Interstellar Beastworld: Raising A Cub With My Mummy System!-Chapter 53: SELAS AEGAEON

She carried him to the changing station, a low table near the window with supplies stacked neatly on shelves. She grabbed wipes, a fresh diaper, and a new set of clothes. A tiny shirt and shorts, soft and pale blue, and a pair of cute socks with little paw prints on them.

The diaper she removed was a revelation. She stared at the contents, then at her small son.

"It is amazing that a tiny guy like you produced all of this."

Auriel kicked his legs, impatient.

She tossed the soiled diaper into the trash and wiped him carefully, two, three times, making sure every fold was clean. She dusted powder on his bottom and thighs to prevent rash, then fastened the new diaper snugly around him.

The shirt went on next, then the shorts, then the socks. She dressed him quickly, efficiently, the way Mira had shown her.

When she was done, she lifted him and held him at arm’s length. "How is that? Did mummy do a good job?"

Auriel cooed, his fussing gone, his little face relaxed. He looked refreshed, content, almost proud of himself.

She laughed and pulled him close, kissing his forehead. "Let’s get you sucking so mummy can get back to work."

She settled into the rocking chair and pulled down the tube top. Auriel latched on immediately, his tiny hand pressed against her skin, his gold eyes staring up at her with an intensity that made her chest ache.

She was still sitting there, feeding him, when Mira appeared in the doorway with a tray.

"Good day, Madam. It is time for your lunch. You need as much energy as he does."

Lin Yue nodded. "Thank you, Mira."

Mira set the tray on the table near the window and left as quietly as she had come.

The tray held a plate piled with meat.

Roasted, sliced, stewed.

No vegetables.

No grains.

Just meat.

Lin Yue’s stomach turned slightly.

She wanted to enjoy it, but her body was not ready.

She took a few bites, enough to keep her strength up, then pushed the tray aside.

She looked down at Auriel, still feeding, his gold eyes fixed on her face.

He was staring at her so intently, like he was trying to memorize her features. The nurses had said he would not start smiling until four to six weeks, but she could not wait until then. His squeals and coos were already the best part of her day.

She noticed, not for the first time, how fast he was growing. His vision had already developed. She could tell he was seeing her, tracking her movements.

His grip was stronger than it had been yesterday. His hair was fuller, white curls covering his head in soft waves.

"You take after your father day by day," she murmured. "Mummy’s genes did not stand a chance."

[He has your nose. And your stubbornness. And your appetite, judging by how much he eats.]

She smiled and looked down at her son, at his gold eyes and his white curls and his tiny fingers curled against her skin.

Auriel finished feeding with a contented sigh, his tiny body relaxing against her chest. But the moment she lifted him to her shoulder to burp him, his energy returned. His legs kicked, his arms waved, and a stream of happy coos escaped him. He was not sleepy at all.

"Of course," Lin Yue muttered. "You are wide awake now."

She burped him anyway, then settled him in her arms and stood. The nursery was comfortable, but she needed a change of scenery. And privacy. Uriel’s study was empty, and she could use the terminal there to dig deeper into the accounts.

She had only tomorrow left to uncover who the rat was.

She grabbed her phone, adjusted Auriel in her arms, and stepped into the corridor. The house was quiet at this hour, the staff moving through their routines with practiced efficiency. She walked past the main staircase, past the portrait gallery, past the door to the kitchen.

A man was standing near the entrance to the east wing.

He was tall, lean, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to smile even when his mouth did not. His hair was dark, combed back from his face, and his uniform was immaculate. He looked like the butler, though she had not seen him before.

There was something off‑putting about his smile. Warm, but not quite reaching his eyes.

He bowed slightly as she approached. "Good afternoon, Madam."

"Good afternoon."

"I am Selas Aegaeon. I oversee the household staff. We have not had the pleasure of a formal introduction."

She shifted Auriel in her arms and managed a smile. "Lin Yue. It is nice to meet you."

[He is a coyote beastman. Be careful. Coyotes are clever and often untrustworthy.]

She kept her expression pleasant.

Selas’s eyes moved to Auriel, then back to her. "The little prince is thriving. You must be very attentive."

"I try."

"Where are you heading, Madam? Perhaps I can assist you."

"I was going to the study. I thought I might do some studying. Read about the estate. Learn how things work."

His smile widened, but something flickered in his eyes. "The study. Yes. His Majesty keeps many important records there. I am sure you will find much to occupy your time."

She nodded and made to move past him.

He did not step aside.

"The madam must truly want the good of the household," he said, his voice light, almost casual. "It is rare for someone new to take such an interest in the inner workings of a house this size."

"I like to keep busy."

"Of course. But there is an old saying on Primus. ’A curious hand may find the honey, but it may also find the bee.’ Sometimes it is better to let the household manage itself. There are things beneath the surface that are best left undisturbed."

Lin Yue’s heart rate ticked up, but she kept her face neutral. "I will keep that in mind."

Selas inclined his head and stepped aside. "Enjoy your studies, Madam. If you need anything, the staff is always here to serve."