Chapter 256: Holy Quackers!

Words : 1291 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 256: Holy Quackers! In Nina’s mind, Luca had again been promoted to the Roll-up Saint. And her gratitude and admiration kept on increasing as she sampled the goodies in her new treasure box. So, when she was asked to note down her favorite flavors so he could make more of those instead, the little girl was beyond saving. She was so beyond it that by the time she’d spent more than an hour with them, the princess had to find a time to corner her big brother. The Prince could recognize that stance, as the little princess effectively mirrored their mother with how she was standing right now. Still reeling from the eventful meeting, she glanced up at her brother. "Big Brother," she began in a deadly serious tone. Xavier arched a brow. Nina, on the other hand, furrowed hers as she wanted to underscore the importance of her incoming threat. "You—you kissed Brother Chipmunk," she declared with dramatic flair. "And, and you must recognize your crimes and atone for it!" Technically, he asked for a kiss, and Luca gave him one, but the child didn’t need to hear that. Instead, he wanted to know where this was going. His amusement barely flickered as he kept the same expression. "Is that so?" "Yes!" Nina puffed up her cheeks in vexation. "You must be held responsible!" Her words rang with childish conviction. And yet she was sure that their father would agree with her! But then Xavier leaned in closer, practically bending just to reach her ears, his voice a low whisper. "Little Nina, you’re already too late," he said, his mouth betraying the stern expression he was trying to maintain. "I’d like to believe I’m at least a responsible Prince, imperfect, but responsible enough." "I already put a ring on him." Ages ago. "No, you sho—" Nina was ready to protest until she looked at her brother, who motioned with a shrug. "Eh?" "EHHHHH?!" "!!!" The little princess’s world shattered once more. Big Brother...her brother was already married?! And the Saint was actually her brother-in-law?! She’d like to think that her stunned squeak echoed throughout the small cabin, but if she was being honest, it was likely something that exploded in her mind. Holy Quackers! __ Princess Nina actually went through different mindsets as she tried to understand her brother’s words. Was he kidding? He probably was, right? For won’t that be absurd if the Imperial Crown Prince got married without anyone knowing? Like his family for example? It would definitely be absurd. And with her brother’s personality, that would likely be impossible. And so she relaxed, until she saw Brother Chipmunk again who had returned to serving in his post at the lounge. Only this time, the little Princess couldn’t help herself. She looked. Her eyes squinted as she tried looking for something very particular. Lo and behold, she actually found it. It was the ring specifically made for his brother to house Sid, the Imperial heirloom. And right now, half of that unassuming ring was worn by the Roll-up Saint! "!!!" An actual new brother! Nina had to hold onto the ledge for fear of collapsing. It would honestly take about a week more of actual processing for the little Princess to fully understand what all of that meant. But for now, she would have to pretend that life was normal. The Imperial Crown Prince didn’t just marry without anyone knowing, and that she didn’t have so many treasures inside her space button. Everything was okay. Yes. And so, the Princess decided to busy herself with counting treasures and maybe looking at pets instead of looking at her handsome new brother who kept on shining by the counter. Maybe she just needed a nap. It must be that. Thankfully, the people were awfully concerned about the new show, well, program of the Day Care to actually notice the state of the returning princess. Apparently, there was such a thing as pet training sessions, where owners could ask for special training. While the contract explicitly says that it does not guarantee anything, they were more than welcome to try as it has been working well so far. And this was how one Princess managed to evade what could’ve been prying eyes as she returned only partly alive. After all, who wouldn’t be interested in seeing something that would normally be really funny?! But the expected funny pet training session only lasted until the introduction of the trainer. If one had to describe the scene that followed the trainer’s entrance, "chaotic disbelief" might actually be a good way to sum it up. The gathered spectators, composed of proud noble pet owners and their less-than-disciplined pets, initially saw the tortoise’s appearance as something of a jest.. A walking tank? A fearsome beast? They expected to use such descriptions, but instead got: Proud, unhurried, and stylish. The little silk scarf only added to the absurdity. And the nobles whispered amongst themselves. Surely, this was a playful addition to entertain them before the "real" demonstration began. That was the prevalent thought when the tortoise walked out with one of the beast specialists. Xavier was actually supposed to accompany Tortie, but Kyle dissuaded him as his sister was up there, and with such uncanny similarities, he might as well announce his identity with Tortie’s. So, the guardian beast went there with an aid, or a flower carrier, to show what they had practiced last time. Tortie wasn’t actually as interested at first, but the salary seemed acceptable, and so the tortoise determined that a few boulders wouldn’t hurt. And that was exactly the current exercise. As much as it would’ve been easier to slap the sentience away from these beasts, they would likely face lawsuits for violence against huge ass beasts once Tortie actually gets his tentacles on them. So, they opted for a demonstration, as the members of this Guild seemed to be too fond of that. Tortie’s first order of business was a large rock that resembled Mr. Mittens in size. To save time, the busy guardian beast just decided to pulverize it. With one decisive movement, his almost vanishing tentacles came down. The impact practically reverberated through the air as dust scattered. "...!!" Gasps rang out. The nobles, who’d once reclined in amused comfort, were now bolted upright. And even Princess Nina, who had been wholly occupied with averting existential breakdowns, couldn’t help but gape. But the guardian beast was not done. Next was something made of sturdier material, which was basically the husk of Instructor Max’s mecha. It’s just that Tortie did not like the look of it one bit. It took a swish and a little bit of flipping, but this mecha was practically drilled. Just like Tortie saw the humans do it. The whole thing was rather fast, about five minutes, give or take, four of which were spent walking leisurely to the center of the grounds. Which was a good thing, as the only item left was to face the other beasts and gently remind unruly ones. But no one fit the description—not when the pets had tried flattening themselves to the ground just so they could disappear from sight. As for the observing owners? They could not believe it. Especially those with pets that have been spoiled for so long that they think they’re the actual Heads of the Houses. But this one little tortoise that was basically the size of some beast’s head could perform the feat of a destroyer. Technically, Tortie hadn’t really done much; after all, when the giant Phasetail Lynx yielded without being told, the other pets could only imitate. Mr. Mittens knew better, and no amount of pride was worth his remaining dignity!

Chapter 256: Holy Quackers!

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