Chapter 297

Chapter 297: Bathing (Part One)

Through the effects of her "Unique Skill – Queen Ant," Lin Yu perceives the locations and statuses of all worker ants within the colony. The numerical distribution of the ant swarm manifests in her consciousness as clusters of shimmering points.

In former days, she could effortlessly identify each luminous dot’s corresponding ant without conscious effort. But with the colony now exceeding one hundred thousand members, instantaneous identification has become impractical. More often, she must first concentrate on specific zones before examining individual lights sequentially.

Presently, by focusing her attention within the castle’s boundaries…

Numerous mobile and stationary points become apparent – these represent her daughters currently active within the fortress. Observing them could metaphorically be described as tuning into distinct "channels," with switching perspectives between daughters resembling "changing television stations."

Her surveillance most frequently settles upon Little Liquor, observing the culinary preparations in the kitchen. The clever daughter instinctively provides commentary on recipe steps and crucial considerations whenever monitored, as if hosting an immersive gastronomic program from first-person perspective!

After acquiring the "Culinary Talent" skill, numerous culinary techniques and procedures seem to instinctively surface in her mind. How splendid… I’d love possessing such aptitude myself.

Given Little Liquor’s exceptional cooking skills, my own culinary attempts have long ceased. While occasional urges to experiment arise, the inevitable comparison to her masterful creations… instantly dampens enthusiasm.

Ah! Another advantage of observing Little Liquor’s kitchen activities! Whenever intriguing dishes catch my eye, I can immediately have daughters deliver samples. This constitutes gastronomic entertainment that’s both visible and edible!

Little Tear oversees food transportation – this restaurant regular provides endless amusement when I playfully snatch morsels, watching her barely restrain drooling anticipation.

Beyond culinary spectacles, shifting perspectives reveals daughters patrolling corridors or nurturing subterranean plants. Each subject displays delightful reactions: some leap like startled felines, others tremble nervously, while bold ones occasionally muster courage for conversation. Even dismissive "hmph" responses send their six limbs quivering with joy.

Such diversions prove invaluable in this internet-deprived isekai! Unlike C Qualification daughters lacking autonomous cognition, these B Qualification specimens maintain lively dialogues during duties. Their conversations range widely, though… topics concerning myself occur most frequently.

They predominantly exchange flattering remarks about me… While factually accurate, such effusive praise still induces mild embarrassment. Notably absent are any disparaging comments – not that any would dare criticize Mommy! Transgressors would face disciplinary spankings!

Thus, my days flow – between essential routines of dining, resting, and enduring bitter Magic Recovery Potions – predominantly spent observing these charming subjects. Concerns about disrupting their work? Nonsense! Bringing Mommy joy constitutes fundamental filial duty!

Moreover, my surveillance transcends mere amusement. Though blessed with numerous daughters, maternal responsibility demands connection with each new life – neglecting this would render me unworthy of motherhood.

…Ah, digression encroaches.

Focus returns to the castle’s constellation of luminous points.

Indeed, compared to daughters with B Qualification, the light dots of Red Pupil and other A Qualification daughters proved more distinguishable. The higher their level and qualification, the more luminous their markers became. Presently, the castle’s brightest specks undoubtedly belonged to Red Pupil’s A-ranked group.

Red Pupil, Magic Rainbow, Lvzi, Stealth One, Army Lady, Worker Liquor, Little Tear, Purple Cloud, and Purple Mist… All except Weak Sound appeared to have entered the bathhouse already. Judging by the light dots’ positions, some had already submerged in the baths. "Huh? Was the bathwater prepared already?" Lin Yu mused. "That water-summoning artifact works astonishingly fast."

This realization struck her – she’d be the last entrant. The mental image of dozens of eyes tracking her bathhouse entry made her cheeks flush. "So… embarrassing," she muttered, attention returning to the lone light dot retreating from the bathhouse entrance. Weak Sound had clearly faltered under peer pressure. "I’ll bathe after everyone finishes," the girl was likely telling herself while retreating with forced nonchalance.

Alone in the corridor, Lin Yu’s lips curled mischievously. "Heh, escape denied!" she whispered. "If solo embarrassment stings, shared awkwardness might soothe!" Monitoring the light’s movement, she slipped from her bedroom toward the stairway.

Little Sound’s third-floor chamber lay in the opposite direction from the bathhouse. After several minutes, the telltale dot entered the stairwell – exactly as predicted. Lin Yu accelerated, boots muffled against stone. At the third-floor landing’s blind corner, she paused. Knowing Little Sound’s swiftness, this interception allowed no second attempts.

Kicking off her boots, the white-haired girl advanced in socked feet. "Frostbite courtesy of you, Little Sound," she grumbled through chattering teeth. The blinking dot in her mind’s eye drew nearer… nearer… Footsteps echoed through the stairwell.

Her pulse quickened. Ten paces… three… two… "Now!" She lunged forward – only to stumble over her own feet. The world tilted. Floor tiles rushed upward.

Impact.

"Ugh…" Lin Yu groaned through the pain blossoming in her knees. Memories of her previous life’s fatal household fall surfaced unbidden. "Mama?!" came a panicked cry above her. Through splayed fingers, she saw Weak Sound’s shocked face.

"Help… me up…" The sprawled girl extended a trembling hand. When Weak Sound instinctively grasped it, Lin Yu’s fingers closed around the smaller wrist like manacles. "Perfect," she grinned through the sting in her palms. "All according to plan!"

Sitting up triumphantly, she declared: "This wasn’t clumsiness! That fall was totally intentional… Really!"