Becca's presence at lunch was definitely the attention puller.

The usually-recluse Dragon has become something different completely since undergoing her evolution. Sociable, pleasant and an absolute delight are some of the descriptions that spring to mind. Best of all, however, is the fact that she actually likes me.

Sure there's that 'Mom' thing, but I'm down for that. I've long thought of everyone as family, Wolves Golems and Mimics included. It's only since Becca gave me that moniker that I've truly been thinking about what it means.

I did create everyone and everything here, other than the humans of course, so it's kind of growing on me. It's just... strange? Then again, what isn't? I need to get over myself and keep going.

"Hey, mom," Becca's words make me falter instantly. My heart beats faster and Violet eyes me suspiciously. She watches for a second as I try to compose myself before she takes her opportunity by the horns.

"Hi, mom," she smiles mischievously and I can't find it in myself to be annoyed. I'm too flustered.

"I can call you mom now, Abi?" It doesn't help that Blondie jumps on the hype too, who's then followed by Amber in between mouthfuls. They're almost too much and I sit down quickly after ordering my meal.

"Working hard, Amber?" The stack of empty plates and bowls beside her indicate that she is indeed working hard. It's also confirmed by a quick nod followed by another serving.

"What are you doing after lunch is over, mom?" Becca seems to have calmed down a little from our unexpected accident this morning and is as perky as she was before it happened. Her Ruby eyes are shining in anticipation of my answer. Obviously she doesn't want to stay in the Daycare anymore. Why would she though? She's an adult now, right?

"I've got a few tasks to complete around the region. Nothing too spectacular though unfortunately. You're welcome to tag along though."

"Yes!" she answered immediately, indicating that she had indeed had enough of the Daycare.

"Can I come, Abi? I mean, mom." Blondie can't help but revert to her old ways straight away, but I honestly don't mind what she calls me. As long as it isn't anything bad.

"I suppose we could come as well. Bear is... missing you somewhat he said." Amber invites herself before I've even responded to Blondie. I look at Amber and she asks the important question on her mind.

"Will there be food?"

I knew that was coming. She's a proper glutton this one. It's a good job that I have so many Shacks, Sheds and Cow Pits producing food on a daily basis. Otherwise Amber would probably eat me out of points.

"It's not likely. I'll be moving from city to city sorting minor problems and upgrading." I say feeling a little sad.

"I'm good then, thanks." My emotion was because I knew what was coming the moment I said no. She really is a little glutton.

"Just the four of us then," I smile until Bear makes the cutest little roar I've ever heard from beside me. "Five. I meant five of us. Sorry, Bear," I apologise while bending down and stroking his furry chin. His face lights up in delight and then ecstasy as I scratch away.

Until Violet retrieves her pet that is. Fair enough, I get it. I was just giving him some attention too.

"Is everyone ready then? Are you all done." A chorus of yes' later and we're off to Tune, the fishing city being the first port of call. Councilman Raff has everything under control he told me and upon inspection, he wasn't wrong.

The streets of Tune are still free from the grime and horrors that had filled them prior to my Absorption. Not a homeless person in sight either and everyone is looking well fed. It's apparent in the atmosphere as there's a warm vibe floating through the merry streets.

Gone is the sour taste of death and decay, the scowls and depressing looks are now a thing of the past. To look at, you wouldn't even believe they had a housing and food crisis not too long ago. Hence the reason for my visit.

Everything is going well so no extra intervention is needed on my part. That said, I took the time to upgrade their meat producers right quickly before porting us to our next destination. Orad.

Already a fine example of what a city should be like - especially one that was not owned by a dungeon until recently, there's never much for me to actually do in Orad. Today, however, Light said that Mayor Baldur would like to have a word with me at some point in the future. Seeing as how I'm making the rounds, now seems like a good enough time as any.

I upgrade the producers as I did in Tune before we stroll over to the mayor's house. Sometimes it's just nice to walk.

We are greeted by the mayor's assistant Ivan after knocking on the door. A thin man in his early thirties with large round spectacles leads us inside and straight to the mayor's office. It doesn't take long to reach as even the mayor's home in Orad is rather modest in size. No wonder they're doing so well with Baldur leading by example.

What a guy.

"Miss Dungeon Core. Please, take a seat. Who are you lovely... friends? Baldur stutters as he takes in the horns on Blondie and Violet's heads.

"These are a few of my daughters. They're Dragons in case you were wondering. Don't let the horns fool you, they're definitely not demons." Stupid Kolena and her stupid demon speech. Now I feel like I have to justify the Dragons' existence.

