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You turned back towards the Kaiju King and bowed your head slightly.
<span class="mu-r">“Thank you for helping me get her back. If you ever find yourself in my neck of the woods, feel free to look me up.”</span>
King Kawade gave you an acknowledging nod and a brief smile.
<span class="mu-b">“I might just have to take you up on that offer someday. It's been an age since I've stepped foot on the surface. It would be a relief to step foot outside without fear of being crushed underfoot.”</span> he said, chuckling at his own joke.
<span class="mu-r">“Speaking of being crushed underfoot,”</span> you added. <span class="mu-r">“Would it be alright if one of your monster guards escorted us through your kingdom?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Oh, well of course. How about-”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“The robot lady seems nice.”</span> you cut in, pointing at the kneeling mech before King Kawade could pick one for you.
Both of them blinked in surprise, and the mech woman glanced back at him to see what he would say.
King Kawade shrugged and waved a hand dismissively.
<span class="mu-b">“If that is your wish, so be it.”</span> he decided. <span class="mu-b">“Mekara, keep them safe.”</span>
The monster known as Mekara gave him a thumbs up in return.
<span class="mu-r">“You've got it, Kei. I won’t let anything happen to them.”</span>
If the King was at all offended by being called something other than his title, he didn't show it.
<span class="mu-r">"Oh, and is there any chance I can keep that picture?"</span> you asked, pointing at the drawing of Cindy.
Everyone in the room glanced at it, and even Cindy turned her head in his direction. The King flipped the paper around and took a moment to admire his handiwork. And, with a grunt, he got up from his plush, comfortable-looking throne and prepared to step down. Without missing a beat, the dragon man reached his hand out and allowed the old man to step onto it.
<span class="mu-b">"Oh. Thank you, Slizzik."</span> he said, twisting his body until he was sat between the giant reptile's upturned claws.
Slizzik's slitted, bright yellow eyes seemed to gleam at the King's praise.
<span class="mu-g">"Of course, sir."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Beware, my King! You know not what diseases that one has!"</span> the giant insect warned.
Slizzik shot him a dirty look and stretched his arm across the room, bringing his King closer to you so that he could offer you the drawing. You gratefully accepted it from him and handed it to Cindy. The bandaged girl gently plucked it from your hands and held it close to her chest. She let out a contented sigh.
<span class="mu-s">"Thanks you..."</span> she muttered.
A small grin spread across the King’s lined face, and you found it hard to stop yourself from smiling as well. Especially when Cindy was giggling like a loon in your arms. A quick glance up at Mekara told you that she was grinning as well. Her expressions were so human-like...
(Cont.)
