A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade

Index for September 2024 Event "A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade" translations.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Riquet: Wow, it’s delicious! It tastes sweet and sour, like I’m in a flower field!

Shino: Nom nom…gimme more.

Mitile: Me too! Oh, but will there still be more for the others?

Rutile: You don’t need to worry about that with a cake this big! Here, have another slice. 

Shino & Mitile: Yay!

An early afternoon with the sunlight pouring in from the window. The younger wizards gather in the lounge, their cheery voices filling the room. 

What they sit around is today’s dessert, a butter cake made from plenty of elderflowers. 

Lennox: Thank you, Lord Faust. It’s all because you shared so many of your elderflowers with us.

Faust: I didn’t know what else to do with them after using them for tea and syrup, so I just pushed the leftovers onto Nero. You should be thanking him instead.

Sage, will you have another slice?

Akira: Yes!

He handed a plate with seconds on it to me.

Watching that plate was Saccy, whose nose twitched a little. I guess it’s interested in the flowery smell. 

Akira: (This cake is good…what a peaceful teatime we’re having.)

Cock Robin: T-T-T-This is baaad! 

Akira: Woah, Cock Robin!?

Cock Robin: M-Mister Faust is…

Mister Faust is to be arrested for a kidnapping!!

Six Voices: Whaaat!?

Faust: What?

Our peaceful teatime ended in an instant. 

Akira: Uh, wait, what? What do you mean? Faust kidnapped somebody? 

Riquet: Faust, to think you had those sort of intentions…

Faust: Like hell I do.

Shino: …Hey.

He dashed over the low table, and before anyone could stop him he gripped the collar of Cock Robin’s shirt. 

Cock Robin: Gwah!

Shino: What sorta crap are you talking about? Explain.

Faust: Conduct, Shino. Let him go.

Shino: But he…

Cock Robin: We…we’re aware that it’s a false accusation! 

But, it’s just that there is a certain someone who is not quite satisfied with that idea…

Lennox: …Sounds complicated. Could you tell us?

Cock Robin: I’ll dell you….gweeegh…

Mitile: S-Shino. He’s in pain, so…

Shino: …Tch.

He let go of Cock Robin, who then started coughing. Quickly supporting him, Rutile offered him a chair. 

Rutile: Come, sit. There’s tea, too, so please relax and take your time explaining.

Cock Robin: Cough…y-yes. …The thing is…

The person accusing Faust of being a kidnapper was the head of Richtid House, a distinguished and noble Eastern merchant family. 

The person who was “kidnapped” was his little brother. He had apparently gone missing a little after the Calamity had last attacked.

Shino: If it’s the Richtid family’s little brother, he’s already a middle-aged man. Why would Faust abduct a guy like that?

Riquet: Shino, you know the head of Richtid?

Shino: Yeah. He sometimes came over to the Blanchett Manor. I only ever saw him from afar, but he looked to be between an old man or middle-aged.

Cock Robin: Ah, he’s no longer the head of the household anymore. Something about him becoming ill months before the Calamity attack made him retire. 

The current head is his eldest son. He’s a young man who hasn’t hit his thirties yet, and his little brother isn’t even in his tens. 

Rutile: That young…I can see why the brother is worried. He’s just a child…

Cock Robin: Right. I understand why he feels that way, but…

This petition…or bill of indictment rather, was sent to Magic Affairs…

He pulled out a dignified and imposingly thick envelope.

As his expression seemed to wander between wanting to hand it to us or not, Faust took the envelope from his hands.

Faust: … “Curseworker Faust of the Valley of Storms has abducted my younger brother, Seda, and is no doubt a heinous wizard.”

“It is inconceivable that the Central Government has taken in this abominable wizard as one of the Sage’s Wizards.”

“My friends in Central Country have expressed their deep sympathies for my brother.”

“I would ask that you investigate this villainous wizard, and hope that you can return my brother to me as soon as possible.” …is what he wrote.

Akira & the Young Wizards: Uh…

Lennox: This is…

Faust: …Where does this ask for my arrest?

According to this letter he’s asking for an investigation on this ‘villainous wizard’ and for his brother’s safety. Is it the ‘friends in Central Country’ who asked?

Cock Robin: Err, well…the Richtid family for a long time now has done most of their trading business with Central. 

Which is why they have such strong ties with the Central nobles today. This bill of indictment does seem to have been influenced by those nobles.

And despite…uhm, even though Prince Arthur has been working hard, those nobles have a deep-seated prejudice against wizards…so…

Faust: Spit it out. Basically, those Central nobles are demanding my arrest.

Cock Robin: Yes…they’re saying to jail you first, before they safely investigate, or something like that…

Riquet: How awful…such unfair treatment like this cannot be allowed.

Cock Robin: I’m of the same opinion! Except…the nobles that Richtid House has ties with are many, so we’re rather outnumbered. 

I wish I could consult with Prince Arthur, but seeing as he’s a wizard and a prince, I think a new political problem would arise if I informed him…

Faust: …Haah…

He let out a complicated sigh hearing Cock Robin mumble.

As if taking that as a signal, the room became bathed in disorder. 

Mitile: Arresting first and then investigating!? They’re just accusing Mister Faust because he’s a wizard!

Shino: Let’s go visit these Central nobles’ houses. We’ll see if they can say the same things in front of my scythe. 

Riquet: Violence isn’t right, but I ought to have a word with Lord Richtid. Spreading lies about others is unforgivable. 

Shino: True, we should be talking to him first.

Lennox: Shino, I understand how you feel but–

Faust: Everyone, calm dow–

As the two tried to admonish them, Shino stood up straight. 

Shino: Alright. If we’re going to see Lord Richtid, then we should go to East Country and find out where their manor or location is. 

Akira: Huh?! A-Are we gonna raid their home?

Cock Robin: No no no, absolutely not! I came here to tell you about this situation which is why you should NOT go near the capital for the time being…

Shino: Who cares. Let’s g–

Rutile: Ortonik Setomaouge.

Gently, someone’s kind spell resounded. 

A teapot floated into the air, and poured hot tea into Shino’s empty teacup. The calming smell of herbs tickled my nose. 

Shino, who had stood ready to summon his broom, blinked in place dumbfounded as Rutile smiled softly. 

Rutile: Here, Shino.

Shino: I don’t need it, we…

Rutile: Come on, it’s warm and delicious. 

How about anyone else?

Akira: T-Thank you, Rutile.

Lennox: I’ll have another cup too. It’s a nice scent.

Rutile: Right? Lately it’s been my favourite. 

With his bright smile and the smell of herbs, everyone managed to sit down in their seats. 

Their angered, hasty selves eased back and calmed down. 

Shino took an elderflower cake slice with his fingers, like he suddenly remembered they existed.

After watching that, Rutile then moved his gaze to the bill of indictment in Faust’s hands. 

Rutile: It’s no surprise that we’d get mad at this false accusation. Even I feel like giving him a word or two…

However…I can understand how the older brother’s feels. 

Shino: Hah? That guy?

Shino looked at him, eyebrows turned. 

On the other hand, Faust, the accused himself, watched over Rutile silently. 

Rutile: Because, if Mitile ever went missing, I wouldn’t be able to stay calm either. 

I’d be full of worry, anxiety, fear…I couldn’t bear it.

Wondering where he is, if he’s scared, if he’s even alive or safe…

Mitile: …Rutile…

Rutile: I think that’s what the older brother is feeling too. He’s just so scared out of his mind…

I think he wrote this indictment in that desperation. 

Everyone: …

I recall the words written in the letter that accused Faust.

It’s unreasonable, ticks you off, and is a false accusation from start to end, but…

When I think about how it may be the result of his desperate calls for his little brother, my chest begins to tighten. 

Akira: (So his little brother went missing a little after the Calamity last attacked…since around the time I’ve arrived in this world, the older brother has been searching for his little brother.)

Lennox: …He was desperate enough to accuse the country where they do most of their trading. His claims against Lord Faust might not be without reason.

Why does Lord Richtid think he is the kidnapper?

Cock Robin: A farmer by the Valley of Storms said he saw a little boy enter the valley.

Judging by his fancy clothes he wasn’t from his village, so he tried calling out to him…

But the boy ignored him, and went in. 

Mitile: And that boy was the little brother…err, Seda?

Cock Robin: That’s what Lord Richtid says. The Richtid Villa is a few days away by foot from the Valley. 

Furthermore, after some time passed, a magic letter came to the residence one night…

Rutile: Wait, a magic letter? Then…

Riquet: So even if it wasn’t Faust, it was still a wizard who kidnapped him…?

He handed a simple and plain envelope to Faust. There were no names written on it.

Faust: …Though it’s difficult to tell just who sent this, I can faintly sense the Valley on this. Its concealment spell has weakened. 

The contents are…

“I hate you big brother! I am absolutely under no circumstances ever going back home. I’m gonna live all by myself.”

“P.S. Please take care of Father. Tell him to be well for me. – Seda”

Everyone: …Mn?

Lennox: This…

Shino: Hey. No matter how you read it it’s a letter saying he ran away. What kidnapping is there. 

Riquet: And he seemed quite happy about it too. 

Index     >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 2

Chapter 2 

Cock Robin: Uh, uhhm. Lord Richtid says it’s actually a provocation by the kidnapper.

The handwriting is much nicer than his brother’s, and he shouldn’t know how to spell difficult words like ‘absolutely’ or ‘circumstances’ yet. 

Akira: (That’s what he found suspicious…?)

Rutile: It is strange that he didn’t write it himself. But to say it’s a provocation by the kidnapper is a bit…

Lennox: If they had intended to imitate his little brother and deceive him, they could have used magic to change the handwriting to match his. It’s possible that the situation and intent isn’t what we think it is.

Rutile: Not what we think, hmm. You know, this letter reminds me of when we were younger and Dr. Figaro had written a letter in place of a sulky Mitile…

Mitile: Hey! Don’t go telling old stories like that…!

Faust: In place of him…

Anyways, so they think that this magic letter was sent by me, the supposed kidnapper? 

Cock Robin: Yes. It seems he heard about you through some connections, and your job as a curseworker in the Valley…

Akira: So that’s how…but there’s so many wizards who live there. Why single out Faust?

Cock Robin: That’s probably because…there’s not really a lot of information about the identities of the other wizards living there, and a curseworker is a rather suspicious job, so…

Shino: Hey Faust, it’s ‘cuz you’re clad in creepy black clothes all the time. Wear more white clothing. 

Faust: That is not the point.

Riquet: It may be a suspicious line of work, but Faust is no evil man. It’s no good to judge others based on their occupations. 

Lennox: No one can make sound judgement when they’re in a panic, and will usually jump to the easiest conclusion there is. 

That just happened to be drawing a connection between his little brother disappearing into the Valley and Lord Faust for him. …Though it still is a false accusation based on a complete misunderstanding.

Faust: …Haah…

He let out another deep sigh, and slowly crossed his arms.

Faust: First things first, this letter was obviously not sent by me. 

Secondly, there is a chance that this missing child is with a wizard in the Valley of Storms.

The death of a young and innocent being can contaminate the Valley. If a young child wandered into their domain, I’m certain everyone would at the very least keep them safe.

Rutile: So that means there’s a high chance the little brother is safe and sound! Thank goodness…

Faust: Yeah. I’m guessing that that letter from earlier couldn’t be written by him personally because he was sick or hurt, and couldn’t pick up a pen. 

…In short, if the wizard he’s with picked up a pen and wrote that letter for him, then it’s likely a wizard with some heart. 

