Help! My Moms Are Overpowered Tyrants, and I'm Stuck as Their Baby!-Chapter 102: A Picnic Interrupted

[About time you realized that,] the system murmured gently, a rare softness in its tone.

I couldn't help the faint smile that crept onto my lips, my heart swelling quietly in my chest. It wasn't often that my system offered praise without sarcasm, and the warmth felt oddly reassuring.

"I'm proud of you," Mara said softly, interrupting my silent conversation. Her golden eyes shimmered with genuine pride, her smile warm and affectionate. "You've truly grown into an impressive leader."

My cheeks flushed faintly, and I quickly glanced away, unused to such open praise. "It wasn't just me," I murmured awkwardly, motioning vaguely toward Aria, Riven, and Smaug. "It was a team effort."

"Modest as ever," Elira interjected, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. Her touch was reassuring, steadying me. "But still, a little self-appreciation wouldn't kill you."

"Wouldn't it, though?" I muttered sarcastically, earning a soft chuckle from Mara.

Elira rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on. We've prepared something special to celebrate your victory."

"Special?" Riven echoed hesitantly, eyeing the two former captains warily. "As in dangerous-special, or actually-safe-for-kids special?"

Mara's lips quirked upward, amusement dancing in her gaze. "Only a little dangerous."

"Comforting," Riven replied dryly.

Aria bounced excitedly beside me, her cheerful demeanor unshaken by Mara's teasing. "Ooh, is it food? Please say it's food!"

Elira laughed, her eyes twinkling warmly. "You guessed right. Mara and I arranged a picnic in the gardens. It's about time you kids had some relaxation."

Smaug flicked his tail skeptically, eyes narrowed. "Are you certain that there's no hidden agenda? No secret tests or sinister motives?"

Elira raised an eyebrow, expression innocent. "Smaug, do we look like villains?"

"Yes," Smaug answered flatly. "Absolutely."

I suppressed a laugh, nudging him gently. "Relax, Smaug. It's just a picnic."

He huffed, clearly unconvinced. "Fine. But if this picnic ends with something exploding, I reserve the right to say 'I told you so'."

"Duly noted," Mara replied calmly, leading us toward the gardens.

We settled beneath the sprawling branches of an enormous willow tree, its delicate leaves swaying gently in the breeze. The gardens were as picturesque as ever, filled with the vibrant fragrance of flowers and the cheerful chirping of birds. Mara spread a large blanket across the soft grass, while Elira produced a beautifully arranged basket, bursting with an assortment of enticing foods.

My stomach grumbled appreciatively, and Aria laughed brightly. "Sounds like someone's hungry!"

"Shush," I muttered, cheeks burning. "Growing tyrants need to eat."

"Indeed," Riven replied seriously, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Or they might accidentally unleash magical tantrums."

"Careful, Riven," I warned lightly, smiling dangerously. "Or the next tantrum might be aimed at you."

His grin faltered slightly, and he held up his hands in surrender. "Duly noted."

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Elira laid out the feast before us, each dish more appetizing than the last: delicate sandwiches filled with tender meats and cheeses, pastries dripping with honey and powdered sugar, and fresh fruits glistening enticingly in the sunlight. Mara poured cold drinks into elegant glasses, passing them around with practiced ease.

"This is lovely," Aria sighed happily, already devouring a pastry. "We should do this more often."

I nodded silently, savoring the refreshing sweetness of the fruit juice. It was a rare moment of peace, surrounded by friends and laughter, devoid of threats or looming danger. Even Smaug seemed to relax, curling comfortably beside me, eyes half-closed in contentment.

Soon, more voices drifted toward us, curious classmates and friendly acquaintances trickling into the gardens. They approached shyly at first, hesitant to intrude upon our intimate gathering. But Aria, ever welcoming, waved them over enthusiastically.

"Join us!" she called brightly. "There's plenty for everyone."

Slowly, more and more students joined, laughter growing louder, conversation becoming more animated. The atmosphere shifted from quiet relaxation to vibrant celebration, transforming our small picnic into a joyful gathering.

Even Riven seemed to relax, laughing freely, eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. Smaug, grudgingly tolerating the increased noise, allowed a younger student to tentatively stroke his scales, a small, proud smile tugging at his lips.

For a moment, everything was perfect.

[Enjoy it,] the system murmured softly in my mind, its voice unusually tender. [You deserve moments like this.]

My heart squeezed gently, gratitude swelling within me. Thank you, I whispered silently, hoping it could sense my sincerity.

As I watched my friends laugh and talk, warmth spread through my chest, happiness humming gently in my veins. This was my life now: filled with chaotic friends, caring attendants, overprotective family, and an arrogant dragon who'd somehow wormed his way into my heart.

And I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Suddenly, the hairs at the back of my neck prickled sharply, a sudden chill seizing my spine. Smaug lifted his head abruptly, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits, nostrils flaring with suspicion.

Elira and Mara froze simultaneously, tension radiating from their bodies as their gazes snapped toward the shadows at the edge of the garden. Their eyes narrowed dangerously, instincts honed from years of battle immediately alert.

"Everyone, get behind us," Mara commanded sharply, her usually warm tone replaced by steel-edged authority.

Students scattered quickly, confused whispers filling the air, anxiety thickening the once joyous atmosphere.

My pulse quickened, adrenaline flooding my veins. "What's happening?"

Mara didn't reply immediately, her gaze locked fiercely on the growing darkness at the garden's edge, her body coiled taut like a predator ready to strike.

Slowly, shadows emerged from the gloom, cloaked figures stepping forward menacingly, their eyes glinting dangerously beneath dark hoods. Malevolent magic crackled ominously around them, an oppressive aura pulsing from their very presence.

Smaug growled dangerously beside me, scales shimmering with barely restrained power. "Who dares interrupt our peace?"

The leading figure laughed coldly, voice echoing cruelly through the gardens. "We've come for the girl. Hand her over, and no one else will be harmed."

Elira's lips twisted into a dark smile, her eyes blazing with lethal promise. "You're either incredibly brave or foolishly suicidal."

Mara's expression was chilling, her presence radiating lethal intent. "Either way, you've just sealed your fate."

My heart thundered, fear warring fiercely with determination. I stepped forward defiantly, ignoring Mara's immediate hiss of protest.

"I don't know who you think you are," I said coldly, magic simmering beneath my skin, ready to be unleashed, "but you chose the wrong picnic to crash."

The intruders laughed derisively, clearly dismissing my threat. But they'd forgotten who I was forgotten the strength that surged within me, the power that even I still struggled to fully control.

Beside me, Riven's eyes flashed protectively, while Aria's fists clenched defiantly, her cheerful demeanor replaced by fierce determination.

Smaug snarled dangerously, flames licking hungrily at his lips. "Let me roast them."

[Time to show them who they're dealing with,] the system murmured darkly, a savage satisfaction in its voice. [Let's remind them why messing with you is a terrible idea.]

I smiled grimly, determination hardening my resolve. These intruders thought they could threaten my friends, disrupt our peace?

They would soon realize their mistake.

Because today, they would learn exactly what happened when someone threatened those I cared about.