are you a cat person?
Only in Arthur.
Otherwise I'm an actual human person.
Note: these are purely my headcanons at the moment, they are based on animal ethology and behaviours that I think would suit each character depending on their personality and Lore. I would love to read your headcanon in case you have them.
Warning: Long text. Possible grammatical errors. It's written as if Mc was writing for themself.
Hey, it me Mc, the best human. Here is a compilation of the behaviours of my demons during their periods, cycles, for practical day to day use. It wasn't easy but I sat them down and got to talk to them, with a little effort I now know what they need. So now I am ready to assist them during these complicated times and be prepared in case I find a dead goat on the porch as a tribute.
Lucifer, Mammon & Levi || Satan, Asmo, & Beel || Belphie, Barbatos & Diavolo || Simeon & Raphael
Satan
Light damages his eyes, and during his period he does not sleep at all.
During his cycle, the plaques that extend from his tail to his entire body become more pronounced and acquire a bioluminescent coating. As do its horns. Beware, they prick.
Some parts of his body grow feathers (I think this is a "side" effect of his birth). He aggressively plucks them out, help him not to hurt himself.
His teeth grow continuously, he has to be sanding them (biting things or his own tail). Other than that he doesn't groom much.
Satan doesn't have a fixed place to spend his heat, and although he likes to "nest" he doesn't know how to do it well, which frustrates him a lot. Help him, you already have experience (I think that's why he has chosen my room as his favourite place)
Depending on the weather he may make something more like a nest or a burrow.
Satan is terribly territorial, even with his siblings. He has had a run in with Cerberus from time to time. Please don't let that happen, the house won't hold.
Satan does not have a pre-heat period as such, but you can tell it is coming because he becomes more taciturn and solitary.
Raw meat is his main food, which is what he goes out to hunt very often because he needs a lot of it, but make sure he doesn't eat more than his capacity or it will make him sick. One way to do this is to feed him yourself (I think he thinks you have hunted for him if you do this).
Satan is the only one who haunts other demons and even souls of the condemned.
It is the only one that has fought other demons. Any living thing within 100 metres of him is encroaching on his territory, which is a problem because he moves so much for hunt.
Satan becomes non-verbal. But he does not use noises to communicate, only physical contact.
Growls and roars are reserved for threats and warnings (in other words, to communicate with everyone but you).
He likes physical contact, but is afraid to get close in case he hurts you (his tags and tail), you won't deny him comfort so be careful and that's it.
Satan produces pheromones, but does not usually mark.
His way of courting is to offer you resources, especially prey (he wants to prove he can feed you), it's not the first time he's brought you a live demon. Once he brought you a Little D, the poor thing kept shaking.
Satan's senses are heightened to the extreme. Many stimuli upset him and he has fits of rage. talk to him, so that he focuses his attention on your voice, that will calm him down. Lucifer's voice calms him down a lot too (but it's a secret)
All these changes (hormonal, behavioural…) are not good for his anger, the poor thing gets very angry without knowing why.
Satan's temperature is a reflection of his activity, when he is on the move it increases and when he stops it decreases.
During periods of low activity he curls up next to you, holding your hand (for fear of hurting you) with his pupils fully dilated, don't be fooled, he is fully alert and ready to attack.
Satan purrs? YES! It's the purr that most resembles a cat (that will make him happy, but don't tell him, the avatar of wrath has his pride).
Mc: *in their bedroom helping Satan* Here is ok?
Satan: *looking at them and nodding*
Mc: Making a nest is complicated… are you sure this is okay?
Satan: *standing next to them and rubbing his cheek with their cheek *
Mc: *smiling* Okay, let's go to the next part.
Satan: *grunting at a demon that's approached the house*
Mc: Satan!!! Satan stop!!!
Demon: *paralyzed with fear*
Mc: *hugging* Satan now, let him go, he's going, he's goi- agh!
Satan: !!!
Mc: *cut themself with his tail* It's okay, it's nothing.
Satan: *guilty look*
Mc: *taking him by the hand* Don't worry, this heals fast.
Satan: *nodding still guilty, squeezing their hand*
Demon: …. I thought I was dying!!!!
