One Day, I Picked Up a Mom - Chapter 82

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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One Day I Picked Up a Mother – Episode 82

The Director started with a bird with crimson feathers that seemed to hold flames, then moved to a bird with a bizarre beak that looked like it wore a giant helmet on its head.

And from black antelopes with curved horns raised above their heads to highland predators with dark patterns over their silver fur.

He continued with detailed explanations of each one.

While doing so, they saw the sight of crimson wings fluttering under the sunlight, heard the strange sounds made by large beaks clacking together.

Just watching the antelopes drinking water and the predators stretching was enough to make the child extremely excited.

The Director not only placed a colorful bird on Iban’s shoulder and gave him the opportunity to directly feed insects to a small monkey.

“Wow…”

He actually appeared carrying two young tiger cubs in his arms.

Tiger cubs that seemed just a bit larger than commonly seen adult cats.

“They just woke up from a good sleep and are in a very good mood. Would you like to hold one?”

Iban couldn’t take his eyes off the tigers for even a moment and just nodded his head.

Iban, who carefully supported the tiger that filled his arms completely, let out a silent gasp.

When the tiger suddenly turned its head, Iban was startled and quickly pulled his head back.

“Down, it seems like it wants to go down.”

Iban, seemingly afraid the tiger might fall, hurriedly adjusted his holding position and knelt on one knee.

Only after placing the cub down on the moss-covered ground did Iban breathe a sigh of relief and look at me.

I also glanced at Ludrio and bent my legs.

Although putting my knees on the ground went against the dignity I had learned so far.

“It’s so cute.”

My hesitation wasn’t long for such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When I carefully stroked the back of the tiger that was tilting its head curiously, its very soft fur tickled my palm.

Perhaps because it was still young, there was no sign of a predator’s majesty – just a soft and warm living creature that naturally brought a smile to my face.

“Mother, its paws are really big.”

“They really are. Incredibly big.”

Its front paws were particularly rough and thick compared to its body size.

“Would you like to hold one?”

At the Director’s kind offer, I quickly nodded my head.

He smiled gently and skillfully placed a tiger in my arms.

The tiger cub was heavier than expected and very warm.

“Ah…”

A regular heartbeat was transmitted through the palm supporting its chest.

Along with the smell of grass, a quite pleasant scent brushed past my nose.

“Oh, how pretty.”

Below its forehead with symmetrical dark black stripes was a black, round, moist nose. Stiff white whiskers and shining amber eyes.

The living creature in my arms was excessively adorable.

The tiger being held by me and petted by Iban made a small growling sound.

Iban, whose eyes widened in surprise, smiled brightly.

“Iban, its paw pads are incredibly soft.”

“Really?”

Iban nodded quickly as if agreeing with my words.

I felt the warmth and weight in my arms for a long while before looking up at Ludrio.

He, who seemed to have been watching silently, turned his head when our eyes met.

Though his posture remained perfectly neat and composed, he couldn’t erase the emotion reflected in his eyes.

“Count, its paw pads are squishy.”

I stood up from my spot and approached him, being careful not to make the tiger in my arms uncomfortable.

* * *

Luna approached closely as if asking him to touch the tiger in her arms.

When Ludrio let out a small sigh at the unexpected suggestion.

“Father, you should hold one too! It’s incredibly warm.”

Even the child urged him on.

Finally, when he reached out and petted it a few times.

“It’s incredibly soft, isn’t it?”

“…It is.”

Ludrio quietly observed Luna’s expression.

Her cheeks that had risen plumply with joy and the red flush that had spread over them.

Her eyes that curved thinly as if she didn’t know what to do because the cub in her arms was so cute.

“Did you just see that? Its teeth are so small.”

Luna tilted her body slightly so he could see better.

Was it because she was enjoying this time?

She smiled more than expected and didn’t seem awkward or uncomfortable.

She didn’t seem to resent him either.

‘That’s a relief.’

Was it because his heart had already been sorted out?

If more time passed like this, their relationship would be sorted out as she had said.

As Iban’s father.

Just to that extent.

“…Do you originally like animals?”

“Pardon?”

Perhaps it was a sudden question, as she looked up.

Her round eyes sparkled slowly each time her eyelids moved.

That’s when it happened.

As the cub became restless in her arms, Luna quickly bent down and placed it on the ground.

The tiger, having regained its freedom, looked around and headed toward Iban.

Then it playfully poked the other tiger, and the two began running around the space quickly.

They were busy swinging their front paws at each other, getting tangled up, then chasing each other again.

Luna was completely captivated by the sight, and an answer to the question never came.

Her eyes moved busily, and along with bright bursts of laughter, a lovely smile spread across her entire face.

It was a very pure laugh.

Ludrio’s gaze moved to the glass ceiling where red sunlight was pouring down.

‘…When more time passes.’

Unlike the outside where even the air was frozen cold, inside the thick stone-walled enclosure was as warm as spring weather close to summer.

* * *

Inside the carriage heading home.

Ludrio quietly watched Iban sleeping against him and Luna slowly blinking her eyes as if tired.

All day long, both Luna and Iban had sparkled their eyes as if enjoying the Director’s explanations.

While his explanations continued, the two busily followed wherever the Director’s finger pointed.

When the Director’s explanation ended, they asked various questions.

‘Those monkeys’ bottoms are really red. Is it because they’re cold since there’s no fur on their bottoms?’

Iban too.

‘To think they shed their horns by themselves. There’s blood beaded up like that, but doesn’t it hurt?’

‘What’s that white foam around its mouth?’

Luna too.

Standing side by side and turning their heads toward the same place, their movements constantly leaning forward with curiosity – they were exactly alike.

Whether it was being entranced and gasping at the small tigers the Director carefully brought out, or carefully petting them and then meeting each other’s eyes with innocent smiles.

‘Wow, it’s delicious!’

Though neither Iban nor Luna said anything particular, they seemed to have had a very satisfying time.

‘Count, would you like to try this?’

She who had offered him a paper cone rolled into a funnel shape hesitated for a moment before saying.

‘It’s probably not to your taste, is it?’

The brown paper bag was filled with freshly roasted chestnuts.

A crude snack sold to zoo staff.

Though he wasn’t particularly inclined to dirty his hands, he accepted a chestnut from Luna, who seemed to hesitate as if she thought he would refuse.

The heat filling his mouth. The rich sweetness of sugar water.

It wasn’t a bad taste.

“….”

…She seemed to have fallen completely asleep, as Luna’s closed eyes didn’t open for a long time.

Ludrio also closed his eyes and quietly savored the weight of the child resting on his shoulder and the woman’s languid breathing.

The chattering questions that had continued and the sparkling eyes.

The bright laughter and the absent-minded sighs.

After contemplating the two of them for a long time, Ludrio suddenly had this thought.

He wished they would arrive at the Duke’s Manor just a little more slowly.

So this quiet moment wouldn’t be disturbed.

Clatter.

Though the carriage jolted greatly and scattered his brief reverie, he couldn’t bring himself to adjust his posture.

He was afraid the child sleeping against his shoulder might wake up.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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