Everyone: True…

We all looked at each other. Figuring that the kid must be living out of harm’s way, the anxiety left our shoulders. 

Cock Robin: Erm…by the way, is it possible to ask you to look into which wizard the kid is staying with…?

Faust: No can do. We each stick to our areas, and never interfere with each other. 

I’m sure that wizard too is waiting for his tantrum to end before they send him back. Just wait until then.

Cock Robin: R-Right…haah, how am I going to convince the older brother…

Faust: …

I don’t mind checking if the kid has wandered into my house or not and making a report, though.

Cock Robin: …! That will be so helpful, thank you! I’ll be sure to pay you back…!

Faust: Don’t bother. More importantly, once I confirm that the child is not in my domain, you go and shut that merchant up. This is quite the inconvenience. 

However, I don’t believe he’ll trust the words of a wizard. Sage, will you trouble yourself to join me?

Akira: Of course!

Shino: I’m coming too.

Mitile: I’ll come too! I want to prove Mister Faust’s innocence, and I do feel bad for the older brother…

Rutile: And the whereabouts of his little brother are what’s most important to him after all. I’ll help out too. 

Riquet: You can count on me as well. 

Faust: No, this is nothing you kids have to bother yourselves with. 

Lennox: Everyone is worried about you. Lord Faust, if you’ll allow it, please let us help.

Faust: …Fine. I’m counting on you all.

Faust: We’ve arrived.

Faust’s home in the Valley of Storms was as tranquil as it was before.

The murmurs of the nearby stream, the sunlight pouring through the trees, the chirps of birds from afar. It was the exact same as usual. This place almost feels like it was stopped in time.

Mitile: Hmmm…looks like the little brother really isn’t here. 

Shino: We already knew that from the start. Let’s hurry and give our report that no one was here and end this fuss.

Riquet: He’s still going to be concerned about his little brother, so why don’t we try and find some clues? Though I’m not confident we’ll find much…

Rutile: Faust, how’s the barrier around your house?

Faust: Nothing’s changed since the last time I came. No signs of anyone making contact with it either. 

Akira: Is that so…

Lennox: Ah…there’s a pair of black and white cats.

Shino: ‘Sup. Come to beg for food now that Faust’s home?

Riquet: Hello. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion.

The two cats nestled against Faust’s legs, meowing like they wanted to tell him something.

The expression on his face instantly softened.

Faust: Yes yes, food, is it? Even though you know how to get your own food. 

He said as he swung his finger in the air, and on the empty plates some feet away boiled chicken appeared.

White Cat & Black Cat: …Umyaamyaa, purrrrr…

Faust: …? You don’t want food? What is it you’re complaining about?

Rutile: …Ah! Look over by the plates. There’s a spotted cat. 

Mitile: There is! And it’s eating the food meant for these two cats!

Lennox: There’s a collar on it…Lord Faust, is this cat yours? 

Faust: No, the only cats making home in my domain are these two right here. I guess what they were trying to tell me about was that cat. 

He kneeled on the spot,

and made eye contact with the spotted cat that was licking its mouth after its meal. Faust slowly blinked at it.

Suddenly, the cat’s ears and tail pointed upwards.   

Spotted Cat: Nya, nya…

Riquet: It’s coming closer!

Akira: It’s not frightened of us at all! So cute!

White Cat & Black Cat: Ooaoo…grrr…

Faust: Can you guys take care of these cats for a moment? They’re a little aggravated that this cat entered their territory. If you pick them up it’ll make them feel more superior, so calm them down that way. 

Mitile & Akira: U-Understood! 

We scooped up the two cats in our arms, and as we played with them Faust observed the spotted cat silently.

Faust: …I can sense magic. This is…

Shino: Is it a spirit? The spirits around here do like to transform into cats. 

Faust: No, I sense a wizard’s presence on it.

I believe it’s…the “Cat Wizard” I’m feeling….

Akira: (Cat Wizard…? That’s a cute title.)

Unbothered by the contempt of the white and black cats, the spotted cat brushed up against Faust’s thighs, and he touched the backside of the cat’s ear with his finger.

Very quickly, the cat looked up to his face. 

And made an eerily human-like expression. 

???: “Dear Neighbour of the Valley. Please, come visit my home. From your neighbour of the southwest.”

Young Wizards: …!?

Akira: The cat just spoke!?

Faust: It didn’t, that was a spell casted on the cat. 

Just as he said, the cat looked around like it was searching its surroundings for where the voice came from. 

Riquet: Wah! The wind…

Mitile: Twigs and leaves are flying up in the air, and making something…?

Within the small tornado, the fallen leaves and twigs spin together, weaving themselves into one. It was so unnatural that I knew it was the work of magic. 

Eventually, what was created was–

Rutile: …Is that a basket with a lid on it?

Lennox: For a basket it’s very long and narrow…

Akira: (This is a pet cage…! The one you use to bring your cats to the veterinarian with…!!)

Judging from the wizards’ reactions, this wasn’t an everyday object like it is back home. However, the spotted cat seemed familiar with it.

It sniffed around the cage, and like it found its objective smartly opened the door by itself and went inside. 

As it sat comfortably inside, the cage door shut itself. 

And the entire cage began to float up higher than the trees.

Mitile, Riquet, & Akira: What!?

Dumbstruck, the pet cage with the cat inside of it flew away like it was a broom. 

Mitile, Riquet, & Akira: Whaaat!?

Rutile: W-Was that just now also magic casted on the cat?

Faust: Yeah. That spell was casted so that after the cat finished what it came here for, it would be brought home safely. 

Lennox: It flew in the southwest direction…Lord Faust, do you see that?

Where he pointed at stood a small tree that looked to be drooping. On one of its branches that hung heavily, faint blue flowers were growing all over.

Shino: Did you always have those flowers growing? First time I’ve seen ‘em.

Lennox: I think those flowers were unnaturally grown by the influence of the spirits. What do you think?

Faust: You’re right. Those flowers are a message from the spirits when something sad or abnormal happens. 

They bloom only in this valley, on occasions of tragedy or misfortune…like when a wizard of the Valley dies. 

Mitile: Eh!? Then is that wizard who called themselves your neighbour from the southwest…

Rutile: …Faust. We’ve received an invitation, so why don’t we go check up on how they're doing?

Riquet: I like that idea. Perhaps the missing brother is with the neighbour. 

Faust: …That could be possible…it’s an unspoken agreement around here to not interfere with each others’ domains, but they’re the ones who sent the invitation.

Let’s go after that cat on our brooms. Sage, you’ll ride with me.

Akira: Yes!

Mitile: …Ah! The basket that has the cat in it is lowering to the ground!

Faust: We’ll make our way down too.

Spotted Cat: Purrrrr. Mmbebe…

Rutile: It came out of the cage and started grooming itself! I guess we’ve arrived.

Akira: (This is the Cat Wizard’s house…)

It was further in the forest than Faust’s house. 

Faint light pours in from between the trees, and illuminates the ivy ridden manor. 

<      Index       >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 3

Chapter 3

And, most of all…

Cats: …?

…, …

Riquet: Cats! Look! There’s so many cats! 

Rutile: It’s like their faces are saying “Who’re these guys?”, but none of them are running! How cute! 

Shino: Some of them have collars on. Did the wizard here put them on?

Lennox: I suppose so. The cats here look well fed, so they must be taken care of properly. 

Akira: And their fur is so clean! Not a speck of dirt on their coats…cute…

(Except…)

When I examine the manor, I notice how in contrast to the serene surroundings, the curtains of the residence were firmly closed, as if to reject the outside world.

Akira: (So what Rutile heard from Murr wasn’t wrong…)

Mitile: I wonder what the neighbour is like. Have you ever met them before?

Faust: Never. The wizards of this valley keep to themselves.

That wizard moved into the southwest a little after I settled down here myself. 

The first few decades the spirits seemed to avoid them, so I figured they were a western born. That’s all I know. 

And well…there were also some rumours I’m not sure about the genuinity of. Rumours like how they’re a ‘Cat Wizard’ who erases humans.  

Riquet: Erases humans?

Akira: They have that cute title, but do awful things instead…?

Faust: Yes. They supposedly turn humans they meet on the spot into cats. 

Once transformed, they forget they were even human, and simply become a pet cat of a wizard. That’s where the erasing humans part comes from. 

Akira: (The title was the only cute thing…)

Lennox: So they don’t release the humans they transformed into the woods.

Faust: Yeah, they take proper care of them. Aside from that, they’re feared as an disorderly and enigmatic wizard. 

Rutile: …A western born…that really loves cats…ah!

Lennox: What’s up, Rutile?

Rutile: Oh, it’s just that I remembered this story I heard once from Murr at Shylock’s bar. 

Long ago in West Country, there was a wizard who despised humans yet adored cats.

Both those feelings kept on intensifying, and they started researching magic that would turn humans into cats. 

They said something like, “I’ll turn every single one of those disgusting and wicked human beings into adorable and lovable cats.”

Akira: Talk about a cat fanatic…

Rutile: And then, they perfected their spell, and started turning every human they met into a cat.

From civil workers to neighbours, even water peddlers and the people who passed by their home, anybody into cats. 

Mitile & Riquet: Eeeh…

Rutile: They were banished from town after town, and didn’t have anywhere else to go after that, is what Shylock said.

Akira: So that wizard might actually be…

Faust: Well, it’s only a possibility. This valley is an ideal home for those who hate humans.

Lennox: …

After the spotted cat meowed at the entrance to the manor numerous times, it crouched down, and passed through the cat door. 

Riquet: It looked like it was asking for the door to open, but the Cat Wizard didn’t come out…

Mitile: Yeah…should we try and knock too?

Shino: Don’t. I sense something strange from the manor. Is there some weird barrier casted? 

Lennox: Yes, a little too ominous to be a protection barrier…it may be one that attacks trespassers. 

Faust: No, not that sort. This is…

And as he was about to answer, it was then–

Bradley: …ah, achoo! 

Mithra: Augh! Don’t sneeze right into my face! 

Akira: Bradley!? Mithra…!?

The two who had just appeared before us gripping each other’s shirt collars were Bradley and Mithra. 

They were already deep in a fight, and as soon as they saw us they scowled. 

Bradley: Hah? What the hell’re you chumps doing, sitting ‘round here? Hey, isn’t this East? 

Mithra: Isn’t it obvious that we were flung here after you sneezed. Ugh, I left the snake I was eating on the table.

Bradley: Hey, you’re the one who picked a fight with me first! I left the fried chicken I was eating behind too! 

Mithra: Huh? Are you saying it’s my fault?

Bradley: That’s what I said alright, you too dumb to get it the first time?

Bradley & Mithra: …

They glared at each other, both heads turning to look at the manor and its supposed ominous barrier at the same time. Then, the pushing contest began. 

Akira: (They’re trying to shove the other into the barrier first…!?)

Mitile: Mister Mithra, Mister Bradley! No fighting!

Faust: You two, stop it! I’m sure you can already tell, but that’s no simple barrier!

We don’t know what’ll happen yet if we make contact or use magic on it carelessly…

Bradley: That’s why I’m doin’ it. Raaah!

Mithra: That hurt, you!

Akira: Wait wait, stop fighting like you’re in elementary…!!

Rutile: We just have to pull them away at this point. If they’re not using magic, then maybe our numbers will physically stop them!

Mitile, Riquet, & Akira: Y-Yeah!

Seeing Rutile and Mitile swarm Mithra, Riquet and I hurriedly clung onto Bradley.

