It’S A Cat, Adopted By A Wolf Family? [EN]: Chapter 144

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* * *

When the time came, the wolf knights moved with perfect coordination.

Jackal, Karis, and Sir Elliot mobilized numerous wolf knights to surround the cat territory.

The apparent strategy was to gradually tighten the encirclement, isolating Jerian’s hideout from the outside.

‘With so many wolves moving, it should be easier to divert the attention of Jerian and the other cats.’

It was a lavish operation made possible by their willing cooperation.

Normally, the cat beastmen would have resisted such a large-scale military action by the wolf beastmen, but not this time.

Thanks to Nero and the Welsh Merchant Company’s efforts to sway public opinion in our favor over a considerable period.

‘Now that the truth is out, everyone will want to drive Jerian out.’

Theo and Deon were tasked with gathering and analyzing information through Nero and the Welsh Merchant Company.

They wanted to tear Jerian apart themselves, but it wasn’t the right time yet.

‘Of course, they’ll be a great help when the time comes.’

My objective was to attack Jerian directly, so I moved with my two older brothers.

We evaded Jerian’s underlings and reached the hideout late in the evening.

“I’m glad you arrived safely, Soft Paw.”

We stepped into a temporary shelter created by the night cats, who had used all their stealth skills.

Nero, dressed in practical combat attire, greeted us.

“Nero, it’s been a while.”

“Yes. You must be tired from the long journey. I’ve had tea prepared for you where you’ll be staying.”

Nero said that he had also prepared refreshments for my brothers’ quarters. His voice wasn’t as warm as when he spoke to me.

One might have frowned at the subtle difference in tone, but the two wolves responded amiably.

“Oh! Thank you, Nero.”

“You’re as kind as Gridwolf is to Kitty.”

…It seems they’re trying to lay the groundwork in advance for my official adoption.

‘Those two.’

I sent the two flattering brothers inside and suggested to Nero that we have tea together.

Now that we could only start the operation when Seville and the elite leopards gave the signal, it seemed like a good idea to tell Nero about the official adoption.

“Since you insist, I can’t refuse.”

Nero replied with a gentle smile. I could instinctively tell that he never showed this face when commanding the night cats as their leader.

The space prepared for me was quite cozy. A small lamp was placed in the center of the table, surrounded by tempting tea snacks.

The room was decorated with a few boxes and fluffy cushions, thoughtful touches that felt unique to cats.

“I hope there’s a box you like, Soft Paw.”

“I’m happy you prepared gifts for me.”

I smiled and enjoyed the refreshments. Nero waited for me to speak.

“Is there something you want to say to me?”

“You said we’re relatives. I wanted to greet you since it’s been a while, and I also have something to tell you.”

I had only answered his question, but Nero’s lips remained upturned.

‘Everyone values family ties after all.’

I nodded inwardly and continued.

“Karis and Jackal have offered to formally adopt me.”

As I carefully broached the subject, Nero looked at me strangely and asked.

“Formal adoption… meaning you’ll be a member of the Gridwolf family even after you become an adult.”

“Yes.”

I explained how much that offer meant to Karis and Jackal.

Nero listened to my story without missing a word.

“I’m curious what you answered.”

“I said I would answer after I get revenge on Jerian.”

“That’s a positive answer, right?”

“Yes. I love my wolf family very much. Everyone at the Gridwolf mansion is precious to me.”

“I know, so you don’t have to worry. I haven’t been able to take care of you for a long time. I can’t suddenly object to your decision when I haven’t been around.”

Even after hearing that I might leave, Nero didn’t express regret like Theo or Deon.

Instead, he showed a gentle yet reliable smile.

‘This is…’

The smile my dad used to give me when I drew maps on the blanket or scratched the cushions with my nails when I was much younger.

The current Nero reminded me of my deceased father, Icarus.

“Decide as you wish without worrying about me. You know best what decision will make you happy.”

Even as I listened to his quiet voice, my heart began to beat in a strange rhythm. I was drawn by an unknown force and placed my hand on Nero’s.

Soft—

“Nero, there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead.”

“What exactly is our relationship? You only told me we were relatives before, so I’m curious.”

