But before Caro could get her way, Alaya rushed over, deftly picked up the cat teaser in her mouth, and tossed it into a cabinet, sealing it away.

Under the two girls’ baffled stares, Alaya walked over with a deadpan look and sternly tapped Caro on the head. “Caro, sweetie, don’t give Elina toys like this anymore, okay? I don’t want her getting into them so young. Just when her heart’s finally starting to mature, she’ll turn back into a baby kitten.”

“Mm, okay.” Caro nodded obediently.

Elina pursed her lips. This girl was really good at putting on an act. She was probably just taking advantage of how easy it was to bully her.

Still, thank goodness Mom had stepped in. Otherwise, she’d have been done for. When she saw the cat teaser just now, she really had felt an irresistible urge to scratch at it. The feeling had been downright terrifying.

From now on, she had to resist accepting any fun toys related to cats. She didn’t want to give anyone such a childish handle to use against her. Otherwise, wouldn’t anyone be able to wave a cat teaser around and play with her like she was a little kitten?

But was my image in Mom’s mind really that easy to shake…?

What do you mean, turning back into a baby kitten, meow~?

My willpower is manly enough to rival any tough guy, meow~!

While Elina was indignantly defending herself, Alaya finished dealing with Caro and settled her off to the side. Then she walked over to Elina with a serious expression, put both hands firmly on her shoulders, and asked earnestly, “Sweetheart, answer me honestly. Did you really not get those things you said just now from some book?”

Seeing how serious Mom was, Elina understood her doubts and worries. Those words really didn’t sound like something the old her would’ve said. But she’d been ready for this. Mom’s suspicions wouldn’t make her afraid or lose confidence. She was a transmigrator who knew some of the story, after all. If she couldn’t even change the fate of the Frank Empire, then what was the point of being transmigrated here?

Maybe whoever had brought her here wanted her to use this identity to save the Frank Empire.

“No. I might’ve gotten some inspiration from books, but I really came up with those things myself. And I believe I can do it!” Elina patted her little chest and declared confidently.

Seeing the strength of spirit hidden deep in her daughter’s pale blue eyes, Alaya wiped away the tears welling at the corners of her own and nodded. “You really have grown up, sweetheart. Mom believes in you. Go ahead and do what you need to do. Even if the sky falls, your dad and I will hold it up for you. And happy birthday~”

“Mm! Thank you, Mom. I love you!” Elina hugged Alaya sincerely. This was the first time she’d truly opened her heart. Before, she’d still felt a little awkward about suddenly having a mother. But now she understood just how much this woman trusted her daughter. That unconditional trust was the family love she treasured most, meow!

“Mm, sweetheart, I love you too!” Alaya hugged Elina, tears of joy filling her eyes. How could she not have felt the emotion in Elina’s words? She’d thought the little one had only said it to make her happy.

But today, Elina had meant it from the heart. Alaya wasn’t asking for much as a mother. She was simply happy that her daughter could truly love her.

When her husband got back, she’d have him prepare a big present for their daughter. It was one of a parent’s greatest joys to see their child grow more sensible. Seeing her daughter happy was the greatest wish Alaya had as a mother.

……