"And Mimi?"
King Lioness's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Y-Yes, Fath— Your Majesty?" Mimi stiffened, her tail dropping flat as she looked up nervously.
He gestured calmly, but firmly.
"Release him."
"Ehhhhh!?"
Mimi whined, clinging just a little tighter.
His eyes narrowed.
"Mimi."
"...Y-Yes, your majesty..." she muttered, finally letting go with clear reluctance.
Javier exhaled.
Freedom tastes like oxygen...
"And you too, Delya."
King Veldrac's voice was calm but firm.
"Yes, big brother," Delya muttered, still gripping Javier's sleeve.
Veldrac's eyes slowly narrowed into a silent, soul-piercing stare.
Delya flinched.
"I mean—YES, your majesty!"
She jumped back as if she had touched holy fire, standing straight beside Mimi, both of them looking like scolded schoolgirls.
King Lioness sighed, running his fingers through his hair.
"Let's move. We'll speak away from the crowd."
King Veldrac nodded, his tone now colder.
