a.s.suming 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 antic.i.p.ate 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. s.h.i.+ning 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.
"Wait, mother! I know he is a good person. He did not want the reward; it was me who forced him to come. Don"t you trust my judgment?"
"No."
Lip twitching, Greyson forced himself to hold in his laughter. Looking down the long and dark tunnel, Greyson realized he needed a guide again or else he would definitely be lost for days.
"Uhm, do you think you could allow Theo direct me to the way out? I don"t recognize all the turns we took to enter here." Sheepishly grinning, Greyson turned around to ask.
"I will call someone else to escort you out."
"No! I"m going to do it! I brought him in, so I"ll take him out. Aren"t you always nagging me to take responsibility?" Theo pouted and huffed angrily.
Sighing helplessly, Theo"s mother just waved her paw to dismiss them. Expression lighting up once more, Theo hurried over to Greyson to lead the way. On the journey to the exit, Theo kept glancing back at Greyson apologetically as if he had something to express but could not bring it up himself.
"There"s no need to apologize. She"s right, you know."
"How? How did you know I wanted to apologize?" Eyes widening in shock, the adorable mouse dropped his jaw.
"Uh..." How could I not know?
"I was just a.s.suming after what happened earlier since you are so nice."
"Hehehe. You are kind, too! I feel incompetent since I offered a reward but did not provide one. Is there anything you require? Any information? I don"t know much about other things, but when it comes to hearing any news and gossip in this area, my tribe are the experts! We hear about everything. A lot of other tribes come to us for insider news."
"Information?" Right away, Lucius came to Greyson"s mind. Maybe he would not have to waste his time going to the Wind Altar if he could find out right now if Lucius was spotted around here or not. Although he wanted to get all the keys, time was of the essence for Lucius.
"Actually, I do have one thing I want to ask about."
"What it is?!" Happy to be of service, Theo quickly perked his ears.
"Have you heard any rumors or news about a Destiny Cat in the area?"
"Destiny Cat... No, I cannot say I have, but I"m also not really in the loop with this stuff. I will ask around for you and let you know!" Reaching the exit, Theo stopped at the edge. "Just go through her and you will be shot back above ground. I will let you know what information I can dig up after a day or so. Stay in the area so I can find you!"
"Alright, thanks a lot!" Flas.h.i.+ng a smile, Greyson patted Theo"s head before stepping through the exit. Violently spit out of the tunnel hole, Greyson was sent flying out. Managing to catch himself before he hit the ground, he stood up dusting himself off. Remembering from last time, he swiftly turned around and caught the flurry projectile coming at him. He did not feel like eating dirt for a second time.
"Wow, Daddy! It"s so much fun!"
Forcing a pained smile, Greyson just faintly nodded in agreement.
"Snow, do you think Theo will be able to help me? Will I find Lucius this time?"
"Lucius?" Snow tilted her head.
"Hm... He"s your uncle! I think you"d get along great with him. He"s great with young ones like you." Lying without blinking an eye, Greyson put Lucius up on a pedestal hoping that she would bother him later instead. In reality, Lucius was still a baby himself in magic beast terms.