Satan: *purring as he presses his chin on Mc*
Mc: *talking to him to calm him down* And remember you don't have to go out every day, there's plenty of food here….
Satan: *purring more loudly*
Mc: But if you see my great uncle's soul, the one from the village, it's all yours.
Satan: *nodding with a smile*
Mc: *laughing* How trustworthy, you're awesome Satan.
Asmo
Although he spends most of his time awake, he needs to sleep.
He can be just as active during the day as he is at night (like arachnids).
For him to sleep, you have to be right next to him or he won't sleep.
Asmo needs to nest completely under cover, underground, but prefers the safety of his home to going outside. So he improvises a burrow in his room.
During his period the scales of his exoskeleton become shiny and velvety coated, as do his wings and horns.
Them take on a more striking fuchsia colour than usual. It will be one of the few times you will be able to see Asmo's tail with its sting.
He preens himself a lot, moistening its wings, polishing its scales... At first he is a little reluctant to be helped, but later he will be constantly asking for your help.
More than territorial, Asmo is possessive. He doesn't want you to leave his side, sometimes with his siblings too. If he smells a scent of someone else in his tribe, good luck to that individual.
Asmo doesn't have pre-heat, you'll just wake up one day with all your clothes gone and you'll know it's started.
Asmo's diet during its cycle is varied, although its consumption increases, ranging from fresh meat, fluids of all kinds, to poisonous substances such as flowers, mushrooms or other live animals. Be sure to allow some time to pass before he kisses or bites you.
If you get him a rare poisonous plant, he will be happy and content.
He can talk normally, but he will also make clicking sounds to indicate his mood.
Lots of pheromones, Asmo produces lots and lots of pheromones during his period, pheromones that he will use to mark his territory. Often his siblings can't be near him. You don't have that problem
Asmo is very needy to contact, hug him, give him kisses, caress his wings, his hair. He will be happy to let you.
And he will return the gesture, he will bite you too (always have your first aid kit handy). He will always try to be on top of you or for you to be on top of him.
Asmo's courtship consists of exsivating while performing a dance (like scorpions), this dance is complex and elaborate, and during it he releases a large amount of pheromones.
He gets very confused when you don't react to it, Asmo I'm sorry but I can't smell your pheromones, sometimes he even gets sad.
His senses are very developed, especially his sense of smell, which is more developed than any of his siblings. Make sure the flowers in his room are enchanted so that they don't emit odour and with perfumes and other fragranced products the same or he can get hurt.
Asmo's temperature will generally drop, but he will go through periods of very high fever (due to his sin) which will leave him tired.
During fever peaks he will become very active, and will devote most of his time to courting. To balance this out you will have to COURT him yourself, you'd better improve that dance.
Because of his temperature, he will spend most of his time hiding in the burrow, demanding your cuddles.
He purrs? , yes, in an adorable and soft way. It is easy to make him purr, with a simple praise.
Asmo: Kiss? *with Mc sitting on his lap*
Mc: Not yet Asmo.
Asmo: *with teary eyes* Don't you love me anymore?
Mc: *sighing* Asmo, my life, my heart, you just ate three nightshade roots.
Asmo: *almost crying* And?
Mc: I love you very much but I also want to live.
Asmo: My nose itches.
Mc: Wait a bit longer, I'm finishing enchanting the flowers.
Asmo: *sad * It would be less trouble to remove them…
Mc: But you like them, don't you?
Asmo: Mc..
Mc: *hugging him* I'm here to help you and to make you comfortable, if you like the flowers, the flowers stay.
Asmo: Love you so much!
Asmo: *dancing with a very high fever*
Mc: Asmo, you are so beautiful… you can rest now.
Asmo: *staring at them non-stop*
Mc: *blushing while standing up * You leave me no choice *starts dancing and grabs Asmo by the waist*
Asmo: ?! Are you courting me?! * excited*
Mc: *Grabbing him in their arms to take him to rest* Yup, it worked?.
Asmo: I'm all yours, Mc, from the beginning…
Beel
Light is not a problem for him, although he prefers darkness.
During his period, the exoskeleton hardens and plates of it appear all over his body, and his horns become iridescent.
