It took a moment for Sporegard to get it, but when he did, his smile went from mild happiness to absolutely glowing. He even hopped in place with glee, though he did his best to refrain from making too much noise with the gesture. A curious look came over him once he stopped though. “What of the Merchants then? Are you not still working with Miss PK?”

Another question that felt difficult to answer... even though it wasn't. “She is responsible for...” Shroomsworth almost said outright, then paused. He gazed into his brother's curious eyes, and he just couldn't say it as he would to anyone else. “... she and I decided it would be best not to work together anymore. She is staying with the Merchants, and I am going to stay here, with you.” It was the best way he could think of to put it... though it was certainly not telling the whole story.

“Oh...” Sporegard acknowledged. His smile didn't return upon hearing that news. “She was ratherly fun to be around. Are you sure it is alright for you to leave and come here? It does not make you sad?” he asked with innocent curiosity.

Shroomsworth let his gaze lower to the floor as he became lost in thought. It certainly was regrettable that everything turned out this way. He soon returned his eyes upon Sporegard, and a pleasant smile crossed his face. “There could be nothing more 'alright' than spending more time with you and the rest of our family. Please, worry not and let us get some rest.”

Those were some reassuring words for certain. Ones that returned the smile to Sporegard's face. “Very well! I am feeling incredulously better now, so I am going back to my bed. Good night, brother!” he whispered, seemingly in a much better mood as he waddled through the arch drape.

Alone again, though at least with a proper bed to rest his weary bones on once he settled his monocle upon the nearby table. It felt so physically pleasing to roll back onto the cushioned surface, to pull the smooth, pleasant sheets over himself. Shroomsworth had finally found proper rest after having so little ever since Sorbet's rampage. He'd sent his brother to bed feeling uplifted, but as the side of his face nestled against the pillow, he found himself gently pulling it to cover his eyes. In spite of his earlier stoic manner, it was dampened with tears until he could find the peace of mind to sleep.

=====

Part 3 to "Successor" by
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