Cornelia and Little Gray: Part One

Why aren't you leaving yet?

Mie noticed that Dekan had only taken two steps when he stopped, turned back to look at her, as if he had something to say.

"You're not thinking of asking me for more cat treats, are you?"

Mie couldn't believe it. Dekan had just ruthlessly taken the Cat Teacher from her, and now he had the nerve to come back and ask her for cat food.

"No, can you just give me the recipe?"

After thinking for a moment, Dekan seemed to decide to speak his truest thoughts.

Mie shook her head, hands on her hips, trying to suppress a laugh; she was still amused by Dekan's antics.

Mie: "You don't treat me like an outsider at all, do you?"

Dekan: "It's not that I don't want to lend you Cat Teacher, it's just that it has to go back to Cornelia today. I'll make you a new card after the assessment."

Mie: "I suspect you'll need my help when you're making new cards."

"You figured it out, haha."

Dekan awkwardly scratched the back of his head and smiled.

"Don't you feel guilty about taking advantage of me like this?"

Can friendship be considered freeloading?

"Well."

Mie sighed, his expression saying, "I give up."

Then he asked a palace servant to fetch paper and pen, wrote down a recipe, and gave it to Dekan.

"Here, remember to return ten portions to me when you're done."

"Ten copies? Have you etched the Consumer Rights Protection Law into your DNA?"

"What's the meaning?"

"It's nothing, ten portions it is."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Dekan bid farewell to Mie and Alice again and then left the palace.

"Meow, Dekan, you're so nice!"

Cat Teacher nestled in Dekan's arms, her voice becoming much more docile.

However, Dekan remained silent.

He felt that Cat Teacher might have misunderstood something.

If I feed you this every day, it'll make you stupid.

Dekan simply wanted to create this new cat-luring gadget for Cornelia to see if she could trick her into going to the back mountain and catching more cats.

After all, Dekan noticed that she would occasionally look towards the direction of the back mountain with a hint of melancholy.

Being able to scare away cats has always been one of her biggest regrets.

So Dekan went back to his dorm and began developing a new type of cat treat.

By the time he finished making a finished product, it was already evening.

Cat Teacher waited expectantly beside Dekan, occasionally licking his lips.

Dekan hadn't planned to feed it any more today, but seeing how pitiful it was, he gave it a small piece anyway.

However, after wolfing down his food, Cat Teacher's gaze remained fixed on the remaining cat treats in Dekan's hand.

"More, meow!"

"I can't give you any more food today."

Dekan decisively refused.

He then used [Transformation: Sprite Cat] to transform into Little Gray, ready to try out the cat-luring prop he had made.

If the effect is outstanding, Dekan might have a chance to time his transformation into a cat before his Master tries to take over his body next time.

If even Dekan can't control his appetite, then it means his Master will be even less able to.

I really want to see what my Master always steals my food, will look like when he becomes a food-guarding cat.

The cat-like demon is truly laughable.

Sure enough, once Dekan transformed into a cat, he instantly found himself unable to resist the allure of the cat treat.

Even though he tried his best to restrain himself, he still instinctively swallowed.

The product quality was a great success.

Give some of the finished product to Cornelia so she can take the cat treats to the back mountain.

If combined with [Three-Corpse Berserk] to stimulate the cats' appetite, it might be possible to make the cats in the back mountain lose their minds and approach Cornelia.

If they can understand that Cornelia is not dangerous, they might naturally accept Cornelia's kindness even without using any tools in the future.

However, just as Dekan was struggling with his appetite and pondering this...

Cat Teacher realized there seemed to be an opportunity and decided to take a chance.

So it kicked the Dekan Cat away, grabbed the cat treat, and ran away.

"You thieving cat! You stole my potion when we first met, and you haven't even had enough of that yet, meow!"

Dekan, realizing what was happening, was so angry he almost laughed.

This rascal cat can be incredibly greedy, sometimes to the point of risking his life for food.

"Meow meow meow!"

The Cat Teacher ran around wildly, swallowing cat treats whenever he had the chance.

As long as it finishes its food, Dekan can only scold it once at most!

Finally, although it ate the cat treat, it was still pinned to the ground by Dekan Cat.

"Damn it, meow... You can't eat too much of this!"

Dekan knew very well that Mie's special cat treats were more like medicine than food.

He never intended to give this piece to Cat Teacher.