Even Saccy meowed to get his attention, and pawed at his elbow. 

Mithra: Rutile, Mitile! Out of my way!

Bradley: Ya want me to throw all three of you into the barrier!?

Akira: Uhm, I dunno what you’re fighting over, but why don’t we talk it out first…!

Faust & Shino: Guys…!

Lennox: Rutile, Mitile! Master Sage!

I felt bad seeing Faust and the others rush to join in on this, but I continued to pull Bradley with all my might. 

Akira: (I mean, no matter how you put it, this is getting REALLY bad…!)

The threatening and fearful meows of the nearby cats watching us echoed loud in our ears.

And as if working together, an aggressive wind blew, like it was irritated.

I felt a great pressure on my chest, and the atmosphere was filled with frenzy.

Some of us were trying to stop one another, some of us were trying to push another. Nine people and a single cat struggled, shoved, and–

Everyone: Waaaaugh…!!

Feet picked up by the strong gust of wind, we were all thrown towards the manor.

The moment we flew near, a strange dizziness fogged my brain. I could hear the concerned calls of Saccy. 

Faust: Satillquinart Mullcreed.

Shino: Matztzah Sudipas!

Bradley: Adnopotensum! 

Mithra: Arthim. 

Lennox: Master Sage…!

He must have come to save me straight away. He grabbed my arm as I fell, and flung me opposite of the house.

With a thud, my back lands on the soft grass bed.

Akira: (Uugh, owie…w-was I saved? How is everyone?)

I rubbed my back as I tried to stand up, but my hand felt something that wasn’t supposed to be there.

Akira: (Woah, what the!? There’s a furry snake stuck to my butt…? Can that happen here??)

(Not only that, my head feels sorta heavy too…)

Leaping from my arm, Saccy jumped around my body and began sniffing.

Thinking those actions were a little weird as I finally stood up, I locked eyes with Mitile.

Mitile: Ma…M-M-Master Sage!?

Akira: Mitile…!?

Mitile & Akira: …

You…

You’ve got cat ears!?!?

Rutile: A tail!! You have tails too! It’s even moving! It’s so brush-like!

Riquet: Look at yourself Rutile, you’ve got them too! E-Everyone has them…!?

Shino: Hey, what the hell is this get-up? Is this ‘cuz of the barrier?

Lennox: Even our clothes have changed…is it a transformation curse?

Lennox asked him with a puffed up tail. Faust touched his own ears and tail as he wore the same expression as usual.

His own tail was somewhat puffing up too.

Faust: …Our ears and tails have a sense of touch…when I use magic to make them stop moving, it feels unpleasant like someone’s tied up my arm. 

However, our regular ears are working as normal. It’s transformation magic, near on the level of a permanent curse.

Bradley: Curse or transformation magic I don’t give a crap. This look is a disgrace to the name of the Great Bradley. 

Mithra: I agree. Arthim.

Bradley: Adnopotensum.

Mitile: Ah! Great, you’re…

Bradley & Mithra: …

Mithra: Arthim.

Bradley: Adnopotensum!

Damnit! There’s no going back no matter how much we try! What’s with this stupid spell?!

Mithra: It’s so overboard and detailed, yet malicious and resentful…it's like a spell crafted with the worst aspects of West and East magic. 

Mitile: You…you can’t reverse it? Not even you two?

Mithra: No, I can. It’s just that it goes back on its own right away.

Riquet: So basically, you can’t reverse it.

Akira: N-No way…!

We all felt our ears and tails in a panic once we heard those words from Bradley and Mithra, who can solve generally anything with magic. 

I know I’d get a good laugh reading those “One day, I grew cat ears and a cat tail.” sorta manga, but this was NO laughing situation at all.

Akira: (How am I to wear my regular clothes now with this tail? What do I do during the bathroom…no, more importantly, can I still sit on the couch?)

(Am I gonna have to sleep on my side forever? Water is definitely gonna trickle in my cat ears when I shower…)

Mitile: Are…are we ever gonna turn back? Are we gonna stay like this forever?

Riquet: It’s not a good habit to complain at first sight…but, I would like to turn back. I won’t be able to wear my hat this way.

Shino: There is no way I’m going back to Heath like this. He’s gonna poke fun at me. And call me cute. 

We all looked at each other. We were all tense with anxiety, and I could feel my cat ears drooping downwards. 

Until one of us, who had been nervous a second ago, neatly straightened his back nice and tall. 

Rutile, with his hands on our shoulders, looked into our faces.

<      Index      >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Rutile: I’m sure it’ll be fine. Magic may be useful, but it isn’t omnipotent. 

This spell is amazing too, but there must be a way to reverse it. 

Mitile: You…may be right. Still…

Rutile: Come now, don’t look so down. Let’s keep our spirits high, meow! 

Mithra: What was that pose just now? 

Rutile: It’s my “Let’s become cats and do our best!” pose! Standing around worrying isn’t going to make our tails and ears go away. 

So why not bounce back and use our fighting spirit to solve this spell instead of being down in the dumps!

Mithra: So like, it’s your fighting stance? Your tongue sticking out makes you look like a fool though. 

Rutile: Oh Mithra, you just don’t get it. This is the strawberry on the cake.

Mithra: What cake…? You should put your tongue back in. Here, I’ll do it for you.

Rutile: Mrmmbr…ton’t use yer hanz bleaze…

Mithra: What did you say? Ahaha, your cat ears are drooping. Hilarious.

Mitile: He’s saying, “Don’t use your hands please”! Gosh, Mister Mithra…!

Rutile: Mrmmbe…

Watching Rutile and Mithra fuss around made me feel like I was back home in the Magic Manor, and I couldn’t help but smile. 

Akira: (That’s right…it’s as Rutile says. This isn’t a problem we can solve by worrying. If we want to lift this spell, we have to work together.)

Riquet: You’re absolutely right, Rutile. I’m going to do my best, believing there’s a ray of hope. Meooow!

You meow too, Mitile!

Mitile: Err, me? I’m too embarrassed…

Bradley: Yer at that age huh. …So, Curseworker and Shepherd. How’s it going over there.

He turned towards the two who had at some point started to examine near the edge of the manor.

Faust had his hand to his chin, and Lennox shook his head after a moment. Seemingly satisfied with that answer, the former nodded. 

Faust: Thank you for your help, Lennox. …Everyone. To put it shortly, the magic casted on us is incomplete.  

We have no sense of hearing in our cat ears, and our sense of smell and eyesight are the same as before. Normally, we should have become complete cats in mind and body, but we appear to have obstructed that somehow. 

Our transformation goes as far as these tails and ears, as well as new impulses, to an extent.

Shino: Impulses?

Faust: Like when we’re surprised, our tails will stand up, or when we’re irritated we want to pace around in circles. Also, when we’re cautious our ears will droop. 

Bradley: So whatever we’re thinking can be seen plain as day. Isn’t that just great. 

Mithra: Bwuh! Hey, don’t go swinging your tail like that. You hit my face.

Bradley: Then don’t stand behind me.

Faust: Stuff like this will continue to happen. The real problem is the influence on those with weaker magic and humans like our Sage.

In particular, those with magic weaker than Shino–

Mitile: …Pounce!

Rutile: Woah…Mitile?

Just as Faust was speaking, Mitile leaped headfirst at Rutile.

He began to snuggle the shoulder of his brother with his forehead. 

Bradley: What’s up, bud? Suddenly wanted your bro to fawn on you? Widdle baby. 

Mitile: N-No! I just had this urge to pounce at him when I saw him…

Riquet: Do your ears itch, Mitile? Should I scratch them for you?

Mitile: It’s not that either. I just, wanted to do that? Like…I want to pounce at you and Mr. Leno too…

Mithra: You want to pounce at them? Looking for a fight?

Mitile: Absolutely not that! Uhm, actually, what about you guys? Don’t you want to do it too…

Rutile: …Well now that you mention it…

Riquet: I do…

Akira: Me too…and that spot in the sand over there…

Mitile: It looks nice…

Riquet: Indeed…

Shino: What’s up with you guys? Faust, is this the influence on the weaker wizards you were talking about?

Faust: It is. This spell originally should have transformed our way of thought and actions into those of a cat.

Thus our wizards with weaker magic, unable to resist, are being influenced into having the mind of a cat.  

Cats headbutt each other as a sign of love. As for wanting to go where there is sand, it is likely to have a catnap or roll arou…hey, wait.

Ignoring whatever Faust said behind us, we made our way to the greatest patch of sand there ever was. 

Akira: (This is sooo not the time for this, but…)

…Rollllll.

Mithra: Hah? Where do you think you’re sleeping, Master Sage.

Bradley: Like you ever lie down anywhere normal either. 

Riquet: Weeeeee. *snuggle*

Mitile: *snuggy snuggle*  Rub rub~

Rutile: Rub a dub dub~!

Akira: Weeeeee~ Mrrrow…

(Yeahhhh…this is the best….)

Shino: This is bad. 

Faust: It sure is. Just as cats can’t control their own whims, they can’t resist their new urges.

Mithra: …Mm? Then why is Lennox not rolling around?

Lennox: I do want to roll around, but I’m managing to hold it in…I can’t let myself be so unsightly in front of Lord Faust after all.

Shino: Now that’s dedication. Keep at it for your liege. 

Faust: What, no, I wouldn’t find it unsightly at all…Satillquinart Mullcreed.

Hearing Faust recite his spell somewhere, the scent of citrus went up my nose, and I immediately sat up, fully aware. 

Akira: …!! I’m so sorry!!

Mitile: I’m so sorry, everyone! I couldn’t stop myself…

Faust: It’s alright. I’m not sure if you heard me, but this is an effect of the transformation. 

It seems you guys are susceptible to the smell of citrus like cats are known to be. Sniff it whenever you need. 

Rutile & Riquet: Y-Yessir!

Shino: So what’re we to do? It’s a pain in the ass spell that even Northern wizards can’t lift. Should we break the barrier?

Mithra: No. This spell is one they’ve had perfected and put up for hundreds of years. 

While I of course can squash a barrier of this level, something might happen to Rutile and Mitile.

Faust: Let’s enter the house for the time being. Though we’ve landed ourselves into a mess, we were initially invited to be guests. 

Akira: (I nearly forgot about that…)

Lennox: Understood. Alright, let’s head in.

Akira: Hm…?

As I walked after Lennox, I heard something rustle in the grass bed behind me.

Turning back, there was a single cat staring straight at us. It was a tiny cat, with a grey coat and blue eyes. The cheeky expression it had was impressionable, 

and the bell on its silver collar jingled with a cling. 

Akira: (Is that cat a part of this household too? So far it's the only cat I’ve seen with a bell on its collar…)

Rutile: Master Sage?

Akira: Ah, sorry about that! I’m coming.

Grey Cat: …

Akira: (Woah, it’s dark…)

The inside of the manor was dimly lit. From slight openings in the tightly closed curtains came a little bit of light, faintly brightening up the room.

Cats: …!

…

And throughout the room wherever there was catbeds and toys, were plenty of cats and kittens. 

A circular cat sitting down like it were a dome, a scowling cat atop a cat tower, a cat grooming itself at its own pace. 

There were some cats that hid in surprise, but the majority of cats stayed and were either interested in us and looked our way or ignored us. 

Their “I do what I want” attitudes were similar to the cats in cat cafes, used to being loved by humans.

Akira: Cute…! But, might they actually be former humans…?

Mithra: I don’t sense any spells on them, so no. They’re normal cats.

