<Episode 10>
Kariss lifted me up to stamp my paw print on the document.
"Kitty, make sure to stamp it nicely."
"Yes! Oh, should I make sure my claws show too?"
"Oh my... that would be adorable."
I flexed my fingers to extend my claws. After tapping my soft paw on the ink pad Deon held out, Kariss gently positioned me over the document.
Squish—
My paw left a crisp imprint on the temporary adoption papers. The distinct claw marks left no doubt it was mine.
"Need something to wipe your paw?"
"Thank you, Deon oppa."
Deon carefully cleaned my hand with a handkerchief before wrapping it in paper and tucking it away, mirroring Theo’s earlier action.
I shifted back to human form and admired the document.
From now until adulthood, I’m truly Kitiya Gridwolf.
Relief flooded me—my biggest fears of homelessness and hunger were gone.
Zakal signed the document without smudging my print, then summoned a servant to fetch a frame.
The elegantly framed adoption papers passed to Kariss. I lunged forward and grabbed the frame.
"Can I keep this in my room? It’s mine!"
Deon shook his head, resting his palm on the glass.
"Mother, as Kiti’s eldest brother, shouldn’t I safeguard her documents?"
"Hyung, what nonsense! I’m stronger—thieves might target this. It belongs in my room."
Theo and Deon locked eyes, sparks practically flying between them. I released the frame, fearing they’d shatter it.
"Brothers, stop fighting!"
As I panicked, the frame levitated upward. Zakal held it aloft.
"If strength determines guardianship, this belongs in my office."
"But Father, you’re already the strongest wolf—"
"Then become stronger."
Kariss shot Zakal an exasperated look as he rummaged through drawers. He pulled out a nail and—
Thunk!
—embedded it into the wall with his bare fist.
Did he just... hammer a nail without a hammer?
Jerian, the stray cat leader, always needed help for such tasks. The raw power difference between wolves and cats stunned me.
Kariss eyed the displayed document wistfully before murmuring, "The original is cuter anyway," and hugging me.
"Now, Kiti, let’s meet the staff. It’s a tight schedule, but I want to see you settled before I leave."
"That’s fine, but..." I clutched her sleeve. "What did you mean by ‘before leaving’?"
"The Grand Council isn’t finished. I must return."
"Where...?"
She hoisted me higher and tapped the map’s central region—wolf territory’s heart, far from the mansion.
"The ten-day summit continues. I rushed here when the boys sent word, but Zakal’s the only one excused early."
So maternal devotion wasn’t exclusive to male wolves. Her earlier panic made sense now.
"Gaining a daughter delights me, but council attendance is non-negotiable."
"I... I thought you were abandoning me like a caught fish!"
The family burst into laughter. Deon chuckled, "Where’d you learn that phrase?"
Is it uncommon among wolves?
Cats love the proverb "You don’t feed a caught fish." Our neighbor used it daily.
I miss them. But no going back.
At least Kariss would return post-summit.
"You’ll come back, right?"
"Absolutely. With gifts. I leave at dawn tomorrow—don’t fret when I’m gone."
"I’ll try not to."
After a head pat, Kariss headed out. A servant opened the door, revealing the central staircase.
Below, the lobby teemed with staff—wolf, dog, and fox beastmen. I shrank against Kariss.
"S-so many wolves!"
"...You’re a wolf too, dear."
"Ah."
I’d forgotten.
"No need for nerves among packmates. See? Their eyes are kind."
The crowd’s attention felt less intimidating when I noticed their focus wasn’t on me, but Theo clutching the framed document like a sacred relic.
Temporary adoption papers grant me Gridwolf status. Their hierarchy fascinates me.
"Kiti." Kariss’ voice rang clear. "Our staff will assist you unconditionally. Report any issues immediately."
Her declaration steadied me.
She carried me downstairs, starting introductions with the maids. A wolfess with steel-blue hair stepped forward.
"Head maid Flora, miss. Honored to serve you."
"Hello, Flora! Please take care of me."
"Drop the honorifics, miss. You’re a Gridwolf."
Her stern tone warned against protocol breaches. "Understood, Flora."
Next came the butlers led by Paul, a dapper dog beastman.
"Head butler Paul Clinton, at your service."
The chefs promised endless meals, the gardeners gifted a rose, and knights introduced themselves until—
A fox boy emerged, golden-haired with crimson eyes like preserves. My fairytale prince illusion shattered when he spoke.
"Clyde Foxtain. Fox clan heir, currently in the Gridwolfs’ debt." His nose wrinkled. "You’re tiny for a wolf. Are you one?"
My cat ears popped out.
No! Foxes spot lies!
I shoved them back, but knights had already seen. Wolf gazes burned into me.
Exposed? They’ll exile me!
Jerian’s fence-throwing memory made my chipped tooth ache.
But wolves dominate foxes. Showing fear = kittenish weakness.
Can’t lose Mother’s revenge chance!
I channeled feral wolf energy and bit Clyde’s hand.
Chomp!
No wolfish crunch—thanks to Jerian—but Clyde recoiled, wide-eyed.
"...!”
Clid flinched and stepped back, like he hadn't expected me to react so strongly.
