<Episode 42>
After getting off the carriage, Kitty stretched and carefully gathered the items she had purchased.
Elliot and the knights brought down the beastmen they had captured from the marketplace and removed their cloaks. The influence of the Blue Moon had faded, but the captives remained dazed from its lingering effects.
"This time, they’re all fox beastmen. Thanks to the young lady’s magic, they seem to have regained their senses."
Kitty stared intently at the fox beastmen. For some reason, their aura felt slightly different from those captured previously.
Is it just my imagination?
Well, she could question them in detail once they woke up.
"Sir Elliot, please move them to the fox unit first and let them recover. We’ll gather information afterward."
"As the young lady commands."
The Gridwolf knights carried the unconscious fox beastmen, their bodies limp.
Fox beastmen under the Blue Moon’s influence invading wolf territory to target Kitty was far from uncommon.
As always, Kitty had simply stripped away the Blue Moon’s magic controlling them.
Yet the sight of their slumped forms still pained her. Each time, it reminded her of her mother’s body growing cold in her arms, making her chest tighten.
This chain of misfortune needs to break soon.
Swallowing a sigh, Kitty asked, "Sir Elliot, do you think the leopards sent them again this time?"
"We’ll need to investigate, but most likely. They probably ordered your kidnapping or a strand of your hair."
Over the years, Gridwolf had excelled at thwarting those targeting Kitty, though a few had managed to steal her hair and escape.
Hair contained its owner’s magical essence—perfect research material.
She’d long known the leopards were studying her, but the thought still unsettled her.
That woman—Sigma, the leopard faction’s second-in-command.
Kitty had seen her during her direct invasions of Gridwolf’s territory.
When fox beastmen freed from the Blue Moon refused to leave the mansion, Sigma had brought the leopards herself.
"What to do? The more I observe this research subject, the more I crave it…"
The fanatical eyes gleaming behind glasses still haunted Kitty.
My abilities must be crucial to the leopards.
Through Kitty’s cooperation, the wolves had uncovered ties between Jerian, the cats’ leader, and the leopards. They’d even shot a fake Blue Moon arrow at the reclusive Jerian, confirming his immunity.
I don’t know how Jerian resists the Blue Moon, but striking the leopards will hurt him too.
Jerian. Her mother’s killer, who must die.
She eagerly anticipated the intel these new captives might provide.
"Let’s hope the fox beastmen recover quickly."
"Though them becoming too lively would be problematic."
"…?"
Elliot wore a conflicted expression.
"Are you aware the fox beastmen saved by your kindness now number seven entire units?"
"Ah…"
Had she really rescued that many? Kitty’s eyes sparkled preemptively to deter any mention of covering their expenses.
Sparkle, sparkle—
Wolves were notoriously weak to this look. Elliot was no exception.
"Young lady, those glittering eyes make it hard to complain properly."
"But my Piggy Bank Trio is my independence fund! I’m almost an adult—it’s precious!"
"I’m not asking for money. Just have a word with that brat Clyde next time."
"Did you fight with Clyde?"
"Not exactly…"
As Kitty tilted her head, Elliot sighed deeply.
A fox leader’s power grew stronger and more refined when surrounded by their kind. With few foxes at Gridwolf previously, this hadn’t been an issue—until now.
"With foxes swarming the place, Clyde’s magic has exploded. Add his sudden growth spurt, and it’s downright unnerving."
Elliot gulped whenever Clyde glanced his way.
The Foxtain family’s ruby-red eyes now held regal authority. Clyde already carried himself like a king-in-waiting.
He’ll leave the mansion soon. Once he comes of age, he’ll claim his rightful rule.
Elliot sensed the timeline shortening.
"But Clyde’s kind, isn’t he?"
"Only to ladies like you. Why would he show kindness to the man who made him scrub floors as a boy?"
"Alright. I’ll tell him to be nicer to you next time."
Elliot relaxed at Kitty’s warm smile. Despite her fearsome power, moments like this recalled her dandelion-delicate childhood.