Cream Cat: Waaaow…? Meow. 

Silver White Cat: Purrrrr, mmmm?

Mitile: Waaah…! A lot of cats came up to me!

Riquet: They’re tilting their heads looking up at you. Why don’t you lift them up?

Mitile: Sure, why not. Up we go…

A, Ahahaha! This one’s trying to paw my cheek!

Akira: (I could watch this forever…)

Droopy Ear Cat: *sniff sniff*

Bradley: Hah? Whaddaya want. Don’t sniff my shoes, or I’ll kick ya. 

Lennox: They don't even fear Northern wizards. The amount of magic in Mithra and Bradley should be enough to scare them since they can sense it. 

Faust: It’s probably because they believe that wizards are to find them cute. The master of this house must’ve spoiled them lots. 

Calico Cat: Mwaaaamu…

Faust: …Okay, okay, I get it. Here, I’ll pick you up. 

Giving into the cat that stood up to paw at his thighs, Faust takes the cat into his arms as he speaks.

Cuddling it as it purrs, he examines the room. His tail slowly rustles as he searches for something.

Faust: …As I thought, there’s no presence of a living wizard here.

The flowers of tragedy that bloomed in the southwest of my home really were informing me of a tragedy. 

Riquet: So then…the Cat Wizard truly is gone.

Faust: They are. They must’ve felt their time approaching, and casted a spell on the spotted cat so that I would pay a visit after their death.

So in preparation for that, there should be a message for me somewhere. There may be a clue on how to reverse this spell too. 

Akira: I get it. Then let’s go and find this…hm?

Shino: What is it?

Akira: Look. The cat that’s sleeping spread out on the table, there seems to be paper underneath it.

Rutile: Ah, you’re right! It might be a letter for us…sorry, let me take this. 

Fat Cat: Bunaaa~

The letter Rutile took was warmed up by the cat who grumbled after being disturbed. Neatly written narrow letters were inked on the page. 

Rutile: Here, Faust. I can hold the cat for you.

Faust: That’ll help, thanks. …I’m reading it aloud now.

“To my neighbour of the Valley. If you are reading this letter, it means I have become stone, and you have become a cat.”

“What is currently casted on you is a spell I have worked on for several hundreds of years, a spell I perfected as my entire life’s work.” 

“Though you are a strong wizard who specializes in curses, even you may find yourself unable to reverse it after a day or two.”

“Rest assured, however. If you remove and purify the collars from all the cats in this household, the transformation magic will lift.”

Akira: The collars? I did notice there were quite a lot…

Bradley: Even just a quick estimation counts me a whole bunch. They want us to purify all that? 

Shino: And that’s not all the cats here. There’re some hidden in odd corners or those who’ve ran off outside. 

Mithra: Don’t say things that’ll make me want to give up…

Faust: “I apologize for the trouble, but I have a reason for this. It’s in your hands.”

“Furthermore, I ask that you destroy anything that may be dangerous to cats, and to release this residence from its status as a home. I’m counting on you.”

“As for your reward, I will give you my mana stone. I’m sure it will be used by the cats somewhere as a toy. Take it if you please.”

Mitile: A, A toy? …Ah!

If you look closely between the shelves, there’s a mana stone on the ground! And in that corner too!

Lennox: It was played around with by the cats, and broken up into pieces…

Akira: That’s pretty extreme…but the wizard seemed to accept that would happen though…so…it's okay?

<      Index      >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Mithra: I can tell it’s nothing special from its magic. What would you even do with it?

Faust: Hey, that’s rude to the deceased. …Anyways, there’s still a little more to read. 

“P.S. You may have already met this little one, but there is a cat who is wearing a collar made from a magic tool of mine.”

“His name is Seda.”

Rutile & Mitile: Seda!?

Riquet: That’s the little brother of the eastern merchant who went missing in this valley…

Akira: No way, did he get turned into a cat…?

Faust: “You already know that when you lift this spell of mine a countercurse will be unleashed. I am using that magic collar as a catalyst so that Seda will receive the effects instead.”

“And do not worry, for he put on that collar in understanding of all the conditions.”

“In truth, I had intended for you to get caught in my spell in order for this countercurse to take effect, so that Seda may become a complete cat. That is all.”

After finishing the letter, we all looked at one another with questions in our eyes. 

Akira: Uhhh…so to turn back to normal, we need to collect those collars from the cats and purify them, but then…

Lennox: When the purifications are all over, the missing child…Seda, will receive the countercurse and become a “complete cat”.

Shino: What, so Seda isn’t a complete cat right now? Are his legs still human?

Rutile: T-That’d be pretty frightening to see…but there’s a chance he’s like us and not transformed completely. 

Mitile: But they wrote that Seda knew all this would happen and put on the collar to become a cat anyway…?

We then heard a noise behind us.

When we turned there was a cat who was pushing the cat door slightly open, sneaking a look our way. 

Akira: (Ah…it’s the grey cat from earlier.)

Bradley: Oh.

Older Wizards: …

The older wizards’ cat ears stood up in awareness of the grey cat, and Shino’s cat ears turned backwards in curiosity.

Saccy’s head turned left and right as it began to sniff at something, trying to catch a certain scent.

The suspicious cat seemed like it didn’t know what to do for a moment, but finally made its mind to come through the cat door. 

With a strangely purposeful stride, it walked up to the edge of the carpet, and began sharpening its claws on the wooden floor.

Akira: …? This one’s a little weird. Usually cats sharpen their claws on carpets…

Grey Cat: …!

Faust: Yes. But that one isn’t a cat. He’s a human who was transformed into a cat…Seda, right?

Rutile & Mitile: What!

Grey Cat: …M, Meow…

Riquet: You’re right! This is a human’s voice! A human trying to imitate a cat!

Seda: S-Shut up! You, you guys are trying to…erupt, disrupt the peace of the Valley! The spirits will be mad at you!

The grey cat…or Seda, turned his body sideways, and his fur stood on end. He began crab-walking with the tips of his toes. 

Akira: (He’s doing the standard  ‘you wanna come at me?’ pose…)

Rutile crouched down in front of Seda, who was cautious of us, and bent over to meet eyes with him.

Rutile: Seda. We’ve been searching for you. Your brother is worried, you know.

Seda: Huh…he is?

Rutile: Mmhmm. But…you want to become a cat, right Seda? That’s what the Cat Wizard wrote in his letter.

Lennox: Would you tell us why, before you become a cat? We have to make a report to your bro–

Seda: Shut…Shut up! Who cares about my brother! I’m not going home!

Rutile: Yes, and it’s your freedom to choose so, I understand. It’s just that he’s very worried, so–

Seda: I don’t care!

Interrupting Rutile’s words partway, Seda growled threateningly.

He lowered his body close to the floor, and widened his eyes at all of us, black pupils dilated. 

And finally, he sent a sharp glare to Faust. 

Seda: You’re the curseworker neighbour. 

The old man said that you’re a loner wizard who’s always by himself…but you’re not alone at all!

Faust: …Even if you tell me that…

Seda: You’re a liar! Stupid! A…uh, stupid liar!!

Bradley: You need more words in yer dictionary. 

He spat verbal abuse with quite some power and only a little vocab. Finally, he ran out the cat door. 

Mitile: Ah! He left…!

Mithra: What was with that kid? Why was he mad at you?

Faust: Like I know. He didn’t seem to be happy that I was with others I guess…

…

Akira: (...Hm?)

I watched his expression from the side. 

I thought he’d reply to Seda with “I’m only with them for now, I usually am alone.” or something. 

I couldn’t understand what he was feeling, with his ears and tail barely even moving. 

Shino: Should we capture him with magic?

Faust: No, it’s fine. Let’s let him be for now.

Rutile: I think so too. I’m guessing he’s younger than Mitile or Riquet, so we should give him some time to calm down. 

Akira: Got it.

Mitile: Okay, then we should go and find cats with collars to get rid of the curse. I’ll go search outside.

Rutile: I’ll go with you. How about anyone else? Riquet?

Riquet: No, I will search inside the manor. When I’m with Mitile, I get the urge to headbutt him. 

Mitile: Whaaat…ehehe. I actually get the urge too. Pounce…

Riquet: Pounce…

Mithra: Rutile. Where is the protection charm I gave you?

Rutile: I have it right here! Look, it’s the crushed orange.

Mithra: It’s not an orange but the head of a magic beast. Whatever, as long as you have it. Arthim. 

Rutile: Mmreow…why did you pluck at my cat ears like that?

Mithra: It’s a spell you cast from the top of your head. It’s for protection, so you can go off walking around outside while I do the exact opposite. 

Lennox: Right, the cats outside are wary of us after the commotion we caused.

It’s best we don’t go out in large numbers, so you two can go outside first.

Rutile: Okiedokie!

Mitile: I’ll go and pick some catnip for us!

Faust: Alright, we might as well split into these two groups then. Let’s start searching this room. 

Riquet & Akira: Yes! 

And so we started our hunt for cat collars. However–

Lennox: To lift the spell we need to remove their collars and purify them…so we have to manage to get the collars off the cats first.

Shino: If we use magic it’ll be instant right? 

Faust: No, that counts as interfering with the spell. It’s okay to use magic to gather the cats, but removing their collars should be done with our hands.

However, cats run away if you chase after them. We could ignore them until they come over to us, or bait them with food and toys…

Mithra: What a pain. Arthim.

Riquet: Mithra! You have to wait until Faust finishes speaking!

Casually casting a spell to move objects, a few collared cats float up into the air. 

The sleepy cats were now awake, the black pupils in their eyes expanded once they understood what was going on. 

Angry Cats: Owaaaa~...

Urrrrrrr…

Shino: Hey, they look pissed off.

Akira: M-Mithra! You should stop that, now!

Mithra: What are you so afraid of? They’re just beasts. They can’t do anything.

He snapped his fingers with composure, and the cats all swarmed onto Mithra. 

The many cats were stuffed into his open arms, and then–

Angry Cats: Gyaaaa!!

Mrya! Gya! Gya!

Mithra: Ow!! Hey, don’t…

Angry Cats: Hissaaah! Kaaaa!

Shaaaa!

They bit and clawed at him without mercy, and writhing in desperation to get out, the cats dashed from Mithra’s embrace. 

Tracing and erasing with his finger the scratches they left on his nose, Mithra’s eyes narrowed threateningly.

Mithra: You damn cats…

Bradley: Dude, don’t lose your cool over some cats.

Riquet: Besides, that was entirely your fault, Mit–

Mithra: Don’t think you can run from me.

And thus began a heist from the ceiling to the floor. 

The cats being chased kicked down anything they could as they ran throughout the house.

Mithra’s spells and his own wagging tail knocked objects over as well. Because of that chaos, uncollared cats not a part of this chase began running around too.

Faust: Hey, get it together!!

Lennox: Calm down, Mithra. Half of the cats have hidden themselves away now. 

Bradley: Watch your tail, bud. And check out the yarn on you. 

Mithra: …

…Haaaugh…

This is such a pain…this is why I don’t like animals.

He started slamming his tail to the floor in anger.

At some point in the chaos he got tangled in yarn all over as Bradley pointed out. 

Akira: (He’s in a bad mood now…)

As soon as he laid down on the carpet, a single cat shifted out from the shadows of the cat tower.

It wore a pale green collar on it, and after a big yawn, it relaxedly stretched out its plump and rotund body. 

Akira: Did that cat…just wake up?

Riquet: Was it sleeping the whole time? In the middle of that?

Shino: What a carefree cat.

