Hechipa also heard the worldwide announcement of the Zaijiu Arbiter's arrival. Her heart, which had been on edge for months, finally settled. It seemed she had won again.
Little Maki had already run to the door to wait. She asked, "Teacher, do you think she'll come to see us?"
Hechipa was in a very good mood. She smiled. "Probably not."
Although she was now capable enough to snatch the Mist Blade Moon Empress, Song Gui, and the Owl Emperor away to Zai Jiu-this was huge news on Zelan, still a hot topic of discussion even after several months-with her cautious nature, she would not make a special trip unless it was something important.
Just as she thought this, she heard Little Maki's startled cry. She looked toward the Alchemy Shop's entrance and saw two cats.
One was a calico, and the other was a cow cat with black side-parted bangs on her forehead.
The two cats ran up to Hechipa and sat down without saying a word.
Holding back a laugh, Hechipa crouched down and decided to play this childish game with her apprentice. She studied the two cats solemnly. "Hmm... which one is my apprentice?"
Little Maki had already scooped up the cow cat with golden pupils and raised her high. "This one!!!"
The cow cat spoke. "Did you look at my Soul Fire again?"
She turned her head to look at the Soul Fire pattern behind her, but saw nothing.
Calico warily watched the undead woman who looked ready to pick them up at any moment, backed away a few steps, and said, "I'm off to check in. Just set sail when you're ready to go back, and I'll return to the ship."
By the second half of that sentence, Calico had already leaped clear of Hechipa's outstretched