Is she a cat, raised by wolves? That was the thought that crossed Kittie’s mind.
Kittie blinked slowly, sensing a deeper meaning in Granpa’s gaze.
“Granpa, do you have someone in mind for the union leader?”
“Indeed. Many of the small animals, myself included, believe there’s an ideal candidate.”
Granpa addressed Kittie, despite his age, with utmost politeness.
“Miss Kittia Gridwolf, I believe you, who possesses all three relics of the Goddess, would be a wonderful first union leader.”
Kittie’s eyes widened, taken aback by his resolute tone, as if stating a self-evident truth.
“Me?”
“Yes, you. Since the union aims to foster equal interaction among demi-humans, we need a strong representative. Currently, you are the strongest figure among both the small and large animal factions.”
Granpa offered a gentle smile.
He had been laying the groundwork for the small animals’ union since Kittie first wielded Gridwolf’s bow.
Each time she discovered and awakened Polly’s Mirror and tamed Blue Moon, his conviction grew that she was the only choice for union leader.
Now, with the demi-human political landscape in turmoil, the time was ripe to make a decision that would be remembered.
“As I mentioned, this isn’t solely my opinion. Neither is the creation of the union, nor your appointment, Miss Kittia.”
“…….”
“If you, Miss Kittia, who wields the Goddess’s magic, are in favor, the union discussions will progress much faster.”
Kittie glanced down at her hands.
The memory of her mother gently placing her hand on her arm, bestowing strength in her final moments, flashed vividly in her mind.
“Mom, what is this?”
“You’ll… find out… eventually. Our Kit… tie is… as brave as the wolves, so she’ll do well on her own…”
Those final words echoed in her mind countless times, even during her training with Elliot.
‘Mom believed I could master the Goddess’s magic on my own.’
To fulfill that promise, she had strived to resist the Goddess’s control and tame the relics.
Now that she had finally subdued Blue Moon, who had been terrorizing the demi-humans, it was time to wield that power for what she believed was right.
Kittie took a deep breath and spoke.
“Okay. But I want to be involved in the meetings to discuss the union’s structure and rules.”
“Of course. With your support, Miss Kittia, things will move swiftly.”
Granpa’s lips curved into a smile, mirroring Kittie’s.
“Then, I’ll announce your positive response and send a letter to Gridwolf.”
“Thank you, Granpa. I’ll make sure to dedicate enough time.”
“I’ll do my best to keep you informed.”
Granpa nodded again and slowly departed.
Since many small animals who shared the vision of creating the union were present at today’s gathering, it seemed opportune to continue the discussions over a meal.
Just then, Ethan subtly approached Granpa.
“Granpa.”
Ethan’s eyes burned with intensity.
To an outsider, it might have seemed like Blue Moon’s madness resurfacing. [Blue Moon is a powerful relic that can cause madness.]
However, Granpa, with his years of experience, recognized the complex emotions behind that heat.
‘Wolf obsession, I see.’
It was quite a sight to witness Ethan, usually as taciturn as Mrs. Weebis, displaying such eagerness.
“Granpa. I heard you’re forming a union among the small animals.”
Granpa nearly chuckled at the politeness, so unlike the wolf family head.
“That’s right. It’s not intended to provoke the strong animals.”
“I know. If that were the intention, my fiancée wouldn’t be seriously considering leading the union.”
Ethan gestured to his aide, Cale, who bowed politely to Granpa.
“Granpa, if you need anything for the union’s establishment, please contact Cale.”
“Excuse me?”
“It’s not an attempt to control the union. Since the future mistress of Weebis will be the union leader, I thought it would be appropriate to offer our support.”
The ears of nearby rabbits perked up at the word ‘support’ from Ethan’s stoic mouth.
Their instincts compelled them to confirm they had heard correctly. Ethan continued his persuasion, oblivious to their reaction.
“Weebis has several villas suitable for meetings. We can also provide ample food for the gatherings.”
Granpa felt a playful urge to tease Ethan and replied.
“Thank you for your generosity, but the union can handle those arrangements.”
“…….”
Ethan’s expression subtly hardened at the implication that he couldn’t assist Kittie.
Cale, ever the loyal servant, sensed his master’s thoughts and discreetly inquired.
“Perhaps you require something like a wolf fur cushion?”
* * *
[Jerian fainted again today. But he woke up quickly when I poured ice water on him. I guess he’s still not used to the cold of the bear territory, even after all this time.]
Kittie carefully read the letter from Hashuka in the bear territory.
The bear demi-humans and the Gray Sled Trade members were punishing Jerian themselves, without Kittie’s intervention. [Gray Sled Trade is a trading company in the bear territory.]
Therefore, Jerian was no longer a priority for Kittie.
‘I don’t have time to waste on that unlucky cat.’
Kittie stretched languidly, like a cat, and headed to her study.
The discussions about uniting the small and weak animals to protect their territories and races were progressing rapidly.
She needed to review the agenda to avoid being unprepared at next week’s meeting.
It had been several months since she had avenged herself on Jerian and become a member of Gridwolf.
