Chapter 77: The Return of the Annoying Space Cat

Karina choked.

The tea went down the wrong pipe, or maybe it was the sudden realization that her peaceful week of silence had just come to a screeching halt. She sputtered, one hand flying to her chest, the other slamming the teacup down onto the saucer with a loud clatter that made everyone at the table jump.

"Mama?" Valen’s head snapped toward her, his purple eyes wide with alarm. "Are you alright?"

Karina coughed violently, her eyes watering. She waved a hand vaguely in the air, trying to signal that she was fine, that she wasn’t dying, that her son didn’t need to look at her like she was about to keel over her eggs.

"Yes, yes," she managed between coughs, her voice strained. "Just—went down the wrong way."

Leonidas had half-risen from his chair, his expression tight with concern. Rafael was staring, and even Corvin had paused mid-spoon-lift, Soren’s mouth hanging open expectantly.

Karina waved them all off, reaching for her napkin to dab at her watering eyes.

That was when the voice came again.

Miss me, Host?

Karina’s eye twitched.

What are you doing here? she screamed internally.

Watching you screw everything up, obviously. Cheshire’s robotic voice reeked of condescension.

Karina’s fingers tightened around her napkin. She could feel a headache blooming behind her eyes.

I told you to deactivate and stay gone!

And I knew it was a stupid idea. Cheshire’s voice was breezy. Besides, this place has been getting too dark and dreary with the plague monster and all. Someone needed to bring back the comedy.

Dark and dreary?! You stupid little—

"Karina?" Leonidas’s voice cut through her internal argument. He was still half-standing, his brow furrowed. "You’re very pale. Perhaps you should lie down."

"I’m fine," Karina said, her voice pitched slightly too high. She cleared her throat, forcing herself to breathe. "Wrong pipe. It happens."

Leonidas didn’t look convinced. Neither did Aldric, who had taken a half-step forward from his post by the door.

You’ve had your time without me, Cheshire continued, unbothered by the chaos he was causing. Now I’m back! And I have updates!

I don’t want your updates.

Too bad. You’re getting them.

A translucent blue screen flickered to life in Karina’s peripheral vision, visible only to her. She squeezed her eyes shut, but the screen persisted, hovering stubbornly in her mind’s eye.

[YANDERE SYSTEM STATUS REPORT]

[Name: Leonidas Aelar]

[Current Heart Points: 10 → 27 (Desperate Devotion / Genuine Remorse)]

[Obsession Level: 40% → 55% ( Learning Restraint)]

[Analysis: Target has shifted from catatonic despair to active self-reformation. He nearly died and has since backed off completely, honoring your request for space. He is no longer plotting to force a reunion, he is trying to become worthy of one. He is fighting his instincts to give you freedom. This is dangerous, not for you, but for him. He may destroy himself trying to prove he’s changed.]

Karina’s jaw tightened, and she stole a quick glance at him.

Yeah, whatever. It’s too late.

Ah, but wait! Cheshire’s voice was still gleeful. There’s more!

[Name: Zarek Randuil]

[Current Heart Points: 10 (Confused / Protective)]

[Obsession Level: 8% (Awakening Curiosity / Unsettled Attraction)]

[Analysis: Target is experiencing unfamiliar emotional responses to the Empress. His protective instincts have been activated, and he is struggling to reconcile his previous indifference with his current behavior. He does not understand why he cares. This confusion is fertile ground for obsession. Keep it up!]

Karina blinked.

Zarek? she thought, genuinely surprised. He’s at ten percent?

He was at zero when you first arrived, Cheshire chirped. Now look at him! Riding across kingdoms, coming to check on Soren, hugging you in the sitting room. He’s a completely different snake!

He hugged me because I was crying.

Exactly! Emotional vulnerability! It’s like catnip for emotionally stunted beastmen!

Karina groaned internally.

Now, moving on. I won’t give any updates on Drystan since.... Well, moving on!

Karina pressed her fingers to her temples.

[MATERNAL REDEMPTION PROGRESS]

[Prince Valen: COMPLETE]

[Relationship Status: Attached / Protective / Trusting]

[Note: The lollipops were a masterstroke. The shield during the rabid panther attack sealed the deal. The first shift was the cherry on top. Congratulations, Host. You have officially won over the eldest.]

[Prince Rynan: COMPLETE]

[Relationship Status: Adoring / Affectionate / Obsessed with Sweets]

[Note: He literally saved you a cookie. What more do you want?]

[Prince Daerys: IN PROGRESS]

[Relationship Status: Cautious / Wary / Beginning to Trust]

[Note: The dragon cub is stubborn, but he’s starting to believe you might actually be different. Give him time. And maybe more snacks.]

[Prince Soren: IN PROGRESS]

[Relationship Status: Hostile / Distrustful / Currently Biting Anyone Who Gets Too Close]

[Note: The snake cub is the hardest nut to crack despite his young age. But you’re making progress.]

Karina let out a slow breath.

So Valen and Rynan are done. Daerys and Soren still need work. I already knew that though.

Exactly! Cheshire’s voice was bright. See? I’m not completely useless. I provide valuable information!

You provide headaches.

Same thing!

"Karina." Leonidas’s voice was closer now, and when she opened her eyes, he had moved around the table to stand beside her chair. His eyes were dark with concern, his hand hovering near her shoulder. "You’ve gone very quiet. And you keep making faces."

Faces? Karina thought, horrified.

Oh yeah, Cheshire confirmed. You looked like you were constipated for about thirty seconds there. Very attractive.

Shut up.

"I’m fine," Karina said aloud, forcing a smile. "Just tired. It’s been a long few days."

Leonidas didn’t look convinced. Neither did Aldric, who had moved even closer, his blue eyes scanning her face like he was cataloging symptoms of some rare disease.

Valen cleared his throat. "Mama? Are you alright? You’re acting strange."

Karina’s heart melted, as it always did when Valen looked at her like that. She reached out and smoothed down his dark hair, her fingers lingering on the soft strands.

"I’m fine, sweetie," she said, her voice gentle now. "I promise. Just a little tired."

Valen didn’t look convinced, but he nodded slowly, returning his attention to his meal.

"I wish to discuss with you," Leonidas said suddenly.

Karina’s head snapped up. "Excuse me?"

"I wish to discuss... with you. I can’t say more here."

Karina stared at Leonidas.

Oh no, Cheshire said, his voice gleeful. This is going to be good.

I hate you.

No, you don’t. Now, let’s see what he’s going to say!

Karina took a slow breath. She set down her napkin. She turned to face Leonidas fully.

"Fine," she said. "We can discuss it after dinner."