It glanced over at us, and lost interest right away. Instead, it slowly took a few steps forward.

Walking up close to a Mithra who was gazing upwards, it leaped with a second thought onto his stomach.

Mithra: Ughh, heavy…what’s with this one.

Faust: If you want to catch it, stay like that. It might run if you move so suddenly.

Examining its position, the cat circling in place eventually sat on his stomach. 

And gently, its eyes relax and it begins to purr.

Carefree Cat: …Purrrr…

*pat pat*…*paw paw*…Purrrr…

Akira: (It…it’s kneading him! It’s kneading Mithra’s stomach like bread! Cute…! What am I watching!!)

Lennox, who was closest, came towards them without making a sound.

Lennox: I removed its collar. Forsettao Meiuvat. 

He recited his spell, and the collar he picked up gave off a faint and clear light.

<      Index      >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Faust: …You managed to purify it. 

Riquet: That’s one! Thank goodness, I was worried what would happen.

Shino: The other cats have started to come out of their hiding spots. They hate Mithra, but not us it seems.

Bradley: It’s a good thing these cats are cowardly. We might’ve not been able to collect any collars and it would’ve been all your fault. 

Mithra: Oh, cram it. Haaaugh, this is why I hate animals. They all act according to their own whims.

Akira: (Look who’s talking…)

Faust: In any case, let’s continue collecting. 

Akira: Ah! That big cat with the long hair, it’s got a collar on. It’s looking at you, Bradley. 

Bradley: Oh, what’s up ya big cat? Wanna play with me? Here ya go, it’s your favourite cat toy.

Big Cat: …

…Hu.

Shino: It’s laughing through its nose at you, Bradley. 

Faust: There are cats like these. Even if you try to play with them they just look at you like you’re too childish…

Springy Kitten: *swat swat swat* ! *swat swat swat* !

Akira: A kitten appeared and started playing with it instead…

Bradley: Stinking cat thinks it’s better than me and takes me for a fool…

Riquet: Wah! Geez, don’t swing your tail so much, it’s danger…ous…

… *stare*...

Hmm~...

Bradley: Hey. Don’tcha dare whack my tail.

Riquet: Wha! I’m so sorry. I was just so mesmerized by it.

Lennox: I get how you feel. I especially like it when the tail hits something and makes…a really nice sound…

… *stare*…

Hmm…

Bradley: Not you too, Shepherd! If that arm of yours whacks me it’s gonna be no joke.

Faust: …Want to smell some citrus? Here.

Lennox: Haah. My apologies…

Riquet: Ahem! Okay, in return for having tried to whack Bradley’s tail, I will call over that big cat. 

If it has no interest in toys, then I will use food. 

Sanretea Edif.

Come, have a bite.

Its tail stood up, and thumped over to Riquet and his plate of food.

As soon as it smelled the scent of the cheese, it turned around, and made a kicking motion like it was flinging sand over it. 

Akira: (Aah…so it didn’t like it…)

Riquet: …? Master Sage, what is the cat doing?

Akira: Err…so well…

Shino: That’s what cats do after they poop. It’s saying it doesn’t like your food.

Riquet: Huh!? That’s so mean…! Even though I prepared that for it! 

Faust: If it can be a picky eater, then it must’ve never known starvation. The wizard here really spoiled their cats…

He swung his finger, and the plate of food was covered in powder.

It began to smell of dried fish and grilled meat, and he crouched down to give it to the cat.

Faust: Here. Will you eat it now?

Big Cat: *sniff sniff sniff*...

…*munch*

Riquet: It ate it!

Akira: It’s a success!

Faust: I got its collar. …As I thought, cats prefer dishes like this.

Shino: Huuuh. Like your black and white cats?

Faust: Yeah. Sometimes I give it to them as thanks…err as an exchange. They always eat it.

Lennox: What sort of exchange?

Faust: Those two will show me the prey they hunted from time to time, probably to tell me they’ve been hunting, or to show off. 

And among the prey they catch, there’s occasionally a rare bird whose feather I can use for spells. 

So this exchange is sort of like, me giving them delicious food if they catch this bird for me…

I can see him smile a little. It was a peaceful and silent one,

probably to not scare the cat while it's eating by making any sudden moves. Seeing him crouched down, watching over the cat eating the cheese, made me imagine.

I thought of him at his home with the small stream running, the rustling of the trees, and the bright sunlight from between the leaves. I could see his cats proudly showing him their catch of the day.

Another scene pops into my mind of him bringing out a fancy delicacy, negotiating with the cats to leave him that bird in exchange, with that voice of his that hadn’t spoken to anyone for hundreds of years.

The cats would raise their necks to look at him, and blink slowly as proof of their trust. 

He’s been betrayed, despised, and burned by humans–but the seclusion of this Valley that healed him and let him be kind to me,

must have been a soothing, warm, and tranquil time with memories of pure white light. 

Tortoiseshell Cat: Mrraoooow, myaa.

White Pawed Cat: Yawwwwn, yaaaan….

Brown Cat: Pyaaa!

Riquet: Wah! So many cats came over!

Bradley: They uh, look kinda fired up.

Akira: They’re likely jealous to see only one of them receive food.

Faust: I see some cats with collars on them. Perfect timing, I’ll gather all the collars at once.

Faust said as he made more dishes of the same food appear from thin air. 

The cats weren’t surprised from the sudden appearance of the food, and no sooner than when the plates lowered down to the floor they scrambled to get their first bite.

Lennox: …Alright. We’ve retrieved them all.

I don’t spot any more cats with collars here, though they may be hiding in a crack or two.

Faust: Let’s regroup with the Flores brothers then. Any cats hiding will eventually come out on their own. 

Akira: That’s true. And maybe Seda’s calmed down by now.

Mithra: Well I’m staying here. There’s a cat on my stomach so I can’t move.

Carefree Cat: Snnzzz…snzzzzz…

Shino: Sleeping on Mithra of all people. I like this one, it’s got guts.

Lennox: There was that squabble from earlier though, so I don’t think we should leave you alone…

Bradley: Aw shucks, guess I’ll stay behind then. The only one who can handle this guy is me, so I’ll be the watchdog.

Riquet: You say that while lying down…aren’t you just using Mithra as an excuse to slack off since you’re bad at catching cats. 

Bradley: Nooo, that ain’t it at all. Quit pointing fingers.

Akira: (He says, using magic to grab a cushion for him…he’s totally ready to slack off…)

Faust: …Whatever. If you see a collared cat, retrieve it. And of course, remember to play nice. 

Well then, we’re off.

Mitile: Rutile~

Rutile: Whaaat, Mitile?

Mitile: Ahaha! Rutile!

Rutile: Ahahaha! What is it, Mitile!

We went outside to where there were numerous cats sprawled out on the sand and rolling around. Among them was Rutile and Mitile,

holding a bouquet of catnip in their arms. 

Rutile: Sniff sniff…

Mitile: Sniff sniff…nom nom nom…

Lennox: Rutile, Mitile, are you alright?

Riquet: Ugh, get it together you two! 

Rutile: Ah, Mr. Leno, Riquet! And everyone too! We’ve gathered catnip to bring the cats over to us~

Here you go, have some~

Akira: Th…thank you…?

Mitile: Ehehe…purrrr…nom nom…

Shino: Well, this is a problem again. Is it the catnip?

Faust: Yeah. Cats won’t get intoxicated from just one or two of them, but an amount this much will definitely get them drunk. 

Akira: (Rutile’s a little more lucid than his brother. Is it because he’s a heavyweight drinker? …)

…Nibble nibble…

Riquet: Nibble nibble…

Lennox: Aah, not the Master Sage and Riquet…

Shino: Cut it out already. *squeeze*

Akira: Mgrr…! …Ha!

Shino went to each of us and squeezed our noses. The happy and fuzzy feeling in my head disappeared as soon as my breath stopped, and I returned to my normal senses.

Riquet and the Southern brothers straightened their backs in shock.

Rutile: T-Thank you, Shino.

Mitile: Ah, but now that I can smell it again it’s coming back…

Faust: The scent of catnip has a chemical in it that makes cats get drunk. Use magic to block it out when you breathe, or let the wind blow it away.

Master Sage, over here.

Akira: Ah…the fuzzy feeling’s all gone. Thanks, Faust.

Lennox: Mitile, Rutile. How were the cats around the manor?

Mitile: Oh, that’s right! We were going to report to you, but then our heads went fuzzy…

Uhmm, the cats living here don’t really go that far from the residence. 

We flew around on our brooms but there were no cats in the far distance.

Rutile: A lot of cats allowed us to pet them so we were able to get their collars and purify them.

Could you check if these are properly purified, Faust? 

Faust: …Yep, they are. You have my thanks, you two.

Rutile & Mitile: Yippee!

Lennox: You did well with just two people, good work.

Mitile: Ehehe, thanks! Pounce!

Rutile: Pounce!

Lennox: Woah…ahaha, *snuggle*

Akira: (This is what heaven looks like…)

Seda: …

Riquet: Ah, Seda came out from a bush…

Rutile: Hello, we’re sorry for startling you earlier. Are you okay now?

Seda: Hm~…

He gave a vague answer to Rutile’s question, and walked over to a single fallen catnip.

Ignoring us, he sniffed it and like the other cats, rolled over to show his belly and scratched his back against the ground.

Seda: Mm~...Hehehe…nibble nibble, *nuzzle* *rolling*

Akira: He’s in good spirits…

Faust: He already feels its effects like other cats from just a whiff of it. Perhaps his body is completely that of a cat. 

Rutile: Maybe we can have a conversation with him if he’s calm now. Seda, how do you feel?

Seda: Mm~, uhm…like, that time I drank wine before.

It was my brother’s birthday ball, and I thought it was juice…no wait, was it the barbeque at the summer house…

Riquet: A birthday ball, or a summer house…

Lennox: Right, he’s a son of a rich merchant.

Seda stretched his body wide. He was certainly relaxed enough to be able to talk about himself. 

Mitile made eye contact with him. 

Mitile: Uhm…can I ask something? Why do you want to be a cat, Seda?

Seda: ‘Cuz…cats can live on their own. I want to be like that.

Rutile: Live on their own…

<      Index      >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Seda: I came to this Valley for that reason. It’s a hidden valley for those who want to hide, where no humans come close.

If I’m here, I can live all by myself.

Faust: …

His tail swung sideways, and he quietly opened his mouth.

Faust: So you wanted to be alone.

Seda: Mmhmm.

Faust: Why.

Seda: Uhm…I just hated everything. My brother is so annoying. 

A little sulky, Seda rolled on the ground with his ears down.

Seda: He’s always been like that since I was a baby. He’s uh…fifteen years older than me.

It’s been decided since I was born that my brother was to be the heir. ‘Cuz he’s smart, and serious, and works out. 

That’s why Father lets me do whatever I want at my own pace. It’s my brother that doesn’t. 

“Father is too lax on you. Seda, you need to work hard so that in the future you won’t have any trouble in life wherever you go.” he said.

Mitile: That’s…

Shino: He’s right, though? All the other young masters that Heath knows have little brothers who can’t do anything. 

Seda: But he’s so strict! He always has something to complain about everyday. He even increased my tutors by two!

A moody Seda slammed his tail on the ground a couple times. If he was human, he’d probably be pouting. 

In short, Seda’s brother is a little overprotective and very meddlesome.

Add the age difference into it, it must’ve felt like he had another parent. 

