CHAPTER 488: TASKS

The next day arrived and Coco found herself standing before Lala, Konoha and Richard, each of them looking at her attentively.. One way or another.

She was all business, a serious expression on her face as she talked to the three of them.

"I have some important tasks that require your help." She informed them, her tone firm and authoritative. "Are you ready to hear what they are?"

Lala nodded enthusiastically, her eyes wide with eagerness. "Ready as I will ever be!"

"Meow!" Konoha let out a soft mewl, her tail flicking in anticipation as she rubbed her head and body against Coco’s leg.

Richard, on the other hand, rolled his eyes slightly at the eagerness of the others, but gave a resigned nod as he grumbled. "Yeah, yeah, let’s get this over with."

Coco exhaled a tired sigh at Richard’s reaction, choosing not to comment on his attitude this time and instead, she turned her attention to Lala, focusing on the task at hand.

"Lala." She called the fairy firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You’re going to accompany Kairo today. Keep a close eye on him and ensure nothing happens to him. Understood? If you must, use your magic to protect him."

Lala responded to Coco’s instruction with a confident nod, her hand snapping into a playful salute as she affirmed her understanding.

"Understood, ma’am!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

There was a moment of slight amusement on Coco’s expression as she watched Lala’s energetic salute, but she quickly composed herself.

"Good girl." She replied, maintaining her serious face as much as possible. "Make sure you take your duty seriously. This is a task of utmost importance."

Then, Coco’s expression softened as she turned her attention to Konoha, her tone sweet yet firm.

"My dearest baby." She cooed, addressing her fondly. "You’ll be accompanying my friend today, alright? You know Jacques, her husband, and soon-to-be husband, right?"

Konoha responded to Coco’s question with a soft meow, her body rubbing affectionately against her leg as she purred contentedly.

Coco chuckled softly, her hand reaching down to gently pet Konoha’s fur with affection.

"Atta girl." She murmured, her voice filled with affection. "I expect you to behave and be on your best behavior, okay?"

Konoha meowed in response again, her small form still purring softly before Coco turned her attention to the goleter.

Coco’s expression turned slightly more serious as she regarded the goleter. "And you.. You have a specific task as well."

Richard crossed his arms in a mocking manner, his glowing red eyes expressing annoyance as he feigned surprise, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

"Oh, no, I had no idea." He said bluntly. "Enlighten me. What’s my part in this grand plan of yours? I’m just dying to know right now, ma’am."

Despite her efforts to maintain composure, Coco’s eye twitched involuntarily as she picked up on Richard’s blatant sarcasm, but she chose to remain composed, forcing a smile instead.

"You will be staying with my husbands today." She told him, her voice strained "Your task is to ensure their safety. You didn’t become weak just because you became my pet, did you?"

Richard immediately felt offended, ended up scoffing and growling. "Of course not. I can still take care of myself. I’ll protect them so well that you’ll want to kneel before me, human! How dare you think so low of me?!"

Coco nodded approvingly, a satisfied smile on her face and couldn’t help the small sense of pleasure she felt upon seeing that her previous comment had gotten under Richard’s skin.

"That’s reassuring." She said, her voice sounding a little condescending. "I was starting to worry that being my pet had made you so soft."

She flashed him a smile. "Glad to know you still have some bite."

Richard let out a soft growl, his irritation evident as he gritted his teeth in frustration, but he didn’t respond directly, holding back his retort rather than engaging in further verbal sparring.

He clenched his fists, his glowing red eyes narrowing slightly as he silently seethed.

It was clear that Coco’s comment had struck a nerve, but he was restraining himself from making a witty comeback.

So Coco couldn’t help, but flash Richard her victorious expression.

"Alright, now that everyone has their tasks." She said, clapping her hands. "I can finally go to work and focus on my own tasks without worrying about you all."

She turned on her heel before glancing back briefly at the group as she added one final jab. "Please try not to cause any trouble, hm?"

Richard clicked his tongue in irritation and walked past Coco, his footsteps heavy with frustration.

He forcefully pushed open the door, his anger evident in every movement— with a final huff, he stomped out of Coco’s bedroom, the sound of his retreating footsteps growing fainter with each passing second.

Coco watched his exit with satisfaction and amusement, shaking her head slightly at his dramatic behavior.

Despite his protests and grumbling, she knew he would follow the tasks assigned to him.

Coco turned to Lala and Konoha, her expression softening as she gave them a warm smile and bent down slightly to be at their eye level before speaking in a reassuring tone.

"Alright, girls." She said, her voice affectionate. "Be on your best behavior for me. I really need to go now."

She reached out to gently pat both Lala and Konoha on their heads, her fingers ruffling their hair playfully. "I’ll see you both soon, alright?"

Then, Coco exited her room, with Lala and Konoha quietly following her down the stairs.

As she descended the stairs, she called out loud enough for the mediators within the house to hear her.

"I’m leaving now!" She announced, her voice booming. "Take care, everyone!"

Coco was about to fully exit when she suddenly heard someone call out to her, stopping her in her tracks.

"Wait, Coco!" Someone called out, gasping for air. "Let’s walk out of the gate together!"