The reason I hadn’t asked Gridwolf’s information gatherers was that I didn’t want to assign people to Nero, who was a relative.

I thought that if I asked him directly someday, he would answer kindly.

But Nero only gave vague answers.

“I’m someone who has wished for the happiness of not only you but also your father, mother, and brother for longer than anyone else.”

“……?”

“I’m doing my best to chase Jerian, but I won’t scold you even if you can’t kill Jerian.”

At the ambiguous answer, my tail popped out and curved into a question mark.

Nero chuckled and pushed the dessert plate a little closer to me.

“Kitty. Just come back healthy even if you can’t harm Jerian. If someone tries to attack you, I will gladly be your shield.”

“Nero…”

“Don’t forget that your happiness is the best revenge against Jerian.”

The words he had just spoken even overlapped with my father’s voice. It seemed that his unique accent remained slightly in her as well.

‘It’s a bit much to think it’s just because we’re relatives.’

Just as I was about to ask how long he would keep his identity a secret, several of Nero’s subordinates rushed in.

“Nero. A secret letter has just arrived from Seville. They’ve entered Jerian’s hideout.”

“Finally sent them in.”

The news that Jerian had let in elite leopards, who were like ticking time bombs, was also important information to me.

Seville would have difficulty sending us letters now, but Gridwolf’s knights who had infiltrated the area would report any suspicious activity.

So we had to get closer to Jerian’s hideout and hide.

‘Then, the moment Seville sets off the catnip…’

I checked to make sure the special gas mask I had brought was safe in my arms, then grabbed my bow.

Nero gave me a serious look and commanded.

“Move everyone to their positions as we practiced.”

At that one word, the night cats moved swiftly to find their places. As we had discussed in advance, I grabbed my bow and headed to the middle of the formation.

“Kitty, don’t overdo it.”

“Soft Paw, you must not get hurt.”

Theo and Deon, who were planning to infiltrate Jerian’s hideout from different points, greeted me briefly.

“Yes. I will.”

I moved, engraving Nero’s words that my survival and happiness were the best revenge in my heart once again.

The entrance to Jerian’s hideout was quite well hidden, making it difficult to find without paying close attention.

‘That haughty cat is hiding in a damp basement.’

I chuckled for a moment, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I clenched the hand holding the bow tightly.

“Wait, something’s wrong.”

Because an ominous magic suddenly began to envelop the surroundings.

* * *

“What’s the situation?”

Eden, who had just entered the cat territory with a small number of knights, asked his adjutant, Kyle.

“Lady Kittia, the wolf knights, and the night cats have just departed for Jerian’s residence.”

“…….”

Kitty is nearby.

It will be a very dangerous fight as Jerian has the Blue Moon.

Despite knowing two clear facts, Eden did not move easily. He frowned slightly and looked at the arm that Delta had bitten.

The arm, which had only felt slightly hot and looked unsightly, was getting hotter and hotter.

It was impossible to say that his body temperature had risen before the battle. It was as if something alive was parasitizing on his forearm and was just about to wake up, making him feel uneasy and giving him goosebumps.

‘It seems to be related to the Blue Moon.’

The closer he got to the Blue Moon that Jerian possessed, the stronger the strange feeling became. When he focused on the pain for a moment, he felt as if the magic of the Blue Moon was resonating.

Eden suppressed his emotions as much as possible and made a rational decision.

“There’s no point in going in this condition.”

If he forced himself to go further, he might become an unexpected variable and cause trouble for everyone.

As the facts about the Blue Moon and the goddess’s power had not yet been fully revealed, he had to be as careful as possible.

“Hide in a high place.”

Eden said in a heavy voice and climbed a tree. It was to avoid obstructing the movement route.

However, the moment he sat down on a high branch.

“Ugh—.”

He grabbed his head. The arm that Delta had bitten suddenly stopped working.

His calm heart seemed to recognize that it was an emergency situation and beat loudly, shaking his body.

“E, Eden!”

Kyle was horrified to see Eden, who had turned pale in an instant.

He could not understand why Delta Leophide’s magic was raging in his lord’s arm.

“Kuh…….”

The large full moon began to shine bluishly as it absorbed magic.