Akira: (He doesn’t sound like a bad kid though. He may have done something incredibly dangerous…but I do get the feeling of wanting to care for him…)

Seda: And ever since Father became ill and my brother inherited his position, he’s become even more harsh!

…Father’s illness really was sudden after all. Brother was probably scared about what could happen at any moment. 

That’s why Seda put up with the homework and criticisms his brother gave him, while still complaining on the side. 

He put up with it, kept going, and then–

The Great Calamity visited.

Though they’re both humans, they were the type that gets affected by the Calamity if it gets close. 

Seda: I can’t remember all of it but, I do remember me and my brother yelling at each other angrily. It was too much…it felt awful.

That’s why I ran away to the Valley, saying I was going to stay at the villa.

I heard stories about the hidden wizards of the Valley before. I’m not going to live with my brother anymore, I’m going to live like everybody else here.

No one’s gonna complain to me any longer, not my brother, not anyone…not in true isolation…

Mitile: True…isolation…

Taken aback, Mitile parroted his words. Even I blinked repeatedly.

“True Isolation” were pretty heavy words coming from a young and cute voice like Seda’s. It took me by surprise. 

Faust observed the almost drunken Seda with his faintly open eyes. 

Rutile: It’s a relief you’re safe at least. The spirits of the Valley of Storms are very strong, so even a wizard like me finds it scary…

Seda: Mn…me too, I got lost as soon as I entered the valley. 

There were strange lights, and I saw tons of dreams. I didn’t know whether it was day or night…

and before I knew it, I was on the ground as a cat. That’s when the old man came out.

According to the Cat Wizard, Seda had come when the wizard was in the middle of fixing his barrier after the spirit’s tempest the previous day had broken a part of it.

Seda, who had touched a half-baked barrier, had transformed into a half-baked cat.

Seda: “Though it resembles my spell, since you were transformed in an odd state, you ended up as an incomplete cat. Child who bears such terrible misfortune, I will turn you back into a human.”

Riquet: Is that supposed to be the Cat Wizard?

Shino: Were all his teeth pulled out? 

Seda: No! He had a voice like a scholar and a hard way of speaking.

Anyways, he tried to turn me back into a human. 

So I told him to let me turn into a cat, and to let me stay here until I became one fully.

The old man didn’t want to, but he said “Since your appearance is that of a cat it’d be a pity to see you die, so why not.” and I got to stay. 

After that, the two lived together. 

“I’ve never seen a cat as selfish as this one.” the Cat Wizard would complain, but he never tried to chase Seda out. 

Faust: What about the letter addressed to your brother? You made the Cat Wizard write that, didn’t you?

Seda: Yeah. I realized I didn’t leave my family a note or anything, so.

My brother makes a big deal over the smallest of things, and I thought it’d be a bother to the old man if he sent a search team.

Rutile: So it was for the Cat Wizard’s sake. That’s very sweet of you, Seda.

Seda: Ehehe…he didn’t want to write it at first, but I just kept kneading his feet until he gave in. 

Akira: (I…I wouldn’t be able to say no to that either…)

And one night, the Cat Wizard used the bell on a magic tool of a cat toy to create a silver collar for Seda. 

Lennox: …Everything after that is what we already know. You put on that collar to become a cat, and the Cat Wizard passed on after he left a message.

Seda: Yep. Mm~...

He pulled over a catnip with his front feet, and rolled onto his side. 

Sniffing and biting the catnip, he spoke in a loud voice like a drunkard.

Seda: Yeah…that’s right. I’m gonna become a real cat, and be alone, living in solid…solidude.

Riquet: Solidude?

Faust: Solitude?

Rutile: I’m guessing Seda didn’t like studying much…

Seda: I won’t go home. I don’t care about my brother at all.

Eating beetles and bunnies is still…a bit too much…but as a cat, I’m gonna live all by myself!

Shino: Yeah, yeah, we hear you. Seda, you’re drunk. 

Mitile: I think we’ve had enough of the catnip. Come on, hand it over. 

Seda: Aaah~...my catnip…

Akira: (He reminds me of the drunkards on the last train of the night…)

Aside from his drunkenness, Seda seemed to be having fun being taken care of by Shino and Mitile. 

It reminded me of Faust from when I first came to the manor.

As someone who sought seclusion in this Valley, he detested the idea of living with us from the bottom of his heart.

Seda came to this valley in search of solitude, but I truly wonder if deep down the loneliness he desires is the same loneliness that Faust experienced. 

Akira: (Does he want to be like Faust when we first met him…I can’t really imagine it…)

Faust: …What’s wrong, Sage?

Akira: Nothing…

Seda: …! H-Hmph! This is enough, right? I’ve told you a lot.

See ya.

Mitile: Ah, Seda!

He’s gone…did he really only calm down because of the catnip…

Riquet: That may be…either way, it’s good that we’ve confirmed his will to become a cat. 

Shino: Sage, you better add this to your testimony. There was never any kidnapping wizard, that boy wanted to become a cat of his own will.

Akira: Y-Yeah…I will…

I nodded, despite the anxiety still sitting within me. I can’t help but stare in the direction Seda left from. 

Rutile: …

And I wasn’t alone in watching the grassbed.

Beside Rutile, Mitile tilts his head.

Mitile: I wonder why the Cat Wizard was so friendly to Seda.

Akira: Hm?

Mitile: At first, he only let Seda in because he looked like a cat, but the longer you live together the more you would realize that he isn’t a cat on the inside, but a human.

Despite that, he still planned to invite Mister Faust over and created a collar for Seda to wear, a while after they started living together. 

I just thought it was odd for someone who has a lot of background in hating others.

Akira: …You have a point…

Riquet: Maybe he was actually kindhearted?

Shino: Would a kindhearted person put a meanhearted barrier like this up? 

Faust: …There’s no point in thinking about it. The wizard in question is already stone. 

Expression unchanged, Faust used magic to gather the scattered catnip into his hands. 

Wondering why for a split second, I quickly notice the cats with pointed tails coming towards him from all directions.

Tuxedo Cat: Meow meow meow…

Brown Tabby: Wamm? Meow…

Bent Tail Kitten: Myaaam!

Riquet: Woah, that’s a lot of them! I see some with collars on! 

Akira: The cat density by Faust’s feet…!

Faust: Hey…I’m gonna guess that was…stop, stop! Don’t fight. …The Cat Wizard’s signal for mealtime.

Rutile: I, I see. That’s why the cats are so energetic.

Faust: Still, I have nothing more to give them…even I don’t carry an infinite amount of cat food on me. 

Lennox: Then let’s make something. I’m sure this residence will have the ingredients for cat food, so let’s use some.

I hope it’s okay to cook the dish I used to make for my dog. 

Faust: Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll go with you. 

The rest of you can distract these cats by playing with them. 

Akira: Sure. Faust, Lennox, we’re counting on you.

Bradley: ‘Sup…huh? What, I thought the whole gang was back, but it’s just you two fellas. 

Mithra: Where are Rutile and Mitile?

Lennox: They’re taking care of cats outside. We’re going to make catfood.

Faust: Since you’re here, you might as well help out too.

Mithra: Hah? No way.

Bradley: Hell no I ain’t helpin’.

Faust: Sure. I don’t care either way, but if you continue to lay there…

Big Cat: Waaaaah~...

Bradley: Urgh! Hey, ya fat cat! What’d you jump on me for!?

Carefree Cat: …, …?

Mithra: Mrgrr…why is this thing touching my mouth? Peh, peh, urgh…stop…

Faust: Whenever we say our strange spells, they seem to think it's a sign for mealtime. Like as simply as when you twist a doorknob the door will open. 

If you don’t want to continue being pestered, then I suggest not sleeping around. 

Look, do you see that big cat climbing the shelf to jump on you again? They think by annoying you it’ll make Lennox and I cook faster. 

Big Cat: …

Bradley & Mithra: …

<      Index      >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Bradley: …That reminds me. Mithra, don’tcha need to check on the Southern brothers? 

Mithra: Huh? Not really, I casted a protection spell on them so…

Bradley: Yup yup, I getcha. Worrisome ain’t it. Without a top notch wizard on scene things can go wrong. 

That settles it, we’ll go look after the brats. We leave the cat food or whatevs to you. 

Mithra: …Uh? We’re going outside? Uhm…?

Faust: …They’ve run away.

Lennox: The Master Sage is outside, so I’m sure those two won’t do anything crazy. 

Faust: That’s true. Alright, let’s have a look in the storeroom and kitchen.

Faust: The storeroom had dried meat and fish, cheese, and sausages…Lennox, what do you need?

Lennox: May I have some of the dried meat, sausage, and cheese?

Faust: Sure. I’ll make something with the dried fish. 

Seda: *sneak*…

Lennox: Ah…

Seda: …*stare*…

Lennox: …Lord Faust.

Faust: Pretend you didn't see him. We should let him be.

Lennox: Understood.

Seda: *stare*…

Lennox: …Lord Faust, will you still be using the pestle?

Faust: No, you can have it. …Should I wash it? It might have the smell of fish on it.

Lennox: It’s fine like that. Thank you very…

Faust: What’s up?

Red Tabby Kitten: Pyaaaa. Pyaaaaa!

Faust: Aah, I see. There’s a kitten climbing up your leg.

Lennox: Yes. Come now, you’ll hurt your joints…actually, is that only for dogs? Are cats fine with climbing?

Faust: Even kittens climb trees, so you have nothing to worry about, however…

Red Tabby Kitten: …….? …??

Lennox: Woah…hey, are you alright? Why are you hanging from there…?

Faust: Looks like its front claws got hooked onto your collar and they’re stuck now. That’s what you get for climbing without thinking…

Red Tabby Kitten: Pyaaaaaan, myaaaaan…!

Lennox: Okay, help is coming. I’ll lift you up, but what next? Do you want to continue climbing? Uhm…?

Faust: …Hehe.

Lennox: …Lord Faust, are you laughing?

Faust: I am. It’s not often I get to see you pushed around like this. 

Now now, that’s enough climbing on Lennox. I’ll cuddle you next. Up we go…

Red Tabby Kitten: …! Pyaaaaa! Kah…*nibble*

Faust: Oh, this one’s a biter. You have the temper of a big cat, you know?

Lennox: I’m sorry about that. Are you okay?

Faust: The fangs of a little kitten like this don’t hurt at all. …Alright, it’s time to go down. It’s dangerous to play here, so go to the other room. 

I think the other cats might come in, so I’ll put up a simple barrier. Satillquinart Mullcreed.

Red Tabby Kitten: Mew~ Pyaaaan.

Faust: There’s no point whining, I’m not taking the barrier down . 

Red Tabby Kitten: Mew~n. Myaaa~uhn…

Faust: ‘Myaaauhn’. Was that a yawn just now? Haha…

Ah…it’s come to a boil. Lennox, will you pass the ladle?

Lennox: Yes, here. …

Faust: …Is something wrong?

Lennox: Ah…no. I was just thinking that this must have been how your life in the Valley was like. 

And that…well…

…

…I don’t know how to put it. I feel like my words will force something onto you.

Faust: I don’t mind. You can say it.

Lennox: …

…This valley…it’s too quiet. For you to live in. 

The Lord Faust I knew was loved by many. Everyone, including me, thought dearly of you. 

That’s why…….I don’t know if this is the right way to say it, but…

Even after ‘that’ happened…I…I wanted you to be surrounded by people. 

I wanted you to be loved.

I didn’t want you…to be alone.

Faust: …

Lennox: But…I saw how at peace you were here. 

Despite being different from what I imagined, you were truly content with living here. 