"How fortunate you’re on my side."
Kitty entered the mansion briskly. The central training hall’s meeting still ongoing meant Jackal and Caris hadn’t returned.
"Master, I’ll drop off my purchases and head to training."
"I’ll accompany you. The mansion’s full of hazards."
Elliot stacked Kitty’s yarn boxes and carried them to her room.
They found Rena tidying Kitty’s bed.
"Young lady, did you enjoy the marketplace?"
"Rena!"
Kitty hugged the maid fiercely. Rena’s face, now more lined than their first meeting, radiated gentle warmth.
"We must soon select new maids to replace me."
Age had weakened Rena’s stamina, forcing this decision. Kitty hid her sorrow by burrowing deeper into the embrace.
"But I only want you brushing my hair."
"Our sweet young lady."
Rena kissed Kitty’s cheek. Kitty nuzzled her before pulling away.
"Lady Caris will conduct maid interviews upon her return."
"Flora told me. I’ll train them well—choose whoever you like."
"Yes!"
Kitty donned her training cloak—a red garment with wolf-fur trim, gifted annually by Caris and Jackal—and left.
Elliot halted abruptly mid-step. A dangerous presence leaned against the hallway ahead.
"Kitty."
"Lord Eden!"
Kitty scampered to Eden, whom she hadn’t seen since his recent stay at the Wibis mansion for succession preparations.
Eden stroked her hair as she smiled under her crimson cloak. Her sparkling eyes broadcast her thoughts transparently:
I love head pats!
Elliot grimaced.
Still childish in these moments…
The real issue was Eden’s gaze—anything but innocent. Elliot crossed his arms, scrutinizing the young lord.
Eden’s shoulders seemed absurdly broad for his age. His black fur-trimmed coat hung like a masterpiece. Though slightly shorter than Elliot now, another year would likely rectify that. His physique, honed since seventeen, rivaled a century-old tortoise’s endurance.
And that face… Enough to captivate even our discerning young lady.
The elegant nose and piercing eyes beneath jet-black hair belonged in paintings. Fatigue shadows under azure eyes only heightened his dangerous charm.
Send this to the central training hall, and he’d break 786 hearts before lunch.
As Wibis’s heir, his voice alone could melt resistance—coldly precise for others, yet honeyed for Kitty.
"Kitty. Marketplace fun?"
Elliot tensed. He knew what became of Gridwolf knights who’d confessed to Kitty—quiet transfers to Wibis.
Wolf or not, this one’s trouble.
Meanwhile, Kitty beamed, oblivious. Eden stroked her hair, narrowing his eyes.
"You reek of fox."
Elliot froze under the lethal edge in Eden’s voice—natural when facing a higher-ranked wolf’s anger.
Kitty chirped undeterred, "We rescued fox beastmen from madness at the market! I’ll visit them after training."
Eden’s calm cracked.
"Training?"
"Yes. I’ve rested enough days."
"That brat will be at the hall now."
"Clyde? Probably."
"I hate his stench on you."
Eden bent to eye level.
"You’re attending my lesson after. That’s why I came."
"You came here… for me? But you’re busy!"
Eden’s shrug said obviously. Kitty pondered, then brightened.
"After lessons, I’ll shift forms and have Sir Elliot brush me! The fox smell will vanish!"
"…"
Eden’s face stiffened. Elliot snorted.
Pfft… Oh, pardon me.
Eden’s glacial stare shifted.
"Sir Elliot. Isn’t outdoor training… excessive in this chill?"
"But I’m strong! Can’t skip training!"
Kitty shielded Elliot resolutely. Faced with her clueless determination, Eden withdrew reluctantly.
Once, she’d feared he’d expose her cat identity or withhold lessons. Now, a decade later, he was the one hyper-aware of her—while she remained oblivious, smiling at others.
I miss when her emerald eyes saw only me.
"I’ll fetch you when training ends."
"Don’t bother—rest properly!"
Kitty waved cheerfully and marched off. Elliot smirked privately.
The future clan heads are in for torment.
