CHAPTER 476: A NAME

With a yawn, Coco slowly sat up and threw off the covers, her feet immediately finding the cool touch of the floor.

Stretching her arms before gently rubbing her eyes as Coco prepared to face the day, leaving the cozy comfort of her bed behind, but then, her gaze turned towards the other side of the bed.

There, she saw Alhai sleeping peacefully, his cheek resting against the pillow with his breathing steady and rhythmic.

A soft smile graced Coco’s face at the sight of Alhai’s slumber and she couldn’t help, but feel a sense of warmth seeing him so relaxed and at ease.

She continued to observe him for a moment, admiring his peaceful expression before deciding it was time to start her day.

Coco headed towards her bathroom, but paused for a moment, her gaze drifting towards the couch— on the soft cushion, cuddled up like a cat, was the small goleter, its body curled into a tight ball.

Coco watched the creature silently for a few moments, her eyes studying it intently.

She couldn’t help, but be amused by the strangely adorable sight because the difference between his formidable demeanor yesterday and his current vulnerable appearance was quite striking.

Coco shook her head, a mixture of amusement and mild disbelief at the sight of the sleeping golete coursing through her veins.

She pushed aside her thoughts and proceeded to walk into the bathroom, preparing to freshen herself up for the day ahead as she closed the door behind her, leaving the sleeping goleter on the couch.

The morning routine went by swiftly and before she knew it, Coco found herself walking down the stairs, the goleter cuddled safely in her arms like a little child.

The creature in her arms, his tiny body pressed against her chest, seemingly to have no qualms about being held like this, his small form snuggled comfortably against her as she descended the stairs.

Lala, perched atop Coco’s head as usual, huffed in annoyance and glared down at the goleter in Coco’s arms.

"I can’t believe you’re actually carrying that little troublemaker like that." She grumbled, her voice filled with irritation.

She continued, her voice laced with concern, "What if he attacks you? He’s already proven himself to be a nuisance yesterday and now you’re willingly holding him like a baby! It was like you didn’t listen to my advice!"

Coco chuckled softly, a warm, reassuring tone to her voice as she cooed, "This little guy wouldn’t do anything to me. Right, buddy?"

The goleter, nestled in her arms, remained eerily calm, content with the situation as he made no attempt to protest or struggle, merely looking up at her with his beady red eyes, his stone cold expression giving away nothing.

However, the goleter— in an almost petulant gesture— turned away, refusing to respond.

Nonetheless, Coco’s assessment seemed accurate; the creature remained docile in her arms, offering no resistance so she continued to smile as she spoke, her voice reassuring. "See? He’s a good boy."

Lala simply huffed and rolled her eyes at the scene, clearly not convinced of the goleter’s newfound docility.

Coco entered the kitchen and Heiren’s gaze instantly shifted towards her, a smile automatically appearing on his face, but when he spotted the goleter in her arms, his expression turned puzzled.

He raised an eyebrow, his smile turning into a look of confusion and curiosity.

The sight of Coco cradling the creature like a little child had taken him by surprise because that thing was spouting threats to her last night.

What could have possibly happened?

"Err, good morning." He greeted, his voice dripping with bewilderment.

Coco’s smile widened as she gently placed the goleter on the chair before turning to Heiren. "Good morning, Heiren! What’s for breakfast?"

Heiren was still somewhat bewildered by the sight of the goleter perched on the chair like a child, but he took a moment to collect himself.

He cleared his throat before answering her question, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Uh, I made pancakes."

Coco blinked in surprise at the mention of pancakes "Pancakes? What’s the special occasion? You rarely make pancakes so something must have happened, right?"

Heiren shrugged lightly. "Nothing special, really.. I just felt like making pancakes for breakfast today."

Then Heiren chuckled. "But, wife.. It’s not that pancakes are only for special occasions. I can always make some if you want like Zaque! He wanted some pancakes for breakfast so I made some."

He leaned against the kitchen counter, still watching the goleter perched on the chair, his gaze flickering between the creature and Coco. Sometimes, it’s good to have pancakes for breakfast, no?"

Coco nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful for a moment. "Yeah, you’re right.. By the way, Quizen and Zaque are usually up and about early, but I haven’t seen them this morning."

She glanced around the kitchen, searching for any indication of their presence, but the room remained eerily quiet.

"I’m guessing they’ve already left for work?" She concluded.

Heiren’s smile widened as he handed a plate filled with pancakes to Coco. "Don’t worry about them right now. They left for work a while ago so for now, just enjoy your food."

"Thank you." Coco expressed her gratitude as she accepted the offered plate, a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

The aroma of the pancakes wafted towards her and her stomach growled in response, her focus shifting towards her breakfast rather than dwell on the absent mediators.

Heiren proceeded to cut small pieces of pancake and stole glances from Coco.

She was in the middle of enjoying her breakfast when Heiren asked a question, breaking the silence, unable to hold it off any longer.

"Now that you seem quite friendly with your.." He paused, searching for the appropriate word. ".. Pet, have you considered giving him a name?"

Coco swallowed her mouthful of pancake before replying. "He’s not a pet, but a companion and no, I haven’t really thought about naming him yet.."