Chapter 7
“Are you saying it seems she wants to see her guardian?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Inside the office, where a red banner with two crossed swords and a coiled snake hung on the wall—
Kaid, who had been working, stopped his hand.
His red eyes, which had been fixed on the report, turned toward Rosaria.
“The baby has been low on energy lately.”
“So you’re asking me to come see the baby bird?”
“Yes.”
Kaid made an incredulous expression.
Recently, Rosaria had been given the task of “taking care of the baby bird,” so she hadn’t needed to meet Kaid for work.
And now she suddenly came to him, asking him to meet the baby bird.
Kaid gestured for her to continue.
Rosaria went on.
“Her emotions change a lot. She plays well, but suddenly becomes depressed. I think she’s anxious because her guardian isn’t around.”
“Anxious? How would you know that? She can’t even speak.”
“Ah. Recently, her tail has grown.”
“…What grew?”
“Her tail.”
Thinking of the baby bird, who was growing day by day, Rosaria couldn’t stop the corners of her lips from lifting.
“When she feels good, her tail rises or sways side to side.”
“Really?”
“Yes. She’s also grown bigger and gained weight. These days, she even runs quite well. It’s great progress.”
It wasn’t that amazing, but the way Rosaria said it made it sound impressive.
As Kaid showed a bit of interest, Rosaria continued talking proudly without stopping.
It was as if she had completely forgotten her earlier worries.
“Even the way she calls me has changed. I’m sure she’s calling my name. Unlike the young masters who just say ‘hey,’ she’s much gentler. And also—”
Kaid, starting to feel tired, raised his hand.
“Stop.”
“…Anyway, the point is, I’d like you to come see her from time to time so she won’t feel anxious.”
“I’m busy.”
“I ask that you at least do the minimum as her guardian.”
“I remember approving the budget you asked for recently.”
Rosaria had requested quite a large amount, and Kaid had approved it.
That was already quite generous.
But Rosaria shook her head firmly.
“That’s not enough.”
Children in their growth stage are sensitive. And they notice things quickly.
No matter how well someone takes care of them, the absence of a guardian is different.
Rosaria was certain that the baby bird’s emotional changes were because of that absence.
“I ask that you come see her, my lord.”
At her strong request, Kaid thought for a moment—
Then unexpectedly nodded.
“Fine. I’ll go once.”
“When will you visit?”
“After I finish my work. So you can leave now, Rosaria.”
Kaid smiled slightly and pointed at the door.
It was a dismissal.
Rosaria frowned and reluctantly left the room.
With his work interrupted, Kaid put down his pen and fell into thought.
A guardian is needed… Don’t they usually grow up on their own?
He thought based on his own childhood and let out a small laugh.
“That little thing grew a tail?”
It was… quite an interesting thought.
Blink, blink.
I opened my eyes under the blanket.
I must have fallen asleep while thinking deeply about how I should live from now on.
“Pii…”
Still sleepy, I rubbed my eyes and looked around.
The room was too quiet.
What’s going on?
Normally, Rosaria would greet me warmly.
I looked around in confusion and called for her.
“Pipipipi.”
Silence.
“Pipipipi?”
She must have gone out while I was sleeping. She can’t stay with me all day.
I knew that, but still… I felt lonely.
To be alone in such a big room…
I slowly crawled out of the blanket.
When will Rosaria come back?
“Pipipipi…”
I sat on the bed, swinging my legs—
When suddenly, I felt a strong gaze.
Huh? What is that?
There’s no one here… so why does it feel like someone is watching me?
“Pii?”
I quickly lifted my head—
And froze in shock.
“Pii?!”
“Quite a reaction. Did you see something you shouldn’t have?”
The master was standing by the door, leaning against it with his arms crossed, looking at me.
Ah, that scared me.
I quickly placed my wing on my chest. My heart was beating fast.
Of all times… I had to meet him while I was alone.
Seeing my flustered expression, he walked toward me and said,
“I was getting bored waiting and was about to leave. Good thing you woke up.”
“…Pii!”
“I heard your tail has grown?”
He actually knew about my tail.
Rosaria must have told him.
I slowly nodded, stepping back as he came closer.
But he kept walking forward without hesitation.
With his long legs, the distance closed in just a few steps.
I pressed myself against the wall, frozen.
W-what do I do…?
“Pii! Pipi!”
Don’t come closer! I’m scared!
I puffed up my body and flapped my wings in warning.
Watching me, the master sat down on the chair Rosaria usually used.
His gaze felt heavy.
Then he said,
“Turn around.”
“Pii! Pii!”
“Rosaria said you’re growing, but I don’t see it. Where exactly is this tail?”
He looked genuinely curious.
Did he really come all the way here just to check my tail?
He stared at me like he had never seen a tail before.
I quickly hid it.
Why is he suddenly so interested in my tail?
His expression gave nothing away.
“Pii!”
Go away!
I puffed myself up even more and flapped my wings.
The corner of his lips lifted slightly.
“Is that supposed to be a threat?”
“Pii!”
“With something like that?”
For a moment, something flashed in his eyes as he looked at my wings—
Small, fluffy baby wings raised cutely in the air.
“Interesting.”
“Pii!”
What should I do?
No matter what I did, I wasn’t a threat to him at all.
If anything, it only made him more curious.
After watching me for a while, he finally reached out his large hand.
“Pii!”
I tightly shut my eyes.
I thought he would grab me completely—
But nothing happened.
Huh?
I slowly opened my eyes.
“Rosaria seems to do it like this.”
He was holding out his palm, just like Rosaria did.
Was he telling me to climb onto it?
“Pii?”
“Is this not right?”
As I hesitated, he brought his hand closer.
“I heard you’ve been low on energy. Why?”
Because if I grow up, I might have to leave…
“And your tail has been drooping all day?”
“…Pii.”
I had forgotten about that.
My mood suddenly dropped again.
My tail slowly lowered on its own.
He watched me, then picked up some snacks from the table—just like Rosaria always did.
Did he think I’d just eat it?
“Eat.”
My beak twitched automatically.
The sweet-looking snack was calling me.
Well… snacks are tasty…
Maybe just one bite…
Just one. Snacks did nothing wrong.
I pecked at the snack he offered.
Again and again—
Then he spoke.
“You eat well.”
“Pii?”
“You’re like a dog.”
…Like what?
I immediately spat the snack out.
It seemed like the master had decided to start a real conflict with me.
