Chapter 3: The Peeping Tom in the Bushes

Raindrops ticked down along the stems and leaves, and the Rain Sound Kingfisher was sopping wet. Even after receiving treatment for both body and spirit, it still looked somewhat pitiable.

Facing the fat worm that the Clover Mantis brought to its beak, the Rain Sound Kingfisher gulped but did not immediately open its mouth to eat. It sneaked a glance at the Clover Mantis and, feeling the maternal glow emanating from it, hesitated no longer. Opening its mouth wide, it swallowed the worm whole.

Having experienced the welcoming dance of the Star Worm and the goodwill shown by Char, Betty, and the Clover Mantis, the Rain Sound Kingfisher's inner tension had already dissipated a great deal. It was no longer as panic-stricken and timid as it had been initially, seemingly like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring.

Now, faced with the fat worm offered by the Clover Mantis right to its beak, it could hardly resist.