71 Compromise (1/2)

\”Why would you call a meeting when you have already decided things on your own?\” Serket cried in a loud and coarse voice.

The bird's whole body was as straight as a pole and with her crest up, Mina could sense her utmost displeasure. She knew that the man behind her was still the figure of authority, but Serket seems to be second in command.

'You should be more like her.'

The collar's sudden intrusion surprised Mina, but she ignored it and focused on Serket instead.  The general already made his position clear and Serket was clearly not happy about it.

Serket may be a bit scared of the general, but Mina could see that she was not a pushover.

Curious about how the rest of the humans reacted, Mina studied everyone in silence.

The old man was thoughtfully running one hand over his chin. From the looks of it, grandpa had no say in all of this.

So, Mina glanced at the next human present — Barca.

As someone following the general and the old man's successor, it would be interesting to know what Tarou's pretty boy thinks about all this.

Mina subtly turned towards the young man. But when she saw the scene in Barca's corner, she almost slipped off the table.

The young man and the little mouse appeared to be in their own bubble.

As expected, Tarou was munching on some grains while cradled on Barca's hand. The greedy creature looked especially gleeful while the human kept on patting his head like he was a good dog.

This man! He is treating that glutton like his baby!

'Focus.'

The collar's firm reminder was so effective, Mina stopped berating her underling.

Is Barca actually not included in this discussion?

As if sensing her gaze, Barca looked towards her and flashed a beautiful smile.

This man... he's too unaffected.

This is just too weird.

Mina studied everyone again but Serket along with the humans appeared to be oblivious to Barca's carefree attitude.

\”Of course, you, our dear general call the shots when it comes to this investigation.\” Serket's low, guttural growl jolted Mina back into reality. \”It's not like I'm qualified to assist you with this.\”

\”You will play the same role in this mission.\”

Hearing the words, the parrot's face became a bit relaxed.

\”Here I thought that this dutiful assistant will take over that too.\”

Mina cringed at Serket's whining.

\”You will be in charge of communication,\” the general clarified. \”I will be in charge of the cat.\”

Serket flapped her wings and squawked her reply.

\”Grandpa, what do you say?\”

The old man had his hand rubbing his chin thoughtfully while looking at the general and then back at her. It was as if he was lost in thought and Mina could sense that he was not paying attention to the discussion.

\”Grandpa, what is it?\”

Serket repeated the question when she realized that the old man did not react right away.

\”Hmmm...\”