"But," Millie interrupted, "I have a cousin who's been asking to learn the business. She could run the cart while I'm gone. Two weeks, maybe three at most."
Marron felt hope flutter. "So you're considering it?"
"I'm considering it." Millie's ears twitched. "You're asking me to travel to a mimic settlement to investigate a potentially magical ladle that may or may not exist. It's absurd."
"Completely absurd."
"And yet—it sounds more interesting than making moon cakes for the next month. And if this ladle is real, watching you figure out how to use it would be educational." Millie smiled. "I've never seen someone work with Legendary Tools before."
"You'd really come?"
"On two conditions." Millie held up her paw. "One: we plan this properly. Route, supplies, safety measures, contingencies."
"Agreed."
"Two: if we find this ladle and it's real, you let me document it. Take notes, maybe sketch it. I want to learn how these tools work."
