The Dried Plum's Clan ( 7 )

As Francesca carried me into the grand dining hall, my baby eyes surveyed the scene. The room was filled with people—some familiar, others not.

First, I spotted two women sitting near the head of the table. Who are these two? Oh wait, don't tell me… these are also his wives? I squinted, assessing them. Not really beautiful. Seriously, dried plum, what were you thinking? Were you blind? Did you run out of options?

Next to them was the man himself—the infamous "dried plum," Lord Garius. He sat with his usual stern expression, the kind that could probably make grown men cry. Unfortunately for him, it only made me chuckle inwardly. Eheheh, you pipsqueak dried plum. Sitting there like some king, huh? What's with the serious face? Still trying to make up for being boring?

Then, my eyes landed on five other children scattered around the table. They were all older than me, ranging from what looked like toddlers to pre-teens.

I overheard snippets of conversation between Francesca and one of the other women, piecing together the dynamics. So, two of these kids are my real siblings—the oldest and the second born. Great. I've got direct competition for the dried plum's limited affection.

As for the other three kids… Step-siblings, huh? Really, old man? Spreading your seed like a farmer planting crops. And with them? I mean, Francesca is leagues ahead of these other two women, so what gives?

One of the step-siblings, a boy around six or seven, noticed me and made a face. "Is that the new baby?" he asked loudly, pointing at me.

"Yes, he's Javier," Francesca said sweetly, adjusting me in her arms.

"Why is he so small?" another kid, a girl with pigtails, chimed in.

Small? Small?! Listen here, you little gremlin. I'm a baby. What do you expect, a giant?

Lord Garius cleared his throat, silencing the chatter instantly. His deep, commanding voice cut through the room. "Enough. Focus on your breakfast."

Oh, the dried plum speaks. What's next, a lecture about table manners?

Francesca seated herself gracefully, keeping me in her lap as the maids began serving breakfast. She whispered softly to me, her tone full of warmth. "Don't worry, Javier. Mama's here to protect you from all these big scary people."

Big scary people? Mama, I'm more worried about being stuck in a room with this whole circus. Let me back to my catfolk and elf mamas, please!

I sighed inwardly, resigning myself to the chaos that was apparently my family. One thing's for sure—life in this house is going to be… interesting.

As Francesca sat at the table, chatting casually and cutting into her breakfast, I began to wiggle and squirm in her lap. I twisted to one side, then the other, making little noises to get her attention.

"Javier, honey, don't move so much. Mama's trying to eat," she said sweetly, holding me steady.

Oh, no, Mama. That's the whole point. Let's make this inconvenient for you.

I leaned back suddenly, forcing her to adjust her grip. Then I leaned forward, reaching toward the table.

"Javier!" she laughed, but her voice held a hint of exasperation.

And then it happened. The target of my grand plan—Miss Liana, was called over by none other than the dried plum himself.

"Liana," Lord Garius said in his ever-stern tone. "A word."

Liana approached him, bowing gracefully. "Yes, my lord."

Francesca seized the opportunity. "Liana, could you take Javier for a little while? It's hard to eat with him squirming so much."

Liana blinked, glancing at me. Ah, Miss Liana, you've fallen into my trap. Ehehehe.

"Yes, madam," Liana said hesitantly, reaching out to take me.

The moment she held me, I started my usual antics, reaching for her breast. My tiny baby hands worked furiously, tugging at the fabric of her uniform.

"Javier" Liana gasped, her cheeks tinged pink. "No, you can't—stop—"

"Oh, Liana," Francesca said with a soft laugh. "If he's insisting, you could always do what Meira does."

Liana froze. "But, madam…"

Francesca smiled knowingly. "It's alright. Javier won't stop until he's satisfied. You're the head maid, after all. I trust you completely."

Liana's golden eyes darted between Francesca and me, her pointed ears twitching slightly. She sighed, her composure barely cracking. "As you wish, madam."

Eheheh… I win!

But before I could savor the moment fully, Francesca spoke again, her voice taking on that oh-so-authoritative tone that could command anyone—even this regal elf.

"Liana," she said, smiling sweetly, "why don't you take Javier to your room? You can breastfeed him there, in private, and ensure he's taken care of properly. From now on, you're responsible for him."

Liana's ears twitched, and her golden eyes widened slightly. "Madam, are you certain? I have other duties—"

Francesca waved a delicate hand, cutting her off. "Don't worry about your other tasks. The other maids will handle them. For now, your only priority is Javier."

Liana hesitated, glancing down at me. 

Oh, don't fight it, Miss Liana. Fate has chosen you. You're officially promoted to my full-time caretaker… and my second elf mama.

"Yes, madam," Liana finally said, bowing her head gracefully, though her cheeks were tinged with the faintest blush.

Yeah!!! Look who's my new personal caretaker now! My girl, my mama, my everything! Ehehehe!

Francesca stood and handed me over completely. "Take him, and make sure he's well-fed and clean. Bathe him, change him, whatever he needs. Just focus on him."

Liana held me gently, cradling me like the precious treasure I was. Her expression was calm, but I could see the slight wrinkle in her brow. Oh, Miss Liana, don't worry. I'll make this fun for both of us.

"Understood, madam," Liana said softly, turning toward the hallway.

As she walked to her room, holding me close, I let out a small, triumphant giggle. She glanced down at me, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.

"You seem very pleased with yourself, young master," she murmured.

Oh, I am, Miss Liana. You have no idea how pleased.

Once we reached her room, I was placed carefully on her bed—a simple but elegant piece of furniture that matched her refined demeanor.

"Now then," she said, her hands moving to adjust her uniform, "let's get this over with."

Eheheh… I could get used to this.

As Liana gently placed me on her lap, her serene but slightly flustered demeanor only fueled my excitement. She settled on the edge of the bed and adjusted her uniform. Her movements were deliberate, her every action filled with a grace only an elf could possess.

"Alright, young master," she said with a sigh, "Let's get this over with. Though you should know, nothing will come out."

She unbuttoned the top of her uniform, revealing pale, flawless skin that shimmered faintly in the morning light. Her cheeks were tinged pink, a rare display of emotion from the usually stoic elf. Finally, she guided me close, allowing me to latch on.

Oh, Liana, you underestimate me. Milk or not, I'm here for the experience.

( End of Chapter )