In addition, its wings become ribbed in a pattern, which at first glance is very beautiful. The more complex the pattern, the more attractive it is. You always see his wings as beautiful, but you agree with him, Beel deserves it.
He does a lot of grooming, which is lovely to see, because Beel is a bit clumsy and needs constant help, he has been injured a few times and you don't want that to happen again.
There are some flies and other insects that lay their nests underground. In Beel's case he has a small gallery dug in the garden, which he uses for storage too.
Beel at the beginning of the cycle may be in the house, but as he progresses he will be in his gallery.
More than territorial, he becomes protective of you and his siblings (he once kidnapped Luke), so when he is in his gallery he feels bad, because his desire to protect them is crushed by his need to be hidden.
Beel has a very marked pre-heat, in which he accumulates large quantities of food in his small cave and his appetite doubles. All the inhabitants of the house join in at this time to cook.
In contrast, during his period of heat his activity is reduced and his appetite decreases, this does not mean that he does not eat, he eats more often but in much smaller quantities and from storage (food that does not spoil).
He will insist on feeding you constantly, prepare indigestion medicine, you will need it.
Beel becomes totally non-verbal, be prepared to become an interpreter, he communicates with grunts, clicks and buzzes his wings.
Lots of buzzing, it's not the first time you've been hit by his wings, with the different buzzes he makes all sorts of claims and they have a high communicative range, you'll just need some time to figure it out.
His pheromones are strong, and he will mark, although he does it unconsciously.
As I said, he likes to have his family around him, but when he can't, anxiety takes over, vibration and physical contact calms him down. The easiest thing to do is to lay him on your chest and talk to him while stroking his hair or wings.
Beel's courtship is complex, first he feels the need to prove he can be a good provider, so he will constantly enlarge and improve his gallery.
And then there is the display of his wings, patterning and rhythmic, synchronised movements and buzzes to impress you.
He sleeps more than usual, will want you to sleep in his arms, and usually does so perched on one of his walls, hopefully you won't develop vertigo….
His senses are not as sharp as those of his siblings, but he becomes much more agile and has much better reflexes.
Beel's temperature increases, due to the continuous movement of his wings (insects produce a lot of heat when flying), but when he is at rest he tends to cool down.
Beel's purr is a mixture of a buzz and a vibration, he will purr when he is calm and content.
Beel was a little worried about how you might react because many humans detest insects. Be sure to praise his wings and other attributes, because this demon is adorable.
Mc: So this is your lair?
Beel: Yes… I decided to keep it from period to period to not destroy the garden…
Mc: I think it's very practical!!! It must be very cool in summer.
Beel: Do you really think so?
Mc: Yes, and cosy too, you're an artist Beel.
Beel: *smiling as he blushes*
Beel: *grunts*
Mc: Beel I can't take anymore…
Beel: *holding out a piece of fruit to them* *buzz*
Mc: Really Beel, I'm going to explode…
Beel: !! *hugging them*
Mc: It's a figure of speech… but can you eat my share… please.
Mc: *sleeping hugging Beel in one of the corners of his gallery*
Beel: *caressing them with his cheek*
Mc: It's all right Beel?
Beel: *crackling with worry*
Mc: Don't worry... Lucifer is with them… and the others will take care of Lucifer for you.
Beel: …*cradling them adoringly*
Mc: And I'll take care of you, so rest…
.
.
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If you have made it this far thanks you 🩷
there are many benefits to submitting to the mortifying ordeal of being known
alternative title: the 'oh' of remembering that someone loves you
“Sir, I suggest we leave the humans alone. Because they killed an elder god. No sir, not ‘some little bullshit local god.’ Hastur, sir. The King in Yellow.”
(The demons lose) Weird Physical Things Humans do that freak demons out - part two I guess? OG can be found Here
It was a brief, trivial thing, to stretch and crack multiple joints in their body. Brief and trivial to them, at least! Popping the nitrogen bubbles in the synovial fluid surrounding their joints was something that humans naturally did. To some it was a habit, to some it brought relief. Sometimes it just happened. But to Demons? That was not a sound bodies should be making.
Lucifer
“Would you care to explain that awful noise that just emanated from your body, MC?”
That reaction is absolutely a cover up for how genuinely concerned he is. He’s only heard noises like that on a battlefield.
