Chapter 25: A Feline Companion, Or More?

“In short, I found someone from another world outside who expressed a desire to be a pet, so as of today, we’ll be welcoming a new companion.”

After explaining what had happened in the briefest possible terms, Bai Zhi gently placed Bastet onto the coffee table.

“Oh, what an adorable little cat!”

Aside from Xia Ranxin, whose eyes immediately transformed into hearts as she leaned in to stroke the kitten’s head, the other two wore expressions of hesitant silence.

“…So, you’re saying you want to keep a cat?” Rena asked, a hint of helplessness in her voice.

“While it’s highly probable I’ll end up being the one to care for it, I’ll still offer you a word of caution. Owning a pet is quite troublesome; do you truly possess the patience for it?”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, this fellow will take care of itself. You won’t need to fret too much, Rena.”

“It’ll… take care of itself? What nonsense are you spouting?” Rena’s face registered utter disbelief. “What’s the difference between that and a wild animal then? What’s the point of having a pet?”

“Perhaps this little one means it can forage for itself?”

Lin mused aloud, offering what she considered a reasonable explanation.

“Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, is it in fact an accomplished hunter? Cats, truly awe-inspiring…”

“I just said, what’s the difference between that and a wild stray cat? Don’t try to shirk even the most basic duties of an owner just to avoid trouble!”

“Relax, Little Ba is a very clever child, aren’t you?”

‘Honestly, will everything ultimately fall to me again…?’

‘Yet, simply a glance was enough to captivate Lady Ranxin… Is the disparity between myself and a cat truly so vast…?’

“And you! Would you stop comparing yourself to a pet?”

“A pet, you say… Does this imply it would be better for me to also become Lady Ranxin’s pet?”

“I’m telling you…”

“Ahem!”

Noticing the conversation veering increasingly off-topic, and fearing she might truly solidify her status as Bai Zhi’s pet if this continued, Bastet let out a deliberate cough, drawing everyone’s attention back to herself.

Following this, she nodded elegantly, performing a gesture akin to a human bow.

“Greetings, everyone. My name is Bastet, not ‘Little Ba.’ I am a teacher from Seledet Magic Academy, and due to the requirements of my research, I will be living with you all for a period.”

As she spoke, she shot a displeased glance at Bai Zhi beside her.

“Naturally, I am here as a companion, certainly not a pet!”

Lin and Rena were momentarily struck silent, while Xia Ranxin wore an expression of utter astonishment.

“The cat… the cat spoke!?”

“To be precise, only my outer form is that of a cat; inwardly, I am still human, little one.” Bastet smiled as she looked at Xia Ranxin.

“I-is that so… Bai Zhi’s social connections are truly profound.”

Xia Ranxin murmured her astonishment, then, as if suddenly recalling something, she appeared flustered for a moment.

“Then just now… didn’t I act quite rudely towards Cat-sama? How should I put it… please forgive me…”

“Ah, don’t trouble yourself about that. Compared to a certain individual who insists on treating me as a pet, that was hardly rude at all.” Bastet replied magnanimously. “Moreover, little one, your technique was quite good; your strokes were rather comfortable. If you wish, you may pet me anytime in the future.”

“R-really? Actually, Cat-sama’s fur feels wonderful too…”

Disregarding Xia Ranxin, whose eyes had once again turned into hearts, Rena stood beside them, deep in thought.

“Seledet Magic Academy… I have heard that name before, but I never knew there was a cat teaching there…”

As she spoke, she turned to look at Lin.

“Hey, what do you think?!”

“I have always lived deep within the mountains, so I am not very familiar with the outside world. Not only have I not heard of this cat, but I have never even heard of Seledet Magic Academy. However…”

As she spoke, Lin also adopted a thoughtful expression.

“The sensation of being petted, you say… I have never considered such a matter before. It seems I, too, should devise a way to acquire a coat of fur; then Lady Ranxin would surely be willing to stroke my head…”

“You…!” Rena exclaimed, utterly speechless. “That one, at least, is only a cat in appearance. Are you trying to transform your very soul into a pet? Don’t you feel any shame in that?”

“What is there to be ashamed of in being Lady Ranxin’s cat?” Lin declared, quite proudly. “It would be my honor!”

“Your role is getting more and more off-kilter, isn’t it…” Rena muttered, covering her face.

“By the way, who might these two be…?”

Bastet turned towards Lin and Rena, her expression one of curiosity.

“I am Rena, a knight from the Kingdom of Gloucester.” Rena introduced herself courteously. “As fellow strangers from ‘Granzenias,’ I hope we can coexist amicably and harmoniously in the future.”

“Gloucester? The nation that reveres the Holy Light? I have heard of you.” Bastet’s face lit up with excitement, yet her tone carried a hint of grievance.

“Your devotion to the Holy Light is quite fascinating! It’s simply unfortunate that Gloucester has consistently maintained a relatively conservative and isolated stance, rarely interacting with external powers.

Our academy’s research requests have been sent out several times without receiving a single response.”

“That… His Majesty the King must have his reasons. At least, as an ordinary knight, I was never aware that your academy had ever contacted the kingdom…”

“Nevertheless, quite a few scholars from the academy have ventured into Gloucester at great risk, conducting extensive research on the Holy Light,” Bastet continued, brimming with enthusiasm.

“It seems, however, that their studies have yet to yield significant progress.”

“…That’s because the Holy Light only bestows its favor upon the people of Gloucester. Anyone born within Gloucester automatically becomes a devotee of the Holy Light.

Conversely, even if foreigners settle within Gloucester’s borders, they cannot perceive the Holy Light’s blessings.”

Rena explained, her expression then growing somewhat peculiar.

“Wait, people actually infiltrated? While I’m aware of the recent knight shortage leading to a decline in domestic security, I never imagined there were issues with foreigners illegally entering the country… It seems I’ll need to report this upon my return.”

“Hmm… well, perhaps that person wasn’t exactly ‘smuggling’ themselves in? Never mind, let’s not dwell on that topic.”

With that, Bastet shifted her gaze to Lin, who was still absorbed in calculating how to make herself more comfortable to the touch.

“So, Miss Knight, who might this person beside you be…?”

“This person is Lin, and she’s an absolute pervert!”

Before Lin could even introduce herself, Rena interjected, preempting her.

“What do you mean, ‘pervert’! This is merely an embodiment of my unwavering loyalty to Lady Ranxin!”

Lin declared righteously, then reverted to her usual earnest, rigid demeanor.

“My name is Lin. I am but an inadequate swordsman, currently serving as Lady Ranxin’s personal guard.”

“A swordsman?”

Bastet’s gaze swept over Lin several times, from head to toe, before her eyes suddenly blazed with intense fervor.

“You aren’t… a member of the Crimson Moon Clan, are you!”