Maybe I gave Baldur too much credit before. I've only been in his office twenty seconds and I think we've taken him out of action. He's pale faced and is slightly frothing at the mouth whispering, "Dragons?"

Poor guy.

"From my left is Becca, Blondie and then Violet. Bear is a bear in case you didn't realise. Also, I know they're beautiful, but get over yourself. You wanted to speak with me about something Light said."

"Thanks, mom." Becca is positively glowing from my compliment and so are Violet and Blondie. Bear is also happy to have been mentioned once again and at such an important meeting no less.

"Yes? Their, erm... beauty." Nothing at all to do with the fact that there are actually three Dragons in my home, he whispers. I let it slide though. Baldur's a good guy, evident by Orad. I'd rather not have him replaced with some tool like the guy in charge of Tune. Granted he's coming around, but when your leadership is corrupt how do expect those below to stay cleansed. It's impossible to expect that to happen.

"I wanted to talk to you about the dungeon outside our wall. Is that ok?" Baldur asks.

"Sure. You can ask whatever you want. If you want to get rid of the dungeon though, I'm sorry, but that can't happen. It has to stay here to help your citizens level up. Either that or they'd have to travel all the way to Varona to use my dungeon." Then again, could I support that? I should have asked You earlier, but I'm pretty sure that my dungeon is running close to capacity as well.

"Actually it's quite the opposite. I was hoping you would be willing to enlarge the dungeon or possibly just creating a second one might be better altogether. Maybe somewhere on the opposite side of the city? We're having trouble getting everyone in."

I didn't expect that one.

In fact, that's something that Simon should have known about.

"How come Light or my Categoriser don't about that?" Not that I think Baldur had ill intentions l, but I don't understand why he wouldn't let them know sooner. That's the reason they're here after all. So I don't have to attend more meetings and whatnot. I much prefer to port in, sort my upgrades and move on.

"I didn't really want to burden them with that so I've been managing it myself." Orad's mayor fiddles with his fingers as he answers.

He didn't want to burden them, but instead thought to ask for me? Yeah, he's definitely not as capable as I thought. Maybe it's Ivan? Baldur's number two might be the genius behind Orad's success story.

"In the future, please tell these things to Light or Simon. Or... whoever is stationed here at that time. I don't want to sound like a drag, but I'm a pretty busy Core, you know?" I try cracking a joke to relieve the tension. The tension being purely my own at being called to a meeting I had no need to attend. Still, I suppose Baldur is quite easy on the eyes for a human.

"T-There was another... erm... I mean. What I wanted to say was... It's just you're so... I mean, I can't help it if... You know?"

What the hell was that supposed to be and where did this bumbling idiot come from? The sweaty man is no longer easy on the eyes and looks as though he's taken a turn for the worst.

"Are you ill?" I've got to ask. I don't know if Dungeon Cores can get sick, but I don't want to chance it. I'm not asking Me because he'll just say no and I still don't want to chance it.

"What? No. I-I was just trying to say... What I wanted to say was... Oh, why is this so hard?"

"I've got you, Baldur. Don't worry buddy. Mom, this guy fancies you." Blondie steals the spotlight as myself and the mayor both go red.

Damn it, Blondie. That's the sort of thing you're supposed to whisper to me, I tell her through my will.

"That's not... I mean... It wasn't supposed to come across that way," he stutters. I just keep my mouth shut as I have nothing to say. Not that I don't want to add to the conversation, but more along the lines of I can't. I can't even think straight as Blondie caught me off guard with her casual statement.

"Ahem. I think... I left... a golem cooking. Well be back," I say in my nicest voice before the five of us immediately disappear from the mayor's office. On top of my tower, I'm giving Blondie the biggest stink eye ever as I can't believe she said that aloud.

"Do you know how embarrassing that was? I could have died. Again."

"Don't be so melodramatic, mom. You're strong. That guy would be lucky to be with you." Blondie 180's my mood with her positive vibes and I'm instantly swayed to her way of thinking.

"Damn right he would. Your mom's a catch," I laugh.

"Yeah you are," Becca chimes in, who's then followed by Violet. No one likes being left out after all.

"Bear also said he agrees you're a catch." The animal in question is nodding along, but I'm happy to suspect that comments from Bear are really comments from Violet in disguise and that warms my soul even more.

She's slowly coming around like The Oncoming Storm has. Although Becca's was more of an immediate thing, her presence amongst the triplets is still a great example of how to behave. Hopefully, they learn from her and when they're ready to evolve they'll come out as some kick-ass Dragons too.