115 Gossipmongers (1/2)
Assuming there was a legitimate reason for this mouse not knowing, Greyson decided to maintain his silence on this issue as well.
”Where are we going right now?”
”I'm taking you to mother! She will know what to arrange for you as a reward.” Eyes sparkling, the mouse's expression clearly lit up with admiration.
”Well, she sounds like a remarkable mouse.” Chuckling over the cute behavior of the little guy, Greyson started to anticipate meeting this mother.
”What is your name by the way?”
”Me? I am *squeak**squeak*.” After letting out a bunch of mouse noises, he looked over at Greyson expectantly.
”Uh, do you happen to have a name in the human tongue?” Feeling speechless, Greyson knew he would never be able to say that name.
”Human name? Our business partners call me Theodre, Theo for short.”
”Theo, is it? Nice to meet you, Theo. My name is Greyson. This leopard over here is Snow.” Crouching down to his feet, he pet Theo's smooth fur. It was incredibly soft and comfortable. He could tell why those girls like Jade Mice as pets.
”Haha, nice to meet you too, Greyson and Snow!” Leaning his head into Greyson's hand, Theo enjoyed the feeling of Greyson's warm skin. ”Follow me! We are practically there.”
The three continued down a maze of tunnels. After countless twists and turns, they ultimately arrived at a grand hall. Hundreds of mice were scurrying around and communicating with each other while one special one sat at the top looking down. Following Theo's eyes, Greyson recognized that the mouse overlooking the rest was most likely the mother. Glancing down to his new friend, he was surprised that this naive mouse was most likely the young heir to the Jade Mouse Tribe.
”Mother!” Squeezing through the chaotic crowd, Theo forced his way to the lofty throne. Elegantly resting on top, this mouse was distinct. Shining silver fur with silver eyes, she exuded a regal charm different from the usual weak impression of mice. Greyson felt slightly ridiculous thinking this, but this small mouse came off like royalty. Though she barely reached his knee sitting on her rock throne, her size did not take away from the sense of threat she gave off. Frosty eyes scrutinized Greyson and Snow before they warmed a fraction after landing on Theo.
”My child, who are they?” Matching her expression, her tone came off biting and unwelcoming. If Theo could be described as overly friendly and innocent, then his mother could be described as hard-hearted and cautious.
”Mother~ this guy saved my life! We must offer him a reward!”
”Oh? Something dared to attack you?” Wholly not impressed, Theo's mother instead felt angrier.
”No, no, no. That's not the point! All that matters is that I was attacked but am completely unhurt because of this Beastman.”
”What attacked you?”
”That's not relevant...”
”What attacked you?!”
”Uh... well... that little Cloud Leopard over there did. It didn't mean any harm, though. Snow just thought I was any other regular mouse.”
Suddenly, Greyson experienced the desire to just dig a hole to hide within. Of course, it was Snow's fault in the first place for attacking so him preventing her was a matter of course. How could he claim to save someone from his own beast? It was like saying that Greyson was about to eat Theo, but since he changed his mind, Theo claimed Greyson saved him. There was no logic! Seemingly, Theo's mother also agreed with Greyson's mindset. Speechless at her own son's ludicrous thought process, she had no words to say.
”My son, just because they changed their minds about killing you does not mean they saved your life.”
”But, but...”
”No buts.” She decisively ended. Then, facing her head towards Greyson, she warned, ”just because my son is foolish does not mean you are too. I will not pursue today's matters, please just leave.” Happy to oblige, Greyson quickly moved towards the way he came.