Episode 3
"Ah, did you hear that?"
"Sorry. Please continue your meal."
Theo and Deon lowered their voices, resuming their conversation through lip movements alone. Their minds were already preoccupied with plans to treat and protect the pitiful kitten Malangson—a nickname meaning "soft paws" that suited her perfectly.
"First, her nails seem broken—they’ll need disinfecting. And her tooth isn’t missing; it looks chipped from an impact."
"Her nutritional state isn’t great either."
"To prevent her from being bullied in wolf territory, Father, the pack leader, needs to accept her as family."
"But to make Malangson our sister, we’ll need both Mom and Dad’s permission……"
"Dad will agree instantly if Mom approves."
Male wolves took pride in loyalty to their mates. The number of people to persuade had effectively halved.
"Don’t you think Mom will adore Kittya? Her emerald eyes are so pretty."
"Even scruffy now, her fluffy fur and soft paws will win Mom over. You’ve seen the hidden stash, right?"
"Of course. Proof she wants a daughter."
Theo and Deon nodded, satisfied with their plan to adopt Kitty.
But as their debate continued, Kitty grew uneasy about her twitching cat ears. The brothers’ stares had locked onto them.
"Why… are you staring?"
"Huh? No! Your wolf ears are just remarkable."
"Do they always perk up like that when eating something tasty?"
"Don’t everyone’s?"
"Ye… yeah. All baby wolves do. Guess I forgot—it’s been so long."
"See? Told you!"
Kitty grinned and poked her dessert pudding. Deon’s gaze burned into her ears.
"Sir Deon… is something on my head?"
"Malangson. Can I touch your ears just once?"
Kitty recalled that constant smiling might make others underestimate her. She couldn’t afford to seem naive while job-hunting.
"Isn’t asking to touch ears rude?"
She retorted haughtily, chin raised—then melted into a shy smile, leaning toward Deon.
"But I’ll allow it for your kindness."
She’d let them pet her ears as thanks. Because—
Perk!
"Bro, you’re insane. Fetch Dad now. We need her registered ASAP."
Her ears had always been her pride—soft enough that her family petted them daily. Kitty swelled with quiet confidence.
They loved them, so wolves will too!
"Sir Theo too?"
"Uh… yeah."
Squish—
"Deon’s right. Find the registry before Dad arrives."
"Look at the baby fuzz on her ear tips!"
"Someone! When’s Dad due back?"
"Send word for Mom to hurry—it’s urgent!"
The brothers groaned, overwhelmed by their first encounter with kitten-level cuteness.
How does something this adorable exist?!
Ugh… she’d be even cuter as a full cat…
———
Theo and Deon’s ear-stroking left Kitty drowsy. She slumped at the table, spoon in mouth.
Days of trudging through rain-soaked mud had left her feet swollen, now finally warming with circulation.
Securing a job here would mean safety—a happiness she barely dared imagine.
"Um… what’s Lord Gridwolf like?"
Theo understood her muffled question. "Jagal Gridwolf. Strongest wolf alive. Harsh tone, scary face, but family-oriented. Leopards faint at his name……"
You’ve gone pale too, Kitty.
He dropped his teaspoon, sparing her further details.
"Want to hear about Mom? Lady Karis Gridwolf. Ex-knight captain. She hoards girly trinkets in closets."
"Lady Karis does?"
"Yeah. We found them. Proof she wants a daughter."
"A… daughter?"
The brothers pounced.
"You’ve got nowhere to go. Let us protect you as family."
"You’re too young for maid work. Our mansion’s the safest spot. Don’t worry—if Mom agrees, Dad’s a yes."
Kitty hesitated.
Safety with them means forgetting my real family…
Her longing for warmth warred with guilt—
Howl—!
The gatekeeper’s howl startled her.
That’s a real wolf sound!
The cavernous mansion echoed with it. Theo scooped up the trembling Kitty.
"Let’s greet Lord Gridwolf!"
"Malangson, you’re not scared, are you?"
"Of course not! I’m a wolf!"
Her legs betrayed her, but Theo carried her down the endless hallway.
A golden-eyed figure loomed ahead—Jagal Gridwolf. His ash-black hair and towering frame radiated icy authority.
He’s staring at me—he’ll know I’m a cat!
"Welcome back, Father." Deon wagged his tail cheerfully.
"Theo. Deon. What’s that bundle?"
Bundle?! I’m human-shaped!
"Malangson wanted to greet you."
Deon peeled back the blanket. Kitty squeaked:
"H-Hi……"
Jagal’s brow furrowed. She thrust out a shaking hand.
"I’m Kittya—a spirited young wolf. I heard you help wolves in need……"
Jagal studied her storm-trembling hand, then grasped it gently.
Squish—
His cold eyes flickered.
Why won’t he let go?
"Father, release her hand." Deon intervened.
Jagal’s massive hands withdrew.
"You’re too frail for work. I’ll arrange a home in small animal territory—"
"But she’s a wolf! She can’t enter there!"
"And she’ll terrorize them when grown!" the brothers argued.
Jagal’s stare sharpened. Kitty strained her ears—
Perk!
"…A wolf. I see."
Relief swept the trio.
"Father, register her! Mom wants a daughter—"
"My wife dislikes girls."
Kitty’s chest tightened.
"Liar! You’ve seen her hidden things!"
"Rattles! Dresses! Shoes!"
Jagal’s warmth vanished. Kitty burrowed into the blanket.
Lady Gridwolf hates girls. I’ll be thrown out—
A hand yanked the blanket.
Eek!
Lady Karis loomed—silver hair moonlit, red lips cruel, eyes glacial.
"…Why is a girl in my mansion?"
The icy question froze Kitty solid.
