Chapter 78

After seeing Daru run off, Mother gently asked Sara,

"Ruria is still sleeping, right?"

"Yes. Daru wanted to go to the bathroom, so Sara came along."

"Is that so? ...Then, shall we go wake Ruria up together?"

"O-Okay."

Mother is completely suspicious.

*Mother started walking towards Ruria's room.*

There's no time left. I run with all my might towards the window of my room.

I can't make a loud noise, or the servants will notice.

"...How am I going to climb up?"

The window of my room is open, but it's on the second floor. It's difficult to climb up.

There's nothing to use as a foothold or handhold.

*Leave it to Crow. Just hurry to the bottom of your room.*

"O-Okay," "I will."

Sara and I nod and run.

I'm running, while Sara and Mother are walking. So, I can still make it in time.

*Ruria, keep running with all your might.* *Do your best!* *Hurry up!*

I keep running, believing Crow's words.

*Can Caro manage on her own?*

"I will."

*Yes. That's reassuring. Owl, I'm counting on you to take care of Ruria.*

"Owl?"

In the next moment, I was lifted up.

"Oh? Owl!"

Despite flapping its wings powerfully, Owl's wingbeats were quiet.

As expected of a hunter skilled at blending into the night.

"Hmm"

Owl grabbed the shoulder part of my clothes and carried me to my room.

"Thank you. I'm saved."

I thanked Owl and stroked its head.

Owl's wings are strong.

Even a regular owl can carry prey heavier than itself.

But, my weight is easily ten times that of an owl.

"Owl is amazing? Is it because of the blessing?"

"Hmm"

While talking, I hide the food in the wardrobe.

I mustn't forget to hide the eggs I stuffed in my pocket.

Caro also chirps and hides the nuts wrapped in a handkerchief with me.

By the time I arrived in the room, Caro was already inside.

It seems climbing walls is easy for Caro.

Just as I finished hiding everything, I heard Sara and Mother's voices from outside the room.

It seems they are already very close.

"Um, Lady?"

"You're talking a lot today. I'm happy."

"Yes. Um, um, ...What's that?"

It seems Sara is trying to slow them down by talking a lot.

She's asking about things she sees and getting explanations.

*Thanks, Sara.*

Thanks to Sara's quick thinking, I managed to make it in time.

*Ruria, you can't be complacent!*

"Huh?"

*Look at your clothes!*

"Whoa"

They are soaked from running in the rain, and there are clear marks from Owl's claws.

"Hmm..."

"Owl isn't bad. I was saved, right? The wetness is from magic..."

There's no choice. I dry my clothes with magic.

But, the holes can't be fixed.

If Mother notices, she'll ask, "What are these holes?"

If I'm questioned, I feel like I'll lose.

I have a feeling Mother will see through any lie I tell.

"Hmm"

While I'm agonizing, Sara and Mother continue their conversation.

"Thank you for telling me, Lady."

"...Hmm. I've been wondering. What about that way of addressing me?"

"Is it wrong? Is it not right?"

Thinking she was scolded, Sara's voice became tense, and her tone changed.

I can imagine her ears flattening and her tail tucking between her legs.

"It's not wrong. But, Sara, you became our foster child, right?"

"Yes."

"You can call me Mother, just like Ruria."

"...But, that's... too much."

"Sara knows difficult words."

Mother laughed happily.

"Well, you probably can't call me Mother right away. It's fine when you get used to it."

"Yes."

"If you resist calling me Mother, you can call me Lady Mother or Aunt."

"...Thank you."

Sara called Marion "Mom."

That's probably why Mother didn't say it was okay to call her "Mom."

"Oh! I have an idea."

It's not because of Sara and Mother's conversation, but I suddenly had an idea.

*...I'm getting nervous.*

"Don't worry! Owl will help."

"Hmm?"

I decided to execute a plan to cover up in the short time before Mother arrives.

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