Page 39 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

● Familiar's abilities will benefit you (peaceful dreams, warmth during rest)

● Familiar will grow stronger as you level up

● Familiar will protect you (when fully grown and terrifying)

Warning: You are now responsible for a creature that will grow into an apex predator. Please ensure adequate food, shelter, and training. Also, your husband will probably have opinions about this.

Carol looked down at the small creature now curled contentedly in her lap, purring like a tiny engine.

"I'm going to call you Mochi," she said. "Because you're soft and sweet and absolutely perfect."

Mochi meowed softly in response, his twin tails curling around her wrist.

NAME ACCEPTED: Mochi

Achievement Unlocked: "Accidental Beast Tamer"

Reward: +10 Affinity with Magical Creatures, Familiar Slots +1, Title: "That Idiot Who Bonds With Dangerous Things"

New Quest Unlocked: "Caring for Your Terrifying Future Pet"

● Feed Mochi daily (0/7 days)

● Provide comfortable sleeping area (0/1)

● Introduce Mochi to your husband without him panicking (0/1)

● Begin basic training (Optional, but recommended)

Reward: 200 XP, 50 Gold Crowns, Mochi's loyalty increases, Your husband questions your life choices

"This is amazing!" Missy squealed. "You've adopted a future murder machine! I love it!"

"It's a BABY murder machine," Lumi said, though she was smiling at how Mochi was nuzzling Carol's hand. "And it is very cute. But Your Grace, the Duke might not approve of you bringing a wild creature into the estate."

"Mochi is not a wild creature," Carol said, gently scratching behind the cub's ears. "He's my familiar. My companion. My emotional support dream-weaver."

"He's going to be 400 pounds," Lumi pointed out.

"Then I'll have a 400-pound emotional support dream-weaver," Carol said firmly. "Look at him, Lumi. Look at his little face."

Mochi chose that moment to yawn, showing tiny needle-sharp teeth, then immediately curled up and fell asleep in Carol's lap.

"Oh no," Lumi said. "You're completely attached already, aren't you?"

"Completely," Carol confirmed. "He's mine now. No one is taking him away from me."

She looked down at the sleeping cub, feeling a fierce protectiveness surge through her. This small creature had been orphaned, alone, surviving on scraps from kitchen staff. Now he had a home. He had her.

And if anyone had a problem with that—well, she'd just have to use her new Puppy Eyes (Husband Edition) skill to convince them otherwise.

Speaking of which...

Carol checked the position of the sun. Still morning. She had a few hours before tea time.

"I should probably introduce Mochi to my room," Carol said. "Get him settled. Make him a comfortable bed."

"You're going to spoil him," Missy observed.