"Meow meow meow... I just won't steal your food anymore..."

"Cat Teacher said, sounding a little aggrieved."

"You said the same thing last time, meow."

Dekan felt that Cat Teacher was a repeat offender who never learned his lesson.

"Meow..."

Cat Teacher felt that Dekan might not let it off so easily this time.

Just then, there seemed to be some movement outside Dekan's door.

Even if they haven't met him yet.

Just hearing those familiar footsteps, Dekan and Cat Teacher instantly guessed who the visitor was.

Cornelia must have noticed that Cat Teacher hadn't come to her house yet, so she came to Dekan's dormitory to look for Cat Teacher.

The Cat Teacher had a sudden inspiration and shouted, "Cornelia! Help me, meow!"

"W-What's wrong?!"

Cornelia, who had originally planned to knock before entering, opened the door without hesitation and anxiously searched for Cat Teacher.

She thought the Cat Teacher was in danger.

She was already extremely worried because she hadn't seen Cat Teacher at home for a long time.

However, upon entering, she only saw Little Gray pressing down on Cat Teacher's head, looking like a vicious cat bullying an honest cat.

"Little, Little Gray, no, you can't bully Cat Teacher!"

Cornelia quickly ran over and picked up Little Gray.

The two cats that appeared to be fighting were separated.

Although Cornelia was scolding Little Gray, her tone was full of indescribable tenderness and joy.

She hadn't seen Little Gray for a long time.

This was the first kitten that was willing to be close to her.

I thought I might never have the chance to see it again, but unexpectedly, I ran into it again.

"..."

Dekan hesitated for a moment just now, wondering whether he should revert to human form.

There is a certain probability that he will be able to successfully dispel the transformation spell before Cornelia opens the door.

But if they get seen, all is lost.

Furthermore, if she were to revert to her original form, the first thing Cornelia would see when she opens the door would likely be Dekan in human form pinning Cat Teacher to the ground, which is difficult to explain.

So we opted for the safer option.

Seeing Cornelia's overjoyed expression, Dekan felt somewhat helpless.

He originally thought that Cornelia already had Cat Teacher as a replacement for Little Gray.

Then try to get her to be around more cats, and she should be able to forget about Little Gray.

Unexpectedly, she still harbors a deep affection for Little Gray and can't forget him.

"Cat, Cat Teacher, where's Dekan?"

Cornelia, holding Little Gray, scanned the living room but couldn't find any trace of Dekan.

"He went to the palace earlier, meow. While he was away, I secretly Little Gray over for some delicious food, meow."

Cat Teacher naturally helped Dekan cover up his lie.

It had an agreement with Dekan that it would never reveal that Little Gray was actually Dekan in disguise.

This falls under the card's after-sales guarantee.

"Oh!"

After Cornelia understood the situation, she quickly fell into a dilemma again.

She felt she should put Little Gray down and then take Cat Teacher away as promised.

But now she doesn't want to let go of Little Gray.

Because she didn't know when she would see Little Gray again.

She was caught in a state of anxiety, unsure of what to do.

"Cornelia, you should take Little Gray home today, meow. It's not safe to leave it on the street this late. Don't worry about me, I'll just stay here in Dekan for another day!"

The Cat Teacher, on a sudden inspiration, said to Cornelia.

Little Gray, who was being held by Cornelia, suddenly meowed angrily at the Cat Teacher.

It had originally wanted to praise the Cat Teacher for helping it fill in the gaps in its story.

Unexpectedly, Cat Teacher turned around and betrayed me.

That jerk Cat Teacher must be holding a grudge!

"Is it really okay?"

Cornelia's pupils seemed to sparkle, and she unconsciously hugged Little Gray tighter, then, worried that she might hurt him, she quickly loosened her grip a little.

"Of course, meow."

The Cat Teacher turned around, squatted down, and answered.

As long as it doesn't look at Dekan, it's not afraid of Dekan.

"Thank you, Cat Teacher!"

"Let's go, let's go, I'm tired of looking at this gray cat too."

The Cat Teacher quickly sent Cornelia away with Dekan.

That way it can escape unscathed.

It knows Dekan very well.

Although Dekan held a deep grudge against his enemies.

However, Dekan doesn't hold grudges against such a cute little cat, Dekan 'll let it go from time to time.

Cornelia, filled with gratitude, carried Little Gray back to her dormitory.

