Chapter 287

Chapter 287: Who to Choose?

"Mom, let’s go shopping together."

After "calling" Lvzi for the first time in ages, the girl spoke with hopeful anticipation.

"…Hmm."

Shopping… Come to think of it, now that the Ant Clan had seized control of the town, she could finally explore the streets herself.

After all, this territory belonged to her now!

Moreover, she realized she hadn’t ventured outside with her daughters even once. Having remained cooped up for so long, an outing seemed overdue.

Hmm? Why did this suddenly feel like… a date?

No, that couldn’t be right—dates required one-on-one interactions.

As for shopping…

Though most of the human race halted work after winter’s arrival, their revelries and indulgences flourished more vigorously than ever. They could savor steaming street delicacies and browse exquisite winter garments.

True, her daughters could "deliver" necessities directly to her, but that would strip away the joy of wandering through bustling markets. The town’s sprawling layout surely hid countless undiscovered delights. If fatigued, they could simply retreat to a luxurious inn—perfect.

This time, all A Qualification daughters except Magic Rainbow and Darkling Stalker would accompany her. Darkling Stalker had been engrossed in hunting deep within the woods lately, so she’d be left undisturbed.

As for Magic Rainbow…

"Dear sister," Red Pupil asserted with solemnity, "you should remain resting at the castle. As our Queen Ant, you cannot casually abandon the nest—if the human race discovered your absence, wouldn’t they question your royal authenticity?"

"I… I could wear a disguise," Magic Rainbow protested weakly.

"Disguises spoil the enjoyment," Red Pupil countered. "Besides, you’re needed to inventory the minerals and monster materials destined for town merchants."

"But—"

"With you guarding the nest while Mother’s away, we’ll feel secure. We’ll take you shopping next time, promise."

The petite girl rose on tiptoes, eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she patted Magic Rainbow’s head. She then tilted her face toward the silver-haired woman nearby.

"Right, Mother?"

Huh? Why involve me so abruptly?

"Um…"

Lin Yu shifted her gaze to Magic Rainbow, finding the girl’s pleading eyes fixed intently upon her.

When met with such a gaze…

"Actually…"

Before Lin Yu could finish her sentence, the little girl drew closer and embraced her.

"Does Mama think her daughter was bullying little sister?"

The child lifted her head with a pout, her crimson eyes shimmering with unjustly accused innocence.

That look…

Utterly adorable.

The white-haired maiden felt her resolve soften like spring snow beneath warm sunlight.

"Of course not."

"Then Mama agrees with what I said, right?"

"…Yes."

Truth be told, having Magic Rainbow remain would ease her maternal worries considerably…

"In that case… Magic Rainbow, please stay and rest properly until the birth. We’ll journey together afterward."

"Well… if Mama insists…"

Magic Rainbow replied begrudgingly, her gaze shifting to Red Pupil who clung to the silver-haired woman like a koala cub. The crimson-eyed child seemed to sense this attention, glancing upward to flash another disarming smile at the reluctant demoness.

…

After preparations, they layered themselves in winter garments and rode forth with Yellow Mao toward the human settlement. The golden-furred beast’s swiftness carried them to the town gates before sunset painted the sky.

As they neared the arched entrance, Red Pupil twisted in her seat before Lin Yu’s saddle.

"Mama should wear this."

The child produced a delicate half-mask designed to obscure the upper face.

"Why?"

"Mama knows the chaos her beauty brings. Appearing unveiled before the human race might start riots."

"…Right."

She’d nearly forgotten, having avoided mirrors lately, that her features held catastrophic loveliness. Not vanity, but simple fact – like acknowledging the sun’s brilliance.

Mask secured, they passed through the gates where familiar figures awaited. Lvzi’s emerald robes fluttered beside Army Lady’s polished armor, while Stealth One materialized from shadowed corners. Beyond their welcoming party, curious humans clustered like sparrows, drawn by the extraordinary procession.

They must have been drawn here by Lvzi and her group.

Though belonging to the Ant Tribe, the daughters possessed extraordinary beauty – at least, no member of the human race in the entire town had yet been found who could surpass their loveliness. Miss Elena from the guild was certainly a beauty herself, but still fell short when compared to these daughters.

"Mom…they’ve arrived, the Ant Tribe!"

Catching her slip of the tongue, Lvzi hastily corrected herself with visible reluctance.

As three adventurers of the Moat Blade protecting the town, they were now serving as hosts to entertain the Ant Tribe.

The green-haired girl pressed close to Lin Yu and whispered conspiratorially:

"This time your daughter will be playing a bullied receptionist coerced by the Ant Tribe. Mom can torment me all you want – no, Mom must torment me!"

"…"

Was this roleplay truly necessary…

After exchanging greetings, Red Pupil, Weak Sound, Worker Liquor, and Little Tear dismounted from the giant wolf’s back. Little Tear, who normally remained in the castle’s underground food storage feasting, had surprisingly joined this excursion. Her motivation came from rumors of town delicacies – though truthfully, with Worker Liquor’s culinary skills, delicious meals were always available at the castle. But this time, even Worker Liquor had come along.

Worker Liquor appeared interested in studying the town’s cuisine to refine her cooking craft. Purple Cloud and Purple Mist arrived by flight, their winged speed nearly matching that of the blonde-haired members. Yet they preferred soaring above the town rather than strolling through its streets. Not even winter’s chill could dampen their passion for flying.

"Let’s proceed inside first."

"Agreed. Though…the crowd of onlookers seems to be growing."

Was this due to their Ant Tribe identity? Anyone receiving a welcoming party of three Moat Blade adventurers would naturally be assumed to be Ant Tribe members.

Even without revealing their tribal affiliation, the daughters’ striking appearances alone drew considerable attention. Yet…was it mere imagination? The gazes seemed particularly focused on me…Ah, even this mask can’t conceal such radiance. Ironically, being the sole masked figure in the group only heightened my prominence.

"The crowd does make us conspicuous," Lvzi remarked. "We should split into smaller groups. The streets have grown lively these past snowless days."

"Well then, I’ll accompany Mom—"

"Mom should be with me—"

"Don’t forget me."

"Um, I also…"

"Woof."

All Ant Tribe members and one canine turned toward the white-haired girl.

"So…who will Mom choose?"