The girl didnāt wait for permission. She darted forward and leapt straight into Javierās lap.
"Husband-sama!!!"
Her cry rang out like a triumphant declaration as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, rubbing her cheek against his.
"I missed you!!! Nyaaaa~!" she purred, nuzzling him affectionately like a cat marking her territory.
Javier froze. Completely still.
On the outside.
Calm. Composed. Expression unreadable.
On the inside.
Ah~ look at that. See how she adores me. Loves me. This handsome, brilliant, charming young man... ah, this is bliss~
Every single person at the table was staring.
Garius exhaled quietly, smirking as he gave his head a slow shake before casually returning to his meal. Not even the sight of his youngest son being tackled by a Beastkin princess could interrupt his calm.
"Munyaa? Ah..." Mimi blinked, realizing where she was, then stood up quickly. She straightened her clothes, brushed her hair, and bowed politely toward the head of the table.
"Good day to you, Father-in-law!!!" she said brightly, her tail swishing proudly behind her.
A soft chuckle escaped Garius. "Howās my old friend Lioness?"
"Ah? Papa? Heās good! The usual stern face, grumpy as ever," Mimi said with a playful wave of her hand. "Ah, he sent his regards to you and.." She paused suddenly, glancing around as if realizing something. Her ears twitched, and she rubbed the back of her head with a sheepish grin.
"Ahaha... sorry, Father-in-law. I forgot to bring anything."
Her tail swayed nervously as she laughed, the room still frozen in stunned silence.
Mimi was about to leap again, her tail flicking in excitement, when a hand gently caught her by the collar of her outfit.
"Now, now, Mimi~" Liana said with a calm smile, though her eyes glimmered dangerously. "Young Master is eating. Donāt interrupt him."
"Nya?" Mimi tilted her head, spotting the roast meat on Javierās plate. Her ears perked up immediately. "Ah~ smells so good!"
Before she could pounce again, Liana smoothly pulled her back and guided her to the empty seat beside Javier.
"Nyaaaa! I want to sit on his lap! Itās not fair, Liana, youāre always with him!" Mimi puffed her cheeks and tugged at Lianaās sleeve. "At least let me sit on his lap, nya? Pleaaase~?"
Her eyes widened with that sparkly, pleading look only a catgirl could master.
Liana dragged a palm slowly down her face, exhaling. "...Mimi."
"Pleaseeeee~? Can? Caaaaannn~?"
Liana finally sighed in defeat, shooting her a sharp side glance. "Fine... just sit."
"Yay!!!" Mimi cheered, her tail swishing like a happy flag as she immediately hopped onto Javierās lap. She leaned back against him with a bright grin.
"Nyaaa~ Javier-sama~ feed this hungry girl~" she sang, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.
Javier just froze, fork in hand, staring blankly at her.
Gloria leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper as her lips curved into a calm, knowing smile.
"If itās this one, I donāt think we should worry~"
Liana smiled faintly, still standing behind Javier, her posture graceful and composed. She leaned toward Gloria, her tone matching the quiet confidence between them.
"Indeed. She poses no problem for us."
Gloriaās eyes flicked toward Mimi, who was happily wriggling on Javierās lap, her tail swishing with childish glee.
"Yes... as long as itās not Felicia~" she whispered, a soft laugh escaping her.
Liana chuckled under her breath, her expression serene yet proud. "Besides, itās confirmed~ Young Master couldnāt live without us."
Gloriaās lips curved higher, eyes half-lidded in satisfaction. "Yes~ he couldnāt even sleep without us. So really... thereās nothing to worry about~"
Liana leaned closer again, her lips almost brushing Gloriaās ear as she whispered, her tone calm and composed.
"I donāt think Felicia poses a problem to us either. She already lost to us both. Sheās graceful and controlled... she wouldnāt throw herself on his lap like this little sister of hers."
Gloriaās eyes softened, her quiet laugh escaping under her breath.
"Yes~ I believe thatās true. Well, weāve all slept together before, but Felicia still kept her composure. She only ever used his thigh as her pillow."
Liana gave a knowing smile, nodding faintly. "M~hm... yes. So we donāt have to worry about her. As for the other one, she may be crazy for our future husband, but she still behaves around us. After all, weāre the wives, right, second wife~?"
Gloriaās smile turned serene, her tone light but full of quiet pride.
"Indeed~ first wife~"
Their eyes met briefly, sharing that subtle spark of amusement and certainty.
Garius looked up from his plate, still cutting his steak with calm precision.
"So, Mimi..."
"Nya?" she perked up instantly, tail flicking in curiosity.
"Whereās your escort?" he asked, tone casual but eyes sharp.
"Escort? Nya?" Mimi blinked innocently, ears twitching. "I came here alone~"
The fork in Gariusās hand paused midair. He exhaled through his nose, lowering it quietly before rubbing his temple.
I know Pekko birds are unmatched in speed...but still... a princess traveling alone?
His gaze shifted toward her, still happily stealing bits of meat from Javierās plate.
Lioness... how do you even handle this child...
He sighed, pushing the thought aside, watching as Mimi tried to grab another piece of roast.
Hmm... Looking at her...I have a feeling more of Javierās girls will be arriving soon.
Francescaās soft, melodic voice broke the moment. "Honey bun~"
"Y-yes, esteemed mother?" Javier straightened immediately.
"Since your fatherās wedding with Mylezra is next month," Francesca said sweetly, "and I doubt sheāll want another delay, Iād like you to make sure the operation to secure the Arjam Region and drive out those greedy nobles is completed before then."
Garius nearly choked on his drink.
Francesca giggled softly, patting his back. "Careful, dear~"
Javier gave a polite smile. "I will try my best, esteemed mother."
"Nya? Operation?" Mimiās ears twitched, eyes lighting up. "Husband is going on a mission!?"
"Can I join!!?" Mimi suddenly stood up from Javierās lap, her tail flicking like an excited cat, eyes gleaming as she looked straight at Garius.
"Father-in-law! Please! Let me join!!"
Garius slowly set down his utensils. The room quieted. He exhaled slowly, his gaze steady and voice calm but firm.
"No, Mimi. You are a princess...Lionessās daughter. The risk is too high."
( End Of Chapter )