval, sensing the change in the dynamic. Master, still processing my words, shot a glare at Lady Nozomi, who simply shrugged in response.
Master tried to push my hands away, but I tightened my grip, determined to make my point. "I'm not letting go, Master, until you agree," I asserted, my voice firm and unwavering.
Master's eyes narrowed, a mix of surprise and annoyance flickering across her face. She hesitated for a moment, seemingly conflicted. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh and relented. "Fine, young lady Llyne. If it means that much to you, we will eat together."
A sense of triumph surged within me as I released Master's hand, knowing that I had successfully convinced her to change her ways.
"But how are you going to eat with Master if you are going to be busy today?" Lady Nozomi asked, concern evident in her voice. Master's smirk grew wider upon hearing that, sensing an opportunity.
Feeling distressed, I looked at Lady Nozomi, hoping for a solution. To my surprise, she smiled and handed me a thin, transparent sticker. Master's expression turned pale as she saw it.
I examined the sticker in my hand, puzzled. "What is this for?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Lady Nozomi stuck the sticker behind my ear, and I felt a slight tingle. "If you press the sticker, a screen will appear. Try it," she explained.
Curious, I pressed the sticker, and to my amazement, a blue screen appeared before my eyes. "Wow! It looks like the one in the trials. It's so magical," I exclaimed.
Lady Nozomi pointed to the side of the screen. "Look there. You should be able to see a chat area with Master and me," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice.
I looked at the side and saw Master's and Lady Nozomi's names and pictures on the screen. Intrigued, I pressed on Master's chat box and typed a message. When I sent it, I watched as Master's expression changed to a frown as she glanced at her own blue screen.
"I guess it worked," I snickered, feeling a sense of triumph.
Lady Nozomi nodded and explained, "You can also use voice and video calls with this device."
Intrigued, I noticed an icon resembling a camera and tapped on it. To my surprise, a screen popped up, offering the options for voice and video calls. "Oh?" I exclaimed in excitement.
Master shot me a glare, but Lady Nozomi intervened and persuaded Master to accept my video call. Soon, I was able to see Master in real time through the screen.
"Oui! I can see Master so clearly!" I exclaimed, my eyes sparkling with delight. Then, a brilliant idea crossed my mind. "I can use this anywhere, anytime."
"Exactly," Lady Nozomi confirmed with a smile.
I turned towards Master and grinned mischievously. "With this, I can make sure Master eats her meals on time."
Master groaned in response and took a step back, shooting a glare at Lady Nozomi. It was clear that Master suspected Lady Nozomi's involvement in this plan. Lady Nozomi, however, feigned innocence and looked away, whistling nonchalantly.
I chuckled at their interaction, realizing that this new device had given me a way to keep an eye on Master's eating habits. It was a small victory for me, knowing that I could now help ensure Master's well-being.
Having finished every morsel on the table, I leaned back and patted my satisfied stomach. "I'm full. Thanks for the delicious meal. Now I'm going to meet my friends."
Master said. "Before you go anywhere, it's better to clean that wound on your neck, or else you might die in front of your friends."
"Oui? But it's only a small wound. It ain't gonna kill me." I said.
"Unless it's coated with a deadly poison, it is." Master said.
"Oui! That needle had poison? Why didn't you say that sooner? No wonder I'm sweating, feeling weak, my surroundings seem blurred, and my heart is pounding non-stop -" I panicked.
"Nope. That's just your excitement about meeting your friends, not because of the poison, you fool," Master replied. She then took out the antidote and handed it to Lady Nozomi.
"Young lady Llyne, please open your mouth." Lady Nozomi said.
"Oui? Okay!" I replied, complying and opening my mouth wide. Lady Nozomi swiftly shoved the entire bottle of antidote down my throat and slammed my back. "There you go, all done." Lady Nozomi smiled.
"Normal human will choke to death by that!" I screamed.
"Normal humans would indeed choke, but you're no ordinary human," Lady Nozomi said with a playful wink. "The antidote should work quickly to neutralize the poison, so you'll be fine."
Lady Nozomi continued, "Now that young lady Llyne has finished her breakfast, you can wait outside for me. I have something to give you."
"Okies!" I jumped up excitedly and quickly made my way to the garden, eager to see what surprise Lady Nozomi had in store for me.