Page 113 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"We're observant," Missy corrected. "There's a difference."

Mochi meowed from his cushion, sensing Carol's attention had shifted. Shadow bounded over, tail wagging enthusiastically, nearly tripping over his oversized paws.

"Hello, you two," Carol said, reaching down to scratch both their heads. "Did you miss me?"

Shadow licked her hand enthusiastically. Mochi headbutted her palm, purring.

Carol stood and went to her wardrobe, pulling out the bag of toys she'd purchased at the market last week. She'd been so focused on banquet preparations that she hadn't had much time to play with her pets lately.

"Look what I have," she said, pulling out a stuffed toy shaped vaguely like a fish.

Shadow's ears perked up immediately. Mochi's twin tails swished with interest.

Carol tossed the toy across the room, and Shadow bounded after it with all the grace of a puppy who hadn't quite grown into his paws yet. He crashed into a chair, recovered, grabbed the toy, and brought it back triumphantly.

"Good boy," Carol laughed, taking the now-slightly-damp toy and throwing it again.

Mochi, more dignified, batted at a dangling ribbon toy Carol held out. His movements were precise and controlled, each paw strike perfectly calculated. He was growing so fast—already nearly twice the size he'd been when she'd first bonded with him.

"You're getting so big," Carol said, running her hand along Mochi's sleek fur. "Soon you'll be massive."

Mochi purred louder, leaning into her touch.

Shadow returned with the toy again, but this time instead of giving it to Carol, he dropped it and rolled onto his back, wiggling.

"You want belly rubs?" Carol asked, kneeling down to oblige.

Shadow's tail thumped against the floor as Carol scratched his belly. Then, unexpectedly, he twisted his head and licked her stomach.

Carol froze. "Shadow?"

The puppy licked her belly again, tail still wagging.

Mochi abandoned the ribbon toy and padded over, sniffing at Carol's midsection with clear interest. Then he too pressed his nose against her stomach and made a soft, pleased sound.

"They can sense the baby," Lumi said softly. "Magical creatures are very attuned to life energy."

"Really?" Carol asked, looking down at her stomach. She wasn't showing too much yet—only three and a half months along—but apparently her pets knew anyway.

Shadow licked her belly again, gentle and careful, as if understanding something precious was there.

"You're going to be excellent big brothers," Carol told them, scratching both their heads. "The baby will be very lucky to have you protecting them."

Mochi meowed agreement. Shadow's tail wagged harder.

Carol sat back on the floor, letting both creatures curl up against her. Shadow rested his head on her lap while Mochi settled against her side, purring contentedly.

"You've gotten very attached to them," Lumi observed.

"They're family," Carol said simply. "Just like Caspian. Just like..." She paused. "Just like this whole life I'm building here."

"You've come a long way," Lumi said. "From that first day when you woke up in this world. You've really made it yours."

"I've tried," Carol said. "I just hope—"

A translucent screen suddenly appeared in front of her face, glowing with that familiar game-system blue.

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