Kittie, one day away from her birthday, carefully brushed her hair, which was now richer and more lustrous than ever before.
Baniel clicked his tongue, watching the pile of Kittie’s silver fur.
“As expected, Lady’s molting… This winter’s fur is especially lush.”
“I know, right? Could it be because it’s the year I become an adult?”
“I can’t believe Lady will be an adult tomorrow.”
Baniel moved the cat brush with deep affection. When she returned to her animal form, she was still an adorable young lady.
‘To think this lady will be married next year.’
The wedding date for Kittie and Eden had been set around autumn.
Around that time, Caris spoke to Eden, who was diligently visiting the Gridwolf mansion as if he were living as a son-in-law, in a manner that seemed like a notification.
“Eden, shouldn’t you marry Kittie after the period we set for temporary adoption?”
Even though the official adoption had taken place and it was now just a formality, Eden readily agreed.
“I agree. But I believe the temporary adoption was until Kittie became an adult. Her birthday is not far away, so the wedding preparations…”
“Oh dear. I guess you haven’t heard the news.”
Caris, who was usually quite lenient with the employees, looked at Eden as if he were a mouse caught in a trap.
“Jackal and I have slightly tampered with the Gridwolf law, so Kittie’s adoption lasts until her first birthday after becoming an adult.”
“…”
“In Gridwolf, you must follow Gridwolf’s laws. Thank you for understanding.”
Eden looked as if he had been backstabbed by the wicked gray-furred wolves.
Everyone present remembered how happy Caris was to see the somewhat dazed Eden.
Because of that little incident, Eden had no choice but to postpone the grand wedding with Kittie until her birthday next year.
‘But even before the wedding, the Lady will be an adult in a few hours.’
The expiration of the adoption period and becoming an adult were clearly different. Baniel sternly warned the still innocent-looking lady.
“Lady, although it’s unlikely, if Eden does anything unpleasant, please tell me at any time.”
Kittie chuckled, watching Baniel say the same things that Jackal, Caris, Theo, and Deon had said.
“Don’t worry.”
“Tomorrow, as we do every birthday, we will have clothes made and go shopping, so you should go to bed early.”
“I know, I know. I’ll be off then.”
Kittie got up from her seat and walked lightly towards the study. As she opened the door, Eden was waiting for her as always.
Eden was now twice as tall as when he first started taking lessons, but his eyes still only held her.
“Kittie.”
“Eden-”
Kittie jumped toward Eden. As her soft palms brushed the back of his neck, the atmosphere instantly became charged.
If the members of Gridwolf had seen it, they would have immediately shouted at Eden to get away from Kittie.
But it was Eden who flinched.
‘How can she be so… forward with such an innocent face?’
Eden couldn’t meet the eyes of Kittie, who had her arms around his neck and was looking up at him.
Her clear, sparkling emerald eyes revealed her inner thoughts too transparently.
‘When will Eden give me a kiss?’
If she had hidden her ulterior motives, pretending not to know, he might have approached her, but seeing her wanting it so much, he couldn’t even touch her.
He wasn’t even sure if he could indulge her ulterior motives even a little and then stop.
‘Absolutely not.’
How much effort had he put into building the image of a ‘safe son-in-law’ in front of the wolves of Gridwolf?
“Let’s read a book.”
Eden, with a face as solemn as Jackal’s, took out a book within reach. Kittie prevented him from opening the book.
‘It’s a precious time, with me becoming an adult in a few hours, and he wants to read a book!’
Kittie placed the book Eden had taken out on the desk. She was determined to seduce Eden, who was becoming more and more rigid with her, today.
“Eden.”
Kittie made eye contact with Eden, then raised one eyebrow as Elliot had once done to a wolf lady.
“Won’t you brush my tail?”
His eyes shook greatly for a moment.
“…Let’s read a book.”
Eden, squeezing out the last of his patience, picked up a book from the bookshelf with an attitude as solemn as Jackal’s.
However, something fell out of the book he had chosen. It was a letter sealed with the Weebis crest [a family or personal emblem].
“Ah.”
Only then did Eden remember hastily hiding the letter he had written to Kittie long ago in the book. After that, events unfolded urgently, and he had forgotten about it for a while, only to discover it today.
“Eden, is this mine?”
Eden readily handed the letter to Kittie, whose eyes were sparkling. Kittie took out her cat claws and opened the letter in one swift motion.
As expected of a letter written by Eden, the content was simple.
[I miss you.]
[I would be happy if you came to my mansion.]
‘Eden invited me.’ It was even more appealing because, given his personality, it didn’t seem like he would invite someone to hang out with him. Kittie hugged the letter tightly, then suddenly looked at Eden.
“Eden, how long is this invitation valid for?”
Her still soft cheeks were flushed peach-colored. Seeing even the small fangs revealed between her lips, Eden could no longer bear it.
“Until you want it, always.”
“Really? Then…”
Kittie folded her eyes into crescent shapes and smiled.
“Can I pretend to be briefly kidnapped by a grumpy wolf?”
“…I’ll do it, the kidnapping.”
Eden nodded hastily and grabbed Kittie’s hand.