<Episode 12>
It seemed the hardships I'd endured had become ingrained in my body. After several days of deep rest in the luxurious Gridwolf mansion, I woke up feeling refreshed.
After stretching, I tapped the wall-mounted bell as Rena had shown me. A jingling sound echoed, followed by a knock at the door.
"Rena here, miss. May I enter?"
"Yes!"
Rena gave quick orders to another maid before stepping inside. My tail wagged excitedly of its own accord, startling me.
'When did that pop out?'
As a young beastkin, I still struggled to hide my ears and tail properly. Rena blinked at my giggling form.
"My, you're quite the early riser for a wolf pup!"
"Babies need lots of sleep, but I'm practically grown! I'll be a full adult once the tooth fairy visits."
My sleeplessness as a kitten hadn't been without cause.
In Jerian's territory, idle cats received no rations. By age three, I'd learned to rise before dawn for work. No holidays, no wages - yet I couldn't complain. Following Jerian everywhere had granted me easier tasks than other kittens.
"Kittya. Touch this gemstone. Feel anything unusual?"
"N-no..."
"Tch. Wrong again."
Though I never understood his experiments, memories of his voice still made my heart race.
'Evil cat. Mom's enemy. I'll make you pay.'
Rena bathed and dressed me with cheerful efficiency. By the time she finished, breakfast arrived.
"The young masters are still abed. I've ordered tray service - it should arrive shortly."
"Rena should eat too!"
"I breakfasted hours ago. Stealing your food would be improper."
As if summoned, a knock announced the meal. Rena arranged platters of thick bacon, chewy salmon rolls, vanilla muffins, and warm milk. Glazed tarts and dainty pastries completed the spread.
"I have to eat all this?"
"Eat until full, focusing on the proteins. Such feasts are standard here."
I nibbled carefully while Rena corrected my table manners. Afterward, she produced scissors with a playful glint.
"How much needs cutting to remove the damaged parts?"
"We'd have to shave you bald!"
"Hng..."
At my dismay, Rena laughed and examined my hair properly. "Layering will help. Short cuts make your thick hair mushroom out, yes?"
Mom had called me her little enoki mushroom, brushing my unruly mop daily until it grew long enough to tie. Rena snipped decisively, damaged strands falling onto the protective cloth.
After washing, my hair revealed silvery undertones. Not wolf-like, but matching my gray ears and tail.
"There! Lighter?"
"Much! Thank you!"
She styled it into high twin tails with pink ribbons that fluttered like butterflies. "Run and play now! Wolf pups need exercise."
"What games did you play as a child?"
"After morning chores and half a bread ration...I sunbathed on walls."
"Just that?"
"Running made me hungry."
Rena's comb stilled. Her reflection showed pained understanding.
"The Gridwolf pantries overflow. Play until hungry, feast, then play more!"
Following her advice, I explored until reaching the lobby. Lady Caris stood resplendent in velvet robes, briefing pajama-clad Theo and Deon. Jackal waited nearby, impeccably groomed despite the early hour.
Theo spotted me first, golden eyes widening. "Kitty's here!"
The family turned as I gripped my skirt hem nervously.
"Darling, did you wake early for me?" Lady Caris opened her arms.
"I don't need much sleep! But I wanted to see you most of all."
Her embrace lifted me briefly, velvet warmth imprinting on my cheek. "Be good, Kitty. Thank you for joining us."
As Flora announced departure readiness, Lady Caris kissed Jackal's cheek. I scurried behind him, squeezing my eyes shut.
When no kiss came, I peeked up. "Isn't this the kissing line?”