Those feelings I have within me…they aren’t mixing well.

I’m happy for you, and relieved at the same time. 

Yet…I don’t know what to do with my selfish wishes for you…

Faust: …

Lennox: …I’m sorry. 

Faust: Don’t apologize. Thank you for telling me this.

…And…

It really was a quiet, peaceful, and solitary life. 

I had the small river stream, the blessings of the spirits…and the occasional creature that came by.

I needed this time to be alone, living with only those few things for company. 

…There was something that couldn’t be healed by living with others. 

Something that could only be healed by living alone in this Valley. 

Lennox: …

Faust: …Just like how there’s something that could only be healed by having this conversation. 

Lennox: …

…Is that so.

Faust: Yeah.

…Okay. I just need to let it simmer for a while. I’ll help you in the meantime. What’re you doing now?

Lennox: Thank you. I would like to add mountain goat milk at this point, but I don’t think that’s possible.

Faust: Well it is difficult to keep livestock here. And does it have to be milk from a mountain goat?

Lennox: No, with goat milk you can make a saltless soup. It’s just that my dog preferred the goat milk we got from the mountain goatherd. 

You usually hear things like shepherd dogs love sheep milk the most, but…in reality it’s all about preference.

Faust: A picky dog means a pampered one. As for me, when I was on my way home from collecting herbs, and you let me visit your mountain hut…

Lennox: Ahh! Haha, I remember that.

I thought I ought to prepare something for you to drink, but the water spring was sort of far.

So I went to my goatherder neighbour, and received milk from them instead. 

And then when I served it to you you’d only drink little amounts, so I thought you must’ve hated it…

Faust: It was freshly milked goat milk, something that you can’t even get with all the money in the Valley. I couldn’t just drink it like it was tea. 

I was amazed. It was still a bit warm, and there was a layer of cream on top. How can such quality milk exist?

Lennox: Hehe…please, come over anytime and drink it again.  

Faust: Of course. …Now then, instead of mountain goat milk, how about I give you some of my soup.

Lennox: Thank you very much. I’ll take some, then.
Seda: …

Lennox: …He’s gone somewhere. His tail was swinging, like he was deep in thought.

Faust: Could be…

...Lennox. Sorry, but there’s something I’d like your help with.

It’s about…

Lennox: …I understand. I will gladly help.

However, a spell like this will be difficult to accomplish alone. How about we talk with the others and ask for their help as well?

I don’t know about the Northern wizards, but I’m sure the kids and the Master Sage will be happy to help. 

Faust: …Yeah, let’s do that.

Striped Calico: Purrrrrr…

Rutile: Hehe, dear customer, is there anywhere that itches for you? It’ll be on the house for letting me take your collar. 

Mitile: You’re good at brushing, Rutile. My cat isn’t very…ah, hey!

Playful Cat: *swat* nom nom….*scratch scratch*

Mitile: As you can see, it goes straight to picking fights with the brush. Am I just bad at this…?

Rutile: Maybe it likes playfighting? Perhaps you can bring it over to where the Master Sage and the others are playing. 

Mitile: I dunno…ah! 

Rutile, it’s a magic letter! I think this handwriting might be Mister Faust’s?

Rutile: And it’s addressed to us. I’ll open it. Let’s see here…

Rutile & Mitile: …Hm hm hm…

Seda: …

Rutile: Ah…there’s Seda. Mitile, let’s put this letter away for now. 

Mitile: O-Okay!

Rutile: Hello Seda. Would you like to be brushed?

Seda: …No thanks.

Mitile: But can you even groom yourself, Seda? Compared to the other cats, your fur’s a little messy…

Seda: I…I can’t really do it well. I’m not used to licking myself, and the old man used to do it for me…

Rutile: Hahaha, I get that. We have these tails and ears too, but I’d need a little more courage if I’m going to lick them.

Mitile: Then come over, my brother Rutile’s really good with the brush. And I can pat you down with a wet handkerchief. 

Seda: …Well, only for a bit. 

Mitile: ! Sure!

Rutile: Lay down here, Seda. I’ll start from the head. 

Mitile: Then I’ll start from your hands and feet. Please tell me if anything feels bad. 

Seda: Okay. …

…Purrrr…

Rutile: Feeling good?

Seda: Yeah…hey, where’re you guys from? Central Country?

Rutile: Hmhm, nope. We’re from South.

Seda: South Country…a country where people work together to live. That’s what my tutor taught me. 

It sounds like a bothersome place.

Mitile: Heeey. Don’t say it like that…

Rutile: …Why do you think that?

Seda: Because…you’ll always have people checking in on you, asking if you’re feeling fine, being concerned about your mood.

They’ll be worried about you, and you’ll be worried about them. And you’re together all the time, every single day, forever and eeeever…

If I lived like that…I wouldn’t be able to breathe.

Rutile: …

Seda: That’s why I prefer this Valley of Storms. I want to be a cat that lives in solid…solidude…uhhh, I want to live alone. 

…But that curseworker guy looked kinda happy talking to that really big guy. 

Rutile: …Is the reason why you got mad at Faust earlier because you didn’t like how he was with all of us?

Seda: Yeah…it felt, unfair…or, no, not really. But like…it was all talk.

Rutile: Did you feel a little irritated, or frustrated, or sad, because you thought you could relate to him?

Seda: Yeah…yeaaah? No, maybe not. It’s more like, uhm…

Rutile: …Did you think it was nice? When it got lively. 

<      Index       >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Seda: …

I…I didn’t….

Rutile & Mitile: …

Rutile: …You know what, Seda. I’m gonna tell you about a special secret my hometown…the South Country has. 

Seda: A secret?

Rutile: Mmhmm. It sounds like you were taught that South Country has strength in solidarity and specializes in doing things together. 

And while we are that sort of country…

That doesn't mean we’re together every hour of the day. We wouldn’t have any time to ourselves.

Seda: Eh…

Rutile: Though it would be nice if we could spend everyday in a happy mood, there will be days where you just don’t feel good.

You don’t want to be with anyone, including your dear family and friends. Right, Mitile?

Mitile: Yeah. You don’t have any reason for why, you just want them to leave you alone. I think everybody has times like those.

Seda: …

…That’s…because Southern people are kind, and they make it work out. Look at you two, you get along. 

Mitile: T-Thanks. Ehehe.

Seda: If a lot of people who get along with each other gather, it’s obvious that things will go well.

I bet you guys never fought with each other before. 

You might bicker sometimes, but the next day you’re already made up. And you live happily ever after, or something…

Rutile & Mitile: …

Seda: …H-Hey. Why’d you go quiet?

Mitile: U-Uhm…I dunno how much I should say….

Rutile: We’ve never beaten each other up, right? You’ve hit me before though…

Mitile: Ah, don’t make it sound like I’m the bad one! Even you’ve hit me before like ‘thump’!

Rutile: Yeah, but I did it less.

Mitile: It’s not about numbers, you’re older than me!

Rutile: Sure, but it’s true that you hit me more. When you were little, you always used your fists as soon as you got mad.

Mitile: That was when I was kid! You were already five years older than me when I was born…

Seda: D-Don’t fight!

Rutile: Ah, sorry sorry. Uhhh, basically, what we wanted to say was…

Mitile: Fights are normal. Though we don’t use our fists anymore, of course.

You’ll get into an argument over the smallest things, or you don’t want to see their faces despite having no reason to…and when they scold you a little, you get cranky.

Once, I was so mad that I ran away from home. I flew on my broom to Dr. Figaro’s house, and asked him to let me stay for awhile. 

Rutile: Aah, right. I was so surprised to receive a letter from him saying that you wouldn’t be coming home. 

Mitile: For days we lived apart…and finally, Dr. Figaro helped us make up with each other, and I came home. 

Even though before I left I told Rutile that I hated him and was never gonna come back.

Being apart from him…was lonely.

Seda: …

Rutile: …I think that’s how your brother must be feeling. 

Seda, if you find it painful to be there, and you truly don’t want to go back home, then you can stay here. 

But…I want you to know that, when you want to be with someone, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to them all the time.

There will be times where you don’t want to be together…and it’s okay to want some time alone so you can breathe better. 

I hope you can remember that. 

Seda: …

…Okay…

Shino: Hey, look! The spotted cat just exited the house!

Mitile: There it is…! 

Riquet: We couldn’t find it anywhere while searching…where in the world has it been until now? 

Mithra: Probably another dimension. 

Bradley: For real, it wasn’t anywhere.

Akira: (I’m so tired I’ll believe anything…)

The last collared cat needed to lift the spell on us. It was the cat that greeted us at Faust’s house. 

Whether it was satisfied from eating the meal at his house, it never showed itself no matter what we tried. 

After the nine of us gathered, we thoroughly searched the manor and the forest–

and just now, unrelated to our efforts, the spotted cat crawled out the cat door with a big yawn.

Faust: Seriously…here kitty kitty. I’ll take that collar off you. 

He crouched down, and took the collar off the spotted cat.

Seda stared transfixed as he sat on the grass,

his tail swaying from side to side, unable to calm down. 

Faust, carrying the spotted cat in his arms after it begged him to, looked over Seda. 

Faust: Seda.

Seda: …

Faust: Once I purify this collar, the transformation spell done on us will reverse. 

As a result, that collar you wear will take on the countercurse, and you will become a true cat. You will forget that you were ever a human. 

Any objections?

Seda: …None…

Rutile & Mitile: …

Faust: Very well then, I’ll purify it. 

Satillquinart Mullcreed.

The moment he recited his spell, the collar he held in his hands faintly glowed,

and a chilling wind blew. The cats in the area grew silent as the nearby trees began to sway intensely.

Saccy’s ears turned backwards, and their tail puffed upwards, the same happening for mine. 

Seda’s shadow viciously shook. 

Mitile: Ah…! A black cat came out of the shadow…!

Mithra: Rutile, Mitile, stay back. That’s the countercurse itself. Touch it and it’ll taint you. 

Bradley: The barrier around the house has broken. It’s time to say goodbye to these stupid ears and tails, and for that kid to become a cat. 

From Seda’s feet appeared a pure black cat akin to a shadow puppet. 

Compared to the large cat that played around with Bradley, this shadow cat was two times bigger. It was the size of a baby tiger.

Seda’s eyes wavered, but he silently sat on the spot. 

As if it were about to kill a mouse it hunted, the shadow cat rose over him.

Mitile: …Seda…

Mitile quietly called out.

By his side was Rutile, who brought him closer without a word.

Seda watched as his black pupils dilated. 

Breaths shallow and rapid, like he was going to cry.

The shadow cat, having found where Seda’s windpipe was, opened its mouth wide. 

Seda: …N…

No!

He shook the shadow cat off with all his might, and dashed from the spot with a roll.

Its prey having run from it, the shadow cat let out a piercing cry of agony. It chased after Seda, running like the wind.

Everything was a panic, frightening to behold–

and just as we expected.

Faust: Alright everyone. Move as we planned. 

Rutile: Yes. Riquet, Mitile, let’s go!

Akira: Faust, I’ll take the spotted cat.

I took the cat from his arms, whose fur had expanded in surprise, and made a run for the Cat Wizard’s house.

I let the cat inside, and put a patterned stone from Faust’s letter by the cat door.

Akira: (Now the cats inside will be safe. And there looks to be…no cats left outside. All I do now is wait by the stone talisman…)

Remembering Faust’s instructions, Saccy and I leaned towards the talisman as we watched over everyone.

