“I can’t believe I agreed to this,” Andrew said as he led the group of penguins and a polar bear through the picnic area of Ethel’s realm.


    “Yes, you can. You’re not nearly as grumpy as you pretend to be, especially after you met these guys. We’ve known each other longer than most people have known anyone, Andrew. So you can’t lie to me anymore. Plus, I have special lie-detecting powers! I know when you’ve been naughty or nice!” Bug said. She did not have lie-detecting powers, and even if she did, she wouldn’t have used them on her friends, but she thought it was a funny joke considering her fake beard and hat.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    “Andrew is pretty great. I don’t know why he insists on being so grumpy,” Penny, one of the smaller penguins, said.


    “Sometimes it’s just in your nature,” Cirtar added in a low roar.


    “So you’re still okay letting some of the kids ride you Cirtar?” Bug asked.


    “Yes, yes, and I even promise I won’t eat anyone,” the polar bear answered.


    “Good, okay, thank you, everyone. I have to go find Harold. I forgot someone’s gift!” Bug said after finishing his check-in. She still needed to figure out what to get Serilina.