Gern watched Perospero abandon all control over his expression, looking as though he might crack at any moment and throw caution to the wind.
Finally, as if he had had enough fun, Gern chuckled and flicked his wrist. Black Blade: Eight Desolations slid back into the sheath at his waist with a clear metallic ring.
"Get up." Gern waved a hand casually, his tone returning to normal.
"I never lied to you. I really did come to see your mother."
Then, watching Perospero rise slowly in disbelief and brush nonexistent candy crumbs from his knees, he continued.
"But if you really want an explanation..."
Gern deliberately drew out his words. Seeing Perospero's ears prick up instantly, he chuckled and revealed the answer.
"It would be that your mother... 'invited' me here."
"!!!"
"Why would Mama ever invite you into her own territory?!" Perospero blurted out.
As he spoke, however, his feet began moving involuntarily, taking quick, tiny steps as he edged backward like a crab.
Invite a Marine Admiral? And at a time as sensitive as the tea party?
No matter how whimsical Mama was, she would never decide to let a wolf into her own home!
In an instant, Perospero had put more than fifty meters between himself and Gern!
That distance gave him a faint sense of security.
At least, if Gern suddenly attacked again, he might have the slightest chance to react and escape.
Once he was certain he held a relatively "safe" position in their confrontation, Perospero abruptly stopped.
He spun the Candy Cane in his hand with a swish and pointed its tip at Gern, trying to regain some control of the conversation as he barked with false bravado:
"Heavenquake! Stop playing mysterious and telling lies that would only fool children!"
"Mama is right in