Seda: Haaah, haaah…

Seda and the shadow cat were running around the manor in circles. He didn’t know where to go. 

Suddenly, he changed directions for the forest. 

Shino: Hey, wait, Seda! Crap, that kid…

Rutile: I’ll bring him back! Mitile, Riquet, can I leave the blessing magic to you?

Mitile & Riquet: Yes!

They gave a tiny nod, and Rutile grabbed his broom as it appeared midair. 

In a second he was gone, and dodged the trees like an acrobat until he reached Seda. 

Rutile: Seda! Listen to me as you run.

Right now, Faust and the others are going to try and erase the countercurse, and perform a ritual to turn you back into a human. 

Seda: Haaah, haaah…you’ll…turn me back…?

Rutile: Yes. But it takes time and a lot of arrangements to prepare it. 

Anyway, all you need to do for now is to keep your legs moving and running from the shadow cat. 

It’s going to be tough, but can you do it?

Seda: Y…yeah…!

Rutile: That’s a good boy. We’ll be doing everything in our power to help you turn back into a human.

Can you see Mr. Leno and Shino by the house? They’re going to stop the shadow cat from catching you, and help you run away.

For now, let’s go to where they are. I’ll protect you until then.

Seda: Okay…!

Riquet: Mitile! It’s time to perform our duty. 

We will calm the spirits and protect the area from unrest with our blessings.

Mitile: Yeah. We got asked to do this since me and my brother’s specialty lies in blessings and harmony, and you with your prayers.

…And also because we can’t fight, or use any cool spells…

Riquet: Hehe. I feel kind of proud.

Mitile: You do?

Riquet: Of course!

This was something we were tasked with because it's us. 

Mitile: …

…You’re right! This is something we were trusted with, because it’s us.

Alllright! Let’s give it our best shot, starting from me. 

Ortonik Sealsispilce!

Riquet: Sanretea Edif!

Bradley: Aaah, so this is how it turned out. What a pain…hey Mithra, hurry up with your magic circle. 

Mithra: Quiet. It’s a tedious circle to draw. Uhh, next is the hatchet and the reverse goddess…

Bradley: Ugh…you better be telling the truth about negotiating a pardon for me if I help out. 

Faust: I will, I’ll talk to the twins. And I’ll be giving you that nettle braid I made without exchanging words to anyone, Mithra. 

Bradley: You seriously okay with a braid for a reward?

Mithra: Of course. Braiding those really hurts and itches, you know.

Well, I wouldn’t expect an amateur like you to understand… 

Bradley: Hah?

Faust: Fight later, please. Time is precious right now.

I’m almost done my part. I’m counting on you guys. 

Seda: Haaah…haaah…!

Seda was already worn out from being chased around by the shadow cat. 

Distracting it was Shino with his scythe and Lennox with his kicks, but the distance between it and Seda was slowly shrinking.

<      Index       >

A Blissful Kitty Nap Beneath the Dappled Shade Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Rutile: Don’t give up, Seda!

Mitile: Just hang on a little longer!

The brothers watch over Seda in suspense and desperately cheer him on.

Seda was also desperate.

So desperate you wouldn’t have thought that he wanted to be all alone, live by himself, and become a cat of his own will.

Seda: Ah…!

Riquet: Seda!

He was at his limits. He caught his leg on a thin tree root, and fell on his face. 

Right behind him was the shadow cat, who instantly overshadowed him.

Shino: Matztzah Sudipas!

Lennox: Forsettao Meiuvat.

Their magic weapons shined brightly. The Flores brothers and Riquet lifted up their magic tools. 

But they didn’t make it in time. 

The shadow cat’s fangs seized Seda’s windpipe, and his blue eyes opened wide.

Seda: Ah…

…Big Brother…

Faust: The spell is ready!

Come, Seda!

Seda: …!

His ears stood up hearing Faust’s words, and Seda immediately punched his attacker. 

None of us knew if a cat punch would work on this ethereal shadow being, but it stopped moving for a brief moment.

And he took that chance to run.

His destination was straight forward, where Faust waited with his mirror.

Mithra: Arthim.

Bradley: Adnopotensum.

The two northern wizards recited their spells, and the magic circle by Faust’s feet glowed.

His mirror warped, and expanded itself into a full length mirror before Seda.

It was a mirror that reflected only truths, and on its clean and flawless surface, a grey furred and blue eyed cat—was not displayed.

Reflected instead was an ambitious looking boy with grey hair and blue eyes.

Faust: Satillquinart Mullcreed. 

A second before the shadow cat began to chase after Seda again, Faust said his spell.

A deep silver moonlight shone brightly as it poured out of the full length mirror. 

My eyes shut from the brightness, and—

Seda: Uuh…

The light died down, and what laid before us was a single young boy.

The same boy that was reflected in that mirror.

Mitile: Seda!

Rutile: Seda, you’re okay.

Rutile, who had run over to him, whisked his finger, and a warm jacket gently placed itself on his bare shoulders. 

Seda’s eyes blinked, the same blue he had when he was a cat.

Seda: A jacket…? Ah!

My hands! These are human hands! My legs are human too! I don’t have toe beans anymore!

Yes! I did it! I’m a human again…!!

His face beamed enthusiastically, and after seeing how young he really was, a wave of relief washed over my heart. 

The northern pair scratched their heads.

Bradley: Phew, what a day. We’re back to normal.

Mithra: As I thought, having no tail is better. Yarn won’t get tangled on me now.

Lennox. Do you still feel like headbutting?

Lennox: No, not anymore. Our minds are no longer that of cats. 

Shino: How about catnip? Here Riquet, smell this.

Riquet: *sniff*…No, I don’t feel anything. We’ve completely recovered from being cats! 

As things got lively over here, Faust walked over to Seda. Faust had picked up the silver collar that had fallen next to him. 

Faust: Satillquinart Mullcreed.   

Without a sound, a pale blue light engulfed the collar.

The wizard then looked down at Seda with a stern expression.

Faust: Never come back to the Valley of Storms again. This is the valley of the lost where recluses come to hide. 

It is no place for humans.

He continued…a strained smile slightly formed on his face.

And I remember.

In a world where those who live for thousands of years exist it’s easy to forget but…

He’s someone who has lived for a long time. Not only longer than me, but longer than my parents or my grandparents.

Faust: There’s nobody nor nothing here. I understand why you wished for the respite living in solitude brings…

but this place is too quiet for you.

The collar the Cat Wizard made started to burn. It became ashes, and melted in the sunlight of the trees. 

The spotted cat came out of the cat door. Examining the quiet that returned to the forest, it gave one large yawn.

Completely content.

A few days later— 

“What should we do with this yarn ball?” the kittens seemed to say as they played with it, but some were trying to eat it as well.

Helping out Faust, I was at the Cat Wizard’s house.

We were proofing the home of anything dangerous like he requested in the letter he left. 

Faust: That could be dangerous. Perhaps a spell that won’t let the yarn ball undo itself will help. …Urgh.

Akira: Aaaah, a cat’s trying to climb up your back again…come on, let’s get you off. Hupp…!

Grey White Tabby: Muuuun…

Akira: Wow, you can stretch far…Faust, haven’t you been made into a cat staircase this whole time? 

Faust: It’s the shelf right next to me…they might want to climb to the highest layer and have been using me to get to it. I’ll place a chair in my stead. 

We took down anything that could be harmful, and made it a safe environment to live in.

The cats were either interested in our work and kept butting their head in, or found us a nuisance and watched from afar. It was the same as usual.

Minus one cat that had gone.

Akira: …I’m glad that Seda got home safely.

Faust: Yeah, and that he was able to reunite with his brother too. That eastern merchant was stupid for trying to have a direct conversation with the Central Government, but he was lucky to have been there. 

Right after the events of that day, we were following behind a Mithra who wanted to go home straight away, and went through his space door back to the Magic Manor.

We took Seda with us, but thought that we should hand him to Cock Robin at least, and left for the castle. 

It was there that we encountered his brother, away from home, pestering Cock Robin at Magic Affairs. 

Akira: I hope Seda’s alright. His brother was really mad at him…

Faust: He was hugging him in tears while scolding him, so I don’t think we have to worry.

They both learned something from this incident, so all’s well that ends well. 

Besides, kids at their age go straight to fighting with anybody, even if it’s someone they’re close to.

Akira: …Is that what you learned from Shino and Heath?

Faust: Somewhat. They fought when we came home too. 

When Heath heard that we’d grown cat ears and a tail, he laughed at Shino saying he must’ve been really cute, and that’s what ticked Shino off.

And because I happened to be there, I got weirdly dragged into the fight too…good grief, was it an effort trying to get them to make up. 

In contrast to his words, his voice was gentle. 

I smiled seeing that, and opened the window for some ventilation. 

A calm breeze that carried the scent of grass and flowers blew in with the sunlight. 

Curious about a window that was rarely ever opened, the cats gathered. They looked outside, as if they found it interesting.

Faust: …We won’t be coming here anymore. Our job here is done. 

Going across these domains is bothersome to those in hiding.

A cat who was already tired of watching the window ran up to Faust’s feet and meowed at him sweetly.

It purred as soon as he picked it up in his arms. This cat must love cuddles.

Akira: (I wonder if the Cat Wizard hugged it like this too. …Wait, now that I think about it…)

Faust: Sage?

Akira: Ah, I’m fine. I just remembered that we never found out what the Cat Wizard really wanted in the end.

Considering that barrier he had up, it’s hard to say he was actually a kindhearted guy deep down…

But…the wizard that Seda spoke about didn’t sound like a bad guy, just maybe a little difficult to deal with.

So I was wondering, which was it…

Faust: Who knows. It could be as simple as having time to kill since he lived so long in seclusion. 

Or…

The cat whined for headpats, and Faust stopped his words to pet it. 

His upper eyelashes, lowered to face the cat, surprisingly made clear lines of a soft shadow on his cheeks.

Faust: …having lived peacefully in solitude, away from the humans he hated so much, with only cats for company, he felt content…

and after this long period of time, realized something.

That having someone to speak with isn’t so bad.

Akira: …

…Like you, Faust?

Faust: Yes, just like me.

I looked at him in a daze. I didn’t think he would actually agree.

And for a second I felt those purple eyes of his laugh at me amusingly. Those purple eyes that carried the same grace as an elderly man and a fresh young adult.

Though that may have been because the cat in his arms thrusted its head into his chin at that very moment. 

Faust: Ow.

Akira: Woah! Are you okay? Did you bite your tongue just now?

Faust: Yeah. …What, you want down now? Was that headbutt a sign…?

He let it down on the floor, and after grooming its tummy, it flapped its tail and left. 

Watching the cat go, Faust then lightly clasped his palm together.

When he opened it, there were numerous pieces of a mana stone shining in his hand.

Akira: That’s…

Faust: The Cat Wizard’s mana stone. He wrote that it would be my reward, but…

to eat a fellow Valley wizard’s mana stone will cause a disturbance in all wizards hiding here. 

Without saying his spell, the mana stone floated up. As if to cover it, a transparent ball-like basket weaved itself. 

Once it finished, Faust left it on the table where the letter was. 

Cats brimming with curiosity swarmed the ball, but couldn’t touch the mana stone inside. It was being protected with magic. 

Faust: …He must’ve been really worried for these cats to entrust a stranger like me to the task.

You can stay here and watch over them yourself.

He whisked his finger, and the open window closed by itself.

Faust then turned to me.

And smiled.

A clear smile, not one of my imagination. 

Faust: Alright, let’s go home.

To the manor.

END

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