As Mika looked down at Fauna, trembling on her knees, clutching the fallen feathers—he felt a quiet thrill.
'The bait has been cast.' He thought. 'The fish has bitten. Now...it's time to reel her in.'
He schooled his expression into one of pure, innocent concern.
"Fauna…?" He asked softly, voice gentle and worried. "What's wrong? Why do you look like that? Is it really that difficult a request? Is it that serious—that it's brought you to your knees?"
He let out a small, reassuring chuckle.
"If it's something like traveling to an unknown realm and fighting some otherworldly nightmare monster, that's no big deal. You can leave it to me."
"Or if we have to dive hundreds of kilometers into the deepest ocean trench for a rare herb—that sounds like fun! We could make it a mother-son expedition. An adventure together. I'd love that."
Fauna looked up at him, eyes still glistening with tears, but now softened by overwhelming affection.