This was Dekan's first time visiting Cornelia's dormitory.

He rarely visits his friends' dormitories.

Because he spends most of his time in the workshop making cards.

So when something happens, his friends often come to Dekan's dorm to find him.

After entering the house, Cornelia put Little Gray down.

Little Gray raised its head and looked around at the structure of the dormitory.

It's similar to my own dorm room.

It was also very clean.

The only difference is that Cornelia seems to really like flowers and plants, and she keeps quite a few potted plants in her dorm room.

"Let me give you a bath first."

Cornelia crouched down, looked at Little Gray, and asked.

"Meow meow meow!"

Little Gray took two steps back and let out a cry of firm refusal.

It didn't want Cornelia to bathe it!

"But, but if I don't take a shower, you can't sleep with me!"

Little Gray resolutely took two more steps back, meaning it would never take a bath and was ready to run away at any moment.

It's a cat with principles and will never let those clichéd plots happen.

Cornelia pursed her lips in exasperation.

The weather was still a bit chilly at the end of February.

"Okay, okay, don't, don't be afraid, we won't wash anymore."

Cornelia still spoiled Little Gray too much, so she picked up the now-wary Little Gray and took it into the bedroom, placing it on the bed.

Then she lay down on the bed and looked at Little Gray.

"Little Gray, I... I haven't seen you in so long."

Cornelia poked Little Gray's head and said happily.

"Meow."

"I... I really miss you. Please come visit me more often, okay?"

"Meow..."

Little Gray lowered its head, seemingly in a difficult position.

"So you really don't like living in the dorm... I... I won't lock you up, don't worry!"

Cornelia seemed to understand Little Gray's habits.

It's a free Little Peter Pan, unlike the Cat Teacher who's content to be fed.

Little Gray nodded.

Cornelia tell that Little Gray trusted her.

Even though Little Gray should be a very unruly and intelligent cat, he never doubts Little Gray she says.

She stroked Little Gray's soft fur.

When will I see you again...?

Little Gray did not respond.

But he quietly lay down next to Cornelia.

It seemed to be an attempt to reassure her that at least for now, it wouldn't run away.

"You and Cat Teacher are so different..."

Cornelia thinks that Cat Teacher is a talkative cat; he rarely listens quietly to people, except for the stories he wants to hear.

Little Gray is a cat that seems aloof, but it will listen to her very patiently.

"Actually, I'm quite clumsy and not good at socializing. All I have is brute strength, and I'm also prone to scaring people away and hurting them..."

"But, but you're not afraid of me at all."

Cornelia felt exceptionally lucky today, and her mood was incredibly pleasant. She had another cat willing to listen to her heart, and she couldn't help but sigh with gratitude.

"Ben, when I first arrived in the Norton Kingdom, I was worried that things might be difficult."

"Meow?"

Little Gray is concerned that Cornelia might have been wronged.

"It's actually not difficult at all. I feel at ease and happy every day, and I've made a lot of good friends."

Cornelia continued.

Little Gray looked up at Cornelia, staring blankly.

This was the first time it had heard Cornelia speak such a long sentence in its entirety without stammering.

There seemed to be a smile on her face that she herself was unaware of.

"It's all because I met him in the very beginning."

Cornelia added another sentence, her smile growing even wider.

"Meow..."

Little Gray seemed a little stunned.

"Cat Teacher always likes to ask me about my daily stories. I... I've gotten used to it, and I just blurted it out to you, Little Gray."

Cornelia became nervous and started stuttering again; she suddenly realized that her topic might be a bit boring.

She knew that Little Gray could understand her perfectly.

Little Gray might not be as fluent in the Norton Kingdom as Cat Teacher; he can only listen but not speak.

Or perhaps it doesn't like to express itself.

"You, you must think my topic is boring, right?"

Meow.

However, Little Gray simply shook his head.

It didn't find Cornelia; on the contrary, it was willing to listen.

"Little Gray, you're so kind!"

Cornelia excitedly hugged Little Gray.

And so, Cornelia held Little Gray and whispered in its ear until dawn.

She finally fell asleep on the bed when she was exhausted.

Looking somewhat tired, Little Gray quietly climbed out of Cornelia's arms.

It watched Cornelia sleeping soundly, covered her with the blanket, then leaped onto the windowsill and nimbly jumped out...