He had been assigned to keep you safe, and now it’s a desire he truly has. He acknowledges that he has failed to do so on several occasions and absolutely never wants that to happen again.
As soon as he heard it, his head whipped towards you, eyes roaming over to make sure you were okay.
Even though he knows it doesn’t hurt you, every time you do it he instinctively checks you over.
Mammon
“The Great Mammon demands for you to never make that noise ever again.”
The crack in his voice serves to undermine his command. As soon as he heard that noise, and knew the noise was coming from MC, he frantically grabbed MC’s shoulders.
Expertly checks for injuries, which to some may be surprising but only until one remembers he’s the second oldest, and has taken care of his siblings, and now he’s inspecting MC as he had inspected his brothers, countless times before.
“You’re so weird, ya know. I don’t know how to react to even half the things you do! - What even was that sound??”
He is very relieved it wasn’t serious, but he got flustered when he realized his actions. “Well. Of course I knew humans could do that, I am the Great Mammon!”
Every time you do it around him, he perks up. If he had dog ears they would raise in awareness.
He doesn’t quite know how else to react to it - sure, it might be fun to have MC do it to freak others out, especially his brothers. But the sound disturbs him too, just a little bit, and every time he hears it, although he knows you’re okay, worry spikes. So, he always perks up when he hears it.
Leviathan
“WHOA! That’s so cool!”
The first time Levi heard you crack your knuckles, he did a massive double take. See, he was in the unique position of knowing of the phenomenon but believing it was something that didn’t actually happen, much like nosebleeds upon being aroused.
He wasn’t as worried as some of the other demons were, since he was aware of the concept.
It seemed like he was a bit starstruck, to he honest. - “Humans can actually do that!? I thought it was something that had been made up for effect! He forgets his self consciousness and continues his musings.
Frankly, the discovery delights him and he asks MC to do it all the time. His brother’s reactions to this deeply amuse him as well. Sometimes he’ll also ask you to recreate scenes where the characters crack their joints.
Based on the joint MC cracked, the type of his eagerness/reaction is different.
Satan
“You continue to surprise me, MC, It’s truly fascinating to learn more about you. Can humans crack any of their joints?”
Satan was aware that human bodies could do some thoroughly weird things, (To non-humans) but as to the extent, and what exactly that entailed? That was something he had yet to find out. And, find out he would.
Similar to Levi, he requests for you to crack your joints, though he says it’s “purely for academic interest”
Which is total bullshit, that’s only a part of it. He also actually likes the sound. Not in an “What a nice, soothing sound” kind of way, in a “Oh, that was a neat sound!” kinda way.
He, in turn, starts to share things demons can do with the MC. It becomes a mutually beneficial exchange.
He enjoys that you can easily freak some of his brothers out, Lucifer especially.
It makes him happy to learn more about humans, and specifically about you.
Asmodeus
“MC Dear.” Asmo’s tone is bright and bubbly but his expression reveals the fact that he is desperately trying to keep his composure. “What the fuck was that?”
He was aware that humans had more mobility and flexibility than demons, but many of the things MC did surprised him at first. And he loved watching them move, the fluidity of their movement was always fun and delightful to watch. Especially because MC was the one moving.
But he wasn’t the most knowledgeable about the mechanics of human mobility, and frankly, that impossible (to him) maneuver, accompanied by those cracking sounds was highly alarming,
His natural instinct was to scream and rush over to them, checking for injuries. But MC seemed perfectly fine!
As long as MC was fine, there was no need for him to fret. But! This was something new they could do.
He would not request them to do it, but he pays attention for it! Hearing the cracking sound and seeing the accompanying movement sends shivers up his spine.
Beelzebub
“MC, you made that noise? Are you okay?”
The severity of his reaction really depends on the context. For example, of the MC cracks their knuckles before getting down to work on something, he’ll just pause, look over them and ask if they’re okay, either non-verbally or verbally. Once he gets confirmation, he’ll nod and continue on his way. This happens every time the MC cracks their knuckles and other “low severity” joints.
However, if he hugs the MC and cracks their back, he will immediately loosen his hold (but not let go as he does not want to drop them and potentially injure them more) and goes into crisis mode, making sure that MC is not injured and preparing to cast magic or take them to get treated.
Beel’s nature as a protector is extremely evident when this happens. Internally, he is extremely concerned and only the worst case scenario and horrible memories are running through his head.
Externally though, it’s a different story. He’s been through awful situations and does know how to keep his head in them. It doesn’t mean he’s not affected. However, those effects manifest in different ways.
Belphegor
“Ah, I see how it is. Specifically trying to unnerve me are you? Too bad - I like it. ”
Belphie knows humans can crack their joints. Before, it was something he found genuinely interesting about them, since it’s something both Angels and Demons cannot do.
Now, after everything that’s happened, he still finds it fascinating, but he can’t help but flinch. He knows the difference between a good crack and a bad one, so to say but he can’t help it. Especially if the MC cracks their neck.
He’ll also briefly check on the MC, but not in the same way the others do. Usually he’ll just peer at MC and when he confirms that nothing is wrong he’ll shift his focus, preferring not to dwell on it.
He also likes to listen in when Satan and Levi talk to the MC about it, when he can. It doesn’t happen a lot, because he’s often asleep and they usually ask the MC in private but when it does he pays rapt attention.
Barbatos
“Ah, yet another new piece of information for me to file away.“
Barbatos is honestly the most chill about it, after the first time. He has seen a lot throughout his life, and just accepts that it is a thing that happens.
The first time though, was different, He genuinely did not know it was a thing. It slipped through the cracks, so to say as he had a lot of other stuff to focus on.
The MC cracks their joints and Barbatos, in a very businesslike manner, proceeds to examine them for injuries, and, finding none, prepares to cast some emergency magic as clearly the injury is internal. Genuinely he is very worried, but pushes it aside to handle things.
After the MC explains things, he calms down. Though his composure was never lost in the first place, relief is visible in his eyes.
He finds great amusement in watching other demons react to the sound and the discovery. He will play little pranks on the others with the MC as long as they’re up for it.
Diavolo
“I never would have guessed! It seems there are more differences between Humans and Demons than initially thought. How wonderful!”
Diavolo did keep his composure when MC cracked their joints in front of him the first time, but he was much more openly concerned than Barbatos was.
“MC, what happened? Are you injured?” Magic sparkling at his fingertips in order to heal or teleport, whatever MC needed.
Once that is cleared up, he will also ask you to crack your joints again. It’s interesting to him, and the more he understands about humans, the closer he gets to his goal. Not to mention, there may be a bit of a personal interest as well. ^J^
He’ll also ask Solomon about it! Sometimes though, he’ll also try to crack his joints, but he never injures himself or overdoes it. It’s more of a way for him to try to be closer to the MC. He just thinks it’s neat, and that it would be neat if he could do it too!
Also, he adds that little tidbit of information to the compiled knowledge on humans he maintains. Asks if there are any more things like that that Humans can do, and the MC can tell him about a multitude of things, such as being double jointed.
My guilty pleasure right now is watching luxury hotel reviews and I found this british guy who keeps accidentally clipping into the backrooms.
He's unintentionally making the best liminal horror content on youtube
Oh love them and love to think of most of them in like a Marvel kind of universe but I've got three more for my personal Tumblerverse.
God of Snakes and their child worshippers
God of Prophecy and the first true believer in forever
Unoffical AU sequel of God of Arepo
Oh dope
...they're a shepherd. the world-hater majik, they're a shepherd.
the staff, the vaguely sheep/goat-like appearance, the little bell!!
they're a goddamn shepherd!! ichi is a hunter!! hunters go in and compete with the rest of the forest!! death for death!! and what would be the opposite of that? someone who raises their food and unilaterally slaughters it, at no risk to themselves!!
god. this manga just gets better and better chapter in, chapter out
edit: post not canceled but to be updated due to subsequent developments. which is to say, hey, how about that lamb to the slaughter, huh?
edit 2: follow up!!
Trying out a new format kinda, let me know if it works, please
Lae’zel is the baby at 20/23 ish but for this Tav is around age 16/17 making them the baby
Astarion: He didn't really care to know your age when you first met, but as you ventured forth he could tell you where inexperienced, an amazing leader, but you had no idea what you were doing. “How long have you been doing this, adventuring this darling?” He asked watching as you tried in vain to unlock a chest. “Oh well… Im only sixteen so not that long? When we met up really.” He stared into space for a moment, taking in his fearless leader, who was in fact a child. “Well thats… reassuring?” He said carefully moving you to the side so he could pick the lock for you.
Trust me you wouldn't live down the. “Does the baby need help?” Jokes
No one is getting within arm's length of you though
#his baby *cough* his meal ticket *cough, cough*
Gale: The poor guy has a lot on his mind *and in it*. Forgive him that he really didn't think about figuring out how old you are. “Gale how old were you when you found out you could use magic?” Gale looked up at you watching you playing around with Minor Illusion. “I was about seventeen when Mystra first contacted me.” He said thinking for a moment. “Ohhh that means I’ll be a better wizard than you!” He chuckled hearing You tease him. “You can't be that young.” He jested, his face deadpanning when you admitted you were almost seventeen.
Giving him PTSD from when he first met Mystra
He feeds you first
Feels so guilty about you going to get him magical artifacts
Halsin: Oh he knew, He is over three hundred but he ain't dumb. When you broke him out of Jail he was protective of you, seeing a kid leading and protecting a group of adults broke his heart. “Tav, please rest.” He said softly as he let you sit down. “I have the watch tonight, please get some sleep.” He’s a papa bear. You get hurt, he's there. Can't reach something? Halsins is helping lift you up. He lets you have your respect as a leader but he is always there to be a shoulder to lean on or your own personal Jiminy cricket.
Guard Dog privileges
Will let you sleep on him
Will not let you in the sheresses caress
Jaheira: Mama knew, when you first pulled up to Last Light she swore she saw one of her kids running up to her. “Cub have you eaten?” She’s already going mama mode seeing you haven't slept or eaten. She tears Halsin a new one for not helping you more with Art Cullagh. After the Last Light is attacked and you are standing by her side helping protect her people she feels proud of the next generation and those who are leading it.
She licks her thumb and cleans your face without thinking of it
Teaches you how to haggle
Feels so sorry for you and the trials you must face
Karlach: The baby girl had no idea, she just knows it's fun to rage with you. During a particularly deep rage section, she was surprised when you started to cry. “Soldier?” She asks having to stop herself from hugging and burning you. “I-I’m just scared Karlach.” She listened to you feeling her own tears forming. “I’m not even eighteen, but… Everyone depends on me.” Gods she wanted to hug you, she was raging for you, and because she couldn't hug you.
She works 10x harder to cool down her heart, not just for her, but so she can hold you
Lets you hug Clive as long as you need
Knows how you feel from being shoved into Zariel’s arms at age fifteen
Lae’zel: She doesn't care, You are old enough to hold a sword. In fact your young age and leadership skills just makes her impressed. “I will help train you to fight like a true warrior, not like the teeth-ling.” She does in fact start training you. Dear gods save you, shes got you running laps before the sun comes up.
Proud older sister
Has her own special *violent* way for praising you
Talks about when shes a general of Vlakith and you will be her right-hand
Shadowheart: She and Lae’zel were at each other's throats again when you blew up at them. “You two are fighting like teenagers! And I’m sixteen!” She felt like she got hit by a bag of bricks, you were sixteen, but you had pulled her from the nautiloid, and fought with her out of the hells. “You can't be sixteen.” She said chuckling softly in disbelief, hearing you confirm when you were born she definitely needed some wine to get over that.
Don't know how to act around you
Will give you little candies
Mom said I have to take you with me vibes
Wyll: He found out talking about his pact with you. “Yes, I was seventeen when I signed my pact, but I do not regret it.” He said taking a drink from his goblet. “Man I'm almost seventeen, I wonder what I’ll be like when I'm your age.” Have you ever seen someone shoot wine out their nose? Now you have.
Gets very protective when Mizora shows up
Big brother mode
Piggy back rides when you are tired
A very very dumb Apothecary diaries AU where Lakan checks in on Fengxian before he leaves finds out she's pregnant. She can't go with him or marry him yet but instead while he goes abroad to study she stays with Luomen helping him set up pharmacy after he's cast out from his family.
She and Lakan stay in regular contact through letters, both of them gushing over letters only for someone top look over their shoulders and see letter is only a move in go They're playing long distance each letter is just the next move. At least until Maomao is born the Fengxian includes scribble drawings Maomao does or hand prints...Lakan office and room are full all walls covered in them.
The two reunite and although they live with La clan and Lakan gets headship but they still visit Luoman and the visit Verdigris house (Madame still hastes Lakan but they send good business recommending them to high ranking officials). So Maomao still has her big sisters and still learns about medicine and poison from Luomen.
She still tests on herself , Lakan freaks out but Fengxian trusts her daughter just makes sure they have plenty of antivenom and antidotes ( Basically every room in the LA family state has an emergency draw for if Maomao has had poison again)
Maomao doesn't get kidnapped, she ends up in rear palace because consort Ah-Dou she can see that Lishu is struggling she can't intervene or protect her within her own court so she contacts Fenxian who she's met at functions other the years.
Ah-Dou- Fengxian you have a daughter correct. Is she as terrifying as you?
Fenxian: Of course
Ah-Dou: May I please request a favor?
Maomao enters Lishu's court not as a noble but as a lady in waiting (and the food tester, it's how she agreed to it)
Maomao: Do I really need to go into court I want to make medicine
Fengxian: You will be testing food for poison
Maomao:....deal
She of course see's the bullying in the court and instantly Nopes, she does totally overhaul terrifying Lishu's ladies in waiting and getting rid of them, she spends time around other servants and ends up recruiting other servants as new ladies in waiting ones who will actually care for and protect Lishu. Full big sister Maomao mode with Lishu.
She keeps an eye on other departments dressing as a maid while moving around to avoid suspicion and still see's the confrontation between Gyokuyo and Lishu and sends the messages with torn dress (She didn't get chance to change and couldn't go into their pavilions in her lady in waiting clothes)
She gets dragged in the room with other maids also, she kinda gets stuck and pulled in and meets Gyokuyo having to admit so sorry can't be your lady in waiting already Lishu's. Jinshi suddenly puts together about the totally change in ladies in waiting and promotion of other servants. Jinshi is very curious but Maomao is able to divert attention.
Gyokuyo still wants to see Maomao and so she moves between both her and Lishu and gets Lishu to spend more time with Gyokuyo the two getting along well.
She also helps Lihua as before and then she is basically going between 3 of them and the 3 consorts spend time together... Lihua and Gyokuyo figure out who Moamao is but they're not saying they want to keep Maomao around and also they are all shipping Jinmao and enjoying watching this soap opera.
The banquet happens but Maomao is of course Lishu's food tester not Gyokuyo's but none of the old ladies in waiting are there to bully Lishu and swap bowls so Moamao still gets poison. (She 100% tried to get to test food for all 3 consorts ... they didn't let her)
Lakan still trolls Jinshi because he's seen letters Ah-Dou and others sent Fengxian keeping her updated and is suspicious about Jinshi and his precious daughter. (Fengxian and Jinshi are planning the wedding already)
When Maomao is still dismissed after the poisoning is revealed and Jinshi is super upset and sulky until fancy banquet and high ranking personnel and then sees Maomao again as daughter of head of La clan...
Maomao: I suppose you are upset than I hide my identity
Jinshi:...
Jinshi:Yes very upset (he says hypothetically ignoring looks he is getting form the emperor and Gaoshun)
She still comes back to rear place (The consorts missed her so much... plus they have a betting pool... a lot of people are in it Fengxian has a board plotting moves so the 2 get together when she's bet...while Lakan is pouting in corner that no one deserves their baby girl)
(Light Novel spoilers
Lahan is raised as Maomao's brother and adores his sister, the two are chaos gremlins her making medicines and him plotting how to self and market them
He is also adored by Verdegris house the beloved little brother... also everyone is pretty sure he and Maomao are twins they know there was only 1 baby but... they're sure the 2 are siblings.
The madame also adores him both coming up with schemes for money and he happily does the accounting when they visit (they're sure he's her favorite)
When Jinshi sees them together before knowing they're related he thinks the 2 might be a couple, Gaoshun is face palming and despairing while the courtesans are losing it laughing)