When Olivia returned home, the entire household was in an uproar.

The blue-haired loli watched maids scrambling around the mansion, frantically reporting that their mistress was missing in every direction. Tears streaked their faces as they rushed out again and again to search—like she’d suddenly become the most important person in the world.

*Huh… Well, I guess I am important to them,* Olivia mused. *No me, no paychecks~*

She found the scene oddly heartwarming. Being cared for felt nice. For a moment, the blue-haired loli even considered hiding in the corner longer.

But then she spotted her mother in the living room—exhausted, face drawn with worry. Olivia quickened her steps, waved at the front door, and yelled:

“I’m hooome—!”

“Mistress! Mistress—!”

Maids swarmed around her. Among them were night-shift servants from the previous evening. Sebastian, the stern butler with sharp features, shoved them forward. They bowed repeatedly, voices trembling:

“We’re so sorry, Mistress! We were negligent on duty last night—we failed to watch over you…”

Olivia’s lips twitched. *Do they think I’m some runaway pet?*

“Whatever~ Nothing happened anyway. And expecting girls to guard a house alone is unrealistic.” She turned to Sebastian. “Hire a few starving adventurers as security later. Bargain hard.”

The butler nodded immediately. Just then, Fufu heard the commotion and rushed out.

The elegant lady threw her arms around Olivia, relief flooding her voice:

“Baby… where were you? They said you’d been kidnapped. I—I was frantic… I begged the knights, hired search parties…” Her voice cracked. “We looked for so long…”

“Mom, don’t cry~ I… uh, *was* kidnapped, but it was just a misunderstanding! I’m totally fine, see? Haha, no worries!” Olivia tiptoed to pat her mother’s head. Fufu finally looked up, wiping swollen eyes. “Th-thank goodness… My baby’s safe…”

“Sebastian, inform the knights and everyone else I’m back. Come on, Mom—let’s go inside.”

Olivia guided Fufu to the living room. Seeing her mother’s dark circles, she realized: *Whoa… I kept half the city up all night.*

“Mom, you should rest. You look dead on your feet—”

“No! Baby… tell me what really happened. I’m scared you’ve made enemies…” Fufu’s worry was palpable. Olivia sighed. *Should I mention Gawain?*

*No point lying. It wasn’t some secret romance—just a mess. Making stuff up would cause more trouble.* She told the truth, skipping minor details. *Like why I helped Gawain in the first place. Can’t exactly say, ‘Mom, I’ve already cleared this game route!’*

Fufu listened intently. Her tense expression slowly melted into something unreadable—a trace of amusement playing on her lips.

*Huh?*

When Olivia finished, silence hung. Her mother blinked expectantly. Olivia frowned, confused.

“Mom… that’s all. I spent the night in Gawain’s dorm. Nothing else happened. He dropped me off this morning.”

“Mhm~ *Nothing* at all?” Fufu coughed lightly, eyes glinting. “Oh dear… you’re even wearing that junior’s oversized clothes~” Her smile turned knowing. Olivia’s face burned. *Is she implying something?!*

“Of course nothing happened! Ugh—I barely know Gawain! I don’t even *want* to know him! And this shirt? Only because *someone* forced me into that see-through nightgown last night! It’s your fault!” The blue-haired loli jabbed an accusing finger.

But Fufu struck back with veteran precision:

“I never forced you. When I left your room, you hadn’t even dressed yet. Didn’t you swear you’d ‘rather die’ than wear that gown? Pfft~ And ‘don’t know him’? How fascinating—a stranger crashed your wedding for you. My baby’s quite the charmer~ What did the junior say about your *sexy little nightgown*?”

Hss—

Crimson flooded Olivia’s cheeks. Steam visibly puffed from her blue ahoge as maids gasped. *Is our young mistress… literally steaming?! Should we fetch a fire extinguisher…?*

“I-I surrender! Stop talking, Mom…” The blue-haired loli raised white flags. Fufu chuckled, stroking her hair.

“A mother worries when her daughter hits puberty~ Just teasing, sweetheart. Though…” She mumbled, slightly embarrassed, “Hearing you were the one *kidnapped*… kinda shames the family name…”

“Eh?” Olivia blinked, missing the mutter. Fufu waved it off.

“Anyway—I won’t pry. Just be careful, Baby. Oh! With all these new servants, the house is bursting. Maybe… expand it? Though money’s tight…”

“Money’s no issue, Mom. Everyone can squeeze in for now. Renovations’ll finish in months.”

Fufu beamed, patting her chest. “My reliable girl! So… when will you bring Gawain home for tea?”

“Wha—?! Never! I’m avoiding him forever! Stupid